The U.S. womens Olympic gymnasts have been crushing their routines this week. In addition to Simone Biles becoming the most decorated female gymnast ever, on Tuesday the entire team won gold in the team competition. In the moments after the win was secured, NBC caught an adorable moment on cameraBiles and Suni Lee telling each other which TikToks they wanted to be sure to post.I want to do the chomping one, Biles said, to which Lee replied, Okay, I want to do the one that says, Imagine if we didnt win.' The moment went viral, and fans couldnt wait to find out which videos they were referring to. A few hours later, they had them live, and commenters expressed their congratulations and joy at finding out which TikToks they had been talking about.I was wondering which audios you and Simone were talking about, and I was hoping it was this one, one commenter wrote on a snarky video that begins, Everybody wants to know what I would do if I didnt win? The video then cuts to the women holding their medals as the voice declares, Guess well never know.TikTok is beloved by Gen Z. But in such a hugely inspirational and joyful moment, its fascinating to see the Olympians discussing how they will document it all online. Of course, the moment will be documented by news networks, websites, and social media users alike. Still, the gold-winning gymnasts seemed to want to speak for themselves in that massively important moment.In a press conference, Biles spoke to the newfound freedom she feels the team has earned in more recent years. They used to try to put us in a box. And they were like, If you werent like this, then youre not going to be successful, she said. Now we can show off our personalities, really have fun, Biles added. But then also know that once we get on the floor, were going to put in the work, and were going to show the results. We dont have to be put in a box anymore.It doesnt seem like the fun shes talking about is just on the floor, however. On the whole, team USA is outspoken online, with Biles leading the charge. On Friday morning, she even seemed to post a dig at former President Donald Trump. In a reshared set of side-by-side images on X (formerly Twitter) that show Biles clutching both her medal and her sparkling G.O.A.T. necklace on X, she wrote, I love my Black job. The post that has already amassed 22.9 million views.These days, athletes and celebrities have every moment of their lives documented and scrutinized. Social media expert and founder of OutThinkMedia, Cindy Marie Jenkins tells Fast Company that the teams use of social media is very Gen Z, in that theyre combatting that truth by being in charge of their own narrative.Jenkins says, By documenting their singular experiences in one of the most well-documented international events, they welcomed their followers into their story and shared their narrative before one was written by larger media outlets.She adds, Im sure they would have had interesting TikToks even if they lost since a strong social media presence is necessary for any career athlete, especially when you consider sponsorships and brand deals. But Biles and her teammates give their followers fun glimpses into the gymnasts life.And fans cant get enough of it. Whether Biles is posted Get Ready With Me videos or roasting the former president, her social media activity is going to be viewed by millions. And while she doesnt shy away from controversy, its hard to do wrong when youre the G.O.A.T.

People who regularly eat processed red meatlike bacon, hot dogs, sausage, kielbasa, salami, and bolognamay be at higher risk of developing dementia as they age, suggests preliminary new research presented at the Alzheimers Association International Conference this week.The study, which has not yet been published in a journal, examined the relationship between diet and dementia risk by tracking 130,000-plus people for up to 43 years. Over time, more than 8% of the participants developed dementia. In the study, dementia risk rose by 14% for participants who ate roughly two servings of red meat a week as compared with those who ate fewer than three servings per month.However, consuming a serving of nuts and legumeslike beans and peas, instead of a serving of processed red meatevery day may lower dementia risk, the findings suggest. In the study, replacing a serving of processed red meat with a serving of nuts, beans, or tofu daily was connected to a 20% lower dementia risk.By studying people over a long period of time, we found that eating processed red meat could be a significant risk factor for dementia, said Yuhan Li, the studys lead author and a research assistant in the Channing Division of Network Medicine at Brigham and Womens Hospital, in a press release.Health risks of ultra-processed foodsMost processed red meats are categorized as ultra-processed foods, which are created by numerous industrial processes and contain ingredients that wouldnt typically be used in home cookinglike high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives, and artificial colors and flavors. Along with the vast majority of processed red meats, common items like chips, ice cream, and instant soups are considered ultra-processed foods, which contain high levels of refined carbohydrates and added fats.While ultra-processed foods make up a significant chunk of many Americans dietsaccounting for more than 55% of the calories consumed by U.S. children and adults on averageresearchers have linked these products to numerous health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and some cancers and gastrointestinal diseases.In fact, research has found that ultra-processed foods are even as addictive as cigarettes and alcohol.The saturated fat, sodium, iron, and nitrites (a type of preservative) in processed red meat specifically have been linked to a higher risk of developing certain conditions, such as stroke, chronic inflammation, increased blood pressure, and neurological disorders, studies have shown.Processed red meat has also been shown to raise the risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, Li said in the release. It may affect the brain because it has high levels of harmful substances, such as nitrites and sodium.A new study spans 43 yearsLis research was able to track subjects over decades by assessing their diets every two to four years. These assessments were based on peoples answers to questionnaires about what they were eating, specifically, how often they ate processed red meat, nuts, and legumes.Of the 130,000 people who participated in the study, researchers found that more than 11,000 developed dementia. Among the subjects, eating an additional serving of processed red meat daily was linked to cognitive declinewhich relates to the ability to understand and recall words and sentencesover time, according to researchers assessments.However, consuming a serving of nuts and legumes instead of a serving of processed red meat daily was linked to less cognitive decline as participants aged, according to the research. In addition, the study did not discover a significant association between eating unprocessed red meat, like hamburgers, steak, and pork chops, and developing dementia.The findings join a growing body of research from the past several years that examines the association between consuming more ultra-processed foods and cognitive decline. One study that tracked more than 72,000 adults from the U.K. ages 55 or older for a decade discovered that eating ultra-processed foods was associated with developing dementia.Similarly, another study that involved more than 10,000 adults in Brazil found that consuming more ultra-processed foods was associated with more rapid cognitive decline.What do the findings mean?While studies like these have found an association between ultra-processed foods, cognitive decline, and dementia risk, they havent proven that these products are directly harmful to neurological health. Lis research, although yet to be published, presents a specific example of one way to eat healthier, said Heather M. Snyder, vice president of medical and scientific relations at the Alzheimers Association.Eating an overall heart-healthy diet may contribute to decreasing ones risk for cognitive decline and dementia, the press release announcing Lis study read. However, there isnt a single food or ingredient that, through rigorous scientific research, has been shown to prevent, treat, or cure Alzheimers or other dementia. In fact, it is unlikely that one food or ingredient will have a significant beneficial effect against a disease as complex as Alzheimers.

Shanghai studio Xisui Design drew on natural shapes for the minimalist Thin-Shell Metal Woven Pavilion, which was designed as a sunken resting space on a pond in China.The ovoid metal pavilion was made to be lightweight, wind-resistant and provide shade from the sun, while also letting some light in.The arched structure of eggshells informed the design of the pavilion"We drew inspiration from the natural world, particularly the weaving methods of birds' nests and the load-bearing arched structure of eggshells," Xisui Design project manager Yang Peng told Dezeen."These influences guided us to achieve a design that is pure and lightweight, ensuring a precise prefabricated, modular, and demountable construction solution that is relocatable."It was constructed from bolted-together metal platesSunken into a pond in Hefei City, Anhui Province, China, the pavilion was made from 469 bespoke pieces of metal CNC-cut in different sizes and precisely and bolted together.Each metal plate is 2.5 millimetres thick and the structure is comprised of two layers of plates."CNC precision machining in the factory allows for uniform and efficient control over errors and process standards, avoiding the impacts of weather, tool shortages, and on-site management challenges," Peng said.A sunken walk leads to the pavilionThe eight-metre wide pavilion was assembled without the use of welding, instead using flexible bolt joints to make it easier to disassemble and replace the modules.According to the designers, the eggshell design was not just chosen for its aesthetic value but also for its practical aspects.Read: Eight egg-shaped buildings from around the world"As an effective structural form, the shell efficiently distributes loads, utilizing principles similar to ancient vaulted buildings and natural bird eggshells," Xisui Design said."This design ensures both stability and efficiency, minimizing material usage while maintaining the pavilion's aesthetic integrity and elegance."Smaller openings create light patterns insideVisitors reach the Thin-Shell Metal Woven Pavilion by walking along a sunken walkway below the water's surface.The metal shell of the pavilion was painted white, while the interior walls are a matt golden brown colour.Large openings let in lightXisui Design added three large openings to the egg-shaped dome, letting light and air into the pavilion.Strategically placed smaller openings were also embedded into the facade to help ventilate it and create light patterns that change throughout the day.The interior has a golden-brown hueThe pavilion's acoustic design creates an echoing effect that visitors said promotes a "sense of peace"."Visitors have remarked that standing in the center and speaking produces an echo effect that amplifies voices, enhancing the centripetal experience created by the dome and the surrounding water," Peng said."This feature has been described as promoting a sense of inner contemplation and peace."Other examples of egg-shaped architecture on Dezeen include a garden temple next to an Indian house and an egg-shaped tomb in Sakai, Japan.The photography is by Yihao Hu, Jia Liu and Fancy Images.Project credits:Design and build: Xisui DesignChief designer: Yihao HuProject manager: Yang PengStructural consultant: Spiring Achitectural DesignSuppliers: Shanghai ZhouJie Metal Decoration Engineering Co, Shanghai Zhan Jing Construction Engineering CoThe post Xisui Design models metal pavilion on birds' nests and eggshells appeared first on Dezeen.

In this week's comments update, readers are discussing a patisserie in Thailand with a design that references French cathedrals and pastries.Created by Bangkok studio Touch Architect, the board-marked concrete building named French Kitsch III was intended to resemble the shape of a croissant. Readers weren't all convinced that the design fit with the building's purpose.Touch Architect shapes French patisserie like "the curve of a croissant""Does not make for an a inviting food experience""But does it look and feel like a pastry shop?" asked Jean-Yves Rehby."So much concrete to sell a few croissants!" reflected commenter Cyr.Souji took a more blunt view and deemed it "the most depressing patisserie ever".Jayarr8 was slightly more forgiving, writing "while I laud the overall design, the dark grey interiors, especially the 'dirty' concrete do not make for an a inviting food experience".One of the few commenters to express their full approval was Duckusucker, who hailed it as "fun and beautiful".Piping hot or ice cold? Join the discussion Erbar Mattes creates "expansive feel" for brick house in London"Calm and quiet"Readers were undecided about a timber-framed house in Wimbledon with three mono-pitched structures unified by buff-brick cladding."Although I find the floors a bit cold, I reckon this is a great home for a family," wrote Leo. "I love the brickwork," they added."Calm and quiet very nice," admired Mr J. But they did suggest that "some plantings and baskets around the walls would add some interest".For Pieter Voogt, there were "a thousand missed opportunities for ornamental, playful and expressive bricklaying".Are you a fan? Join the discussion Alison Brooks Architects creates copper-clad London home with "folding geometry""Playful and elegant"Also on commenters' radars this week wasan angular, copper-clad home completed by Alison Brooks Architects in London."Beautiful materials used in this project" praisedZ-dog.Orangikaupapa concurred, describing the dwelling as "playful and elegant". They applauded how "the prevailing red brick of bits of Belsize Park [are] neatly echoed and counterpointed in the copper" before concluding "very satisfying".Other commenters weren't so keen. "It looked promising from the outside but painfully common on the inside," wroteTom Roberts.Chris was on the same page, writing "a lot of exterior gymnastics, the interiors seem pretty staid by comparison..."What do you make of this angular home? Join the discussion Comments UpdateDezeen is the world's most commented architecture and design magazine, receiving thousands of comments each month from readers. Keep up to date on the latest discussions on our comments page and subscribe to our weekly Debate newsletter, where we feature the best reader comments from stories in the last seven days.The post "So much concrete to sell a few croissants" says commenter appeared first on Dezeen.

Architecture studio Alison Brooks Architects has completed the One Ashley Road residential development in London, with a pair of angular terracotta towers framing a square.Located near London's Walthamstow Wetlands and Lea Valley waterways, the project forms part of Tottenham Hale's regeneration, which aims to convert the traffic-dominated area into a walkable neighbourhood.One Ashely Road has angular terracotta-coloured towersAs well as creating public space at ground level, Alison Brooks Architects designed an angular central block that steps up from the street to form multiple roof gardens.In response to the nearby Berol House, the studio designed the pair of tower blocks to have bold, geometric forms intended to reference Berol pencils.It forms part of the regeneration of London's Tottenham Hale"The scheme references the area's industrial heritage, particularly the adjacent Berol House which was once part of the Eagle Pencil Company Factory, with a 'carved' and animated perimeter block," the studio told Dezeen."This is expressed through a distinctive, faceted form and a more pronounced verticality. With a rich orange brick outer skin and a shimmering metal inner skin, the design is inspired by the graphic colours and hexagonal forms of the iconic Berol Eagle Pencil," it continued.Alison Brooks designed One Ashely Road to have animated facadesTo ensure that the piling avoided the underground tunnels that run beneath the site, the two taller towers of One Ashley Road are separated by a shorter, stepped block topped with green terraces."Overcoming a significant underground constraint with both ingenuity and sculptural intent, One Ashley Road's design responds to the presence of two Victoria line tunnels running through the plot," said the studio."By strategically locating the two towers and their respective piling on either side of the tunnels, the project team navigated loading, acoustic, and vibration requirements from the London Underground infrastructure. This approach to the site's unique conditions resulted in a stepped-base massing block, which recesses to the north to offer communal green terraces," it continued.Read: Alison Brooks Architects creates copper-clad London home with "folding geometry"A terracotta-coloured brick facade dotted with staggered rows of windows and muted yellow balconies wraps around the outer walls of the development, while the inward-facing walls are coated in silver cladding."In contrast to its smooth terracotta exterior, the internal elevations feature faceted metal cassette panels which reflect light into the block interior, so that its heart becomes a shimmering veil of light," said the studio.Street-facing facades are characterised by terracotta-coloured bricks and muted yellow accentsSet directly across the road from Tottenham Hale station, a public square planted with trees marks the start of the new development. A colonnaded walkway wraps around the double-height ground floor of the development, creating a covered entrance space to the building.The upper levels contain 183 apartments ranging from studios to three-bedroom units that have wooden flooring and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of the surroundings including the nearby wetlands.Some apartments have balconies, while hexagonal terraces created by the stepped central volume on other levels offer communal outdoor living spaces that can be used by all residents.The development has a series of roof gardensThe lower three floors contain retail and office spaces with a cafe on the ground floor, which feature the same terracotta and yellow tones as the exterior.A co-working space on the third floor opens onto a residents' roof garden that tops the shorter, central block."The scheme's stepped massing creates a secluded residents' podium garden and co-working space at the third-floor level and a south-facing communal roof garden at the seventh-floor level," said the studio. "This prominent space overlooks the new square, and the mid-rise scale softens the transition between the tall elements and the public realm."Ground floor spaces feature terracotta and yellow tones in keeping with the external facadesBased in London, Alison Brooks Architects was founded by Alison Brooks in 1996. Recent projects by the studio include a mass timber entrance block for a Cambridge college and an extended Georgian farmhouse which was awarded 2021's RIBA House of the Year award.The photography is by Paul Riddle.The post Alison Brooks Architects creates "carved and animated" Tottenham Hale residential towers appeared first on Dezeen.

Promotion: energy storage brand Anker Solix has introduced its X1 power unit that the company says reflects demand for home battery storage that "looks elegant in modern houses".The Anker Solix X1 is 15cm thick allowing it to fit discreetly into small spaces and offer a solution to a broad cross section of homeowners who are looking to cut their household emissions, the brand said.The Anker Solix X1 harvests solar energy during the day to use during the night"Our research indicates that consumers not only demand power supply from energy storage systems, but also look for elegant exterior designs that reflect their taste and life quality," the company said.Each slimline, wire-free unit houses a power module, battery module, solar inverter, and energy management system. This allows users to create a home micro-grid, storing solar energy during the day to use during the night or off-grid.The module's surface is finished with a high-grade grey basalt coating that provides a subtle texture and is more durable, according to the brand. It is also corrosion resistant and can adapt to changing climates and different environments.The units have a slimline, wire-free design that blends into the home environmentThe intelligent design automatically activates when a human approaches and a display panel features an array of useful information such as available charge, how much solar energy has been harnessed and real time consumption."Smart features are increasingly a critical part of battery storage," the company said. "People want the control to monitor and forecast their electricity usage at their fingertips wherever they are. These features were a big priority when we developed Anker Solix X1," it added.Users can also see the network and grid connection status of the device at a glance without logging into other interfaces.The display features six different modes and three colours to convey the working status of the power supply.An intuitive display automatically switches on as a person approaches the unitA built-in energy optimiser can accurately manage the power of each battery module, charge and discharge a single battery pack independently.Intended to cope with extreme environments and weather, Anker Solix X1 has IP66 and C5 protection ratings (the highest attainable metrics for water and corrosion resistance) and a 10-year warranty. The brand claimed it provides stable operation in -20 winter, 100 per cent charging and discharging without derating.Users can customise the capacity and output of their Anker Solix X1 to suit their home's specific needs"With the rapid development of the household storage market in recent years, consumers are now faced with a wide range of household storage products," the brand said.Demand for household battery storage has been growing in Europe amid concerns around the climate crisis and rising energy prices. Anker Solix said more households are looking for tools to harness the fluctuating nature of renewable energy as well as charge electric vehicles."Although major brands have their own advantages in terms of functions, they seem to lack inspiration in visual design and are difficult to blend harmoniously with different home environments."The module's surface is finished with a high-grade grey basalt coating that provides a subtle texture"The emergence of Anker Solix X1 seems to have injected new vitality into the market," it continued. "It is not only an energy solution with superior performance but also has an extremely elegant design concept that cleverly integrates into the home environment and becomes a part of home decoration."To find out more about Anker Solix X1 visit the Anker Solix's website.Partnership contentThis article was written by Dezeen for Anker Solix. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.The post Anker Solix launches slim all-in-one home energy storage unit appeared first on Dezeen.

British studio RSHP has unveiled its design for The Zhongyuan International Convention Centre, which will have an almost two-kilometre-long elevated floor plane and include 16 exhibition halls.Located within the Zhengzhou Airport Economic Zone (ZAEZ) in Henan, China, the Zhongyuan International Convention and Conference Centre complex was designed by RSHP and architecture studio TJAD.The project will sit next to an existing conference centre and extend to the east and west of a local park.The convention centre will have 16 exhibition hallsThe 527,000-square-metre convention centre will have 16 exhibition halls, each measuring around 12,500 square metres, arranged on either side of a central 1.7-kilometre-long spine divided into two levels.Designed to be pedestrian-friendly, visitors will enter the centre via the upper level, using travelators to move along it before descending to the halls they want to visit.Restaurants and public spaces will be located along the lower level of the central walkway.It will be arranged around a 1.7-kilometre-long walkwaySwooping arched roofs will shelter the walkway, which was designed to create an "interconnected and easily accessible" layout, the studio said.Three entrance pavilions will provide access to the convention centre, which will connect to the adjacent conference centre via the upper walkway.The conference centre will have a "floating" roofThe conference centre will be topped by a "floating" roof and will have large cable-net facades. The final part of the project, the hotel, will sit next to the conference centre on the far eastern side of the complex.The convention centre's and conference centre's sculptural roofs were designed in a nod to the area's cultural heritage and "spectacular natural beauty", RSHP said.Read: RSHP to transform world's largest cluster of Victorian gas holders into housing"Our design for the Zhongyuan Convention Centre in China combines cutting-edge technology with traditional cultural elements, creating a space that meets the functional needs of large gatherings while standing as a landmark of innovation and state-of-the-art technology," said RSHP partner Richard Paul."Our goal was to craft an architectural experience that fosters global connections and celebrates local identity, ensuring a transformative experience for all who visit."The plan also includes a hotel for visitorsThe Zhongyuan International Convention Centre, which will host the 3rd China National Skill Competitions in 2025, was designed to achieve the China Green Building rating.There are plans to install a "substantial number" of photovoltaic panels on the entrance pavilion's roof and the building will also harvest rainwater to irrigate the landscape.Recent projects by RSHP include a skyscraper in Bogot and a tapered museum designed to house the Bayeux Tapestry.The post RSHP designs 1.7-kilometre-long convention centre in China appeared first on Dezeen.

The design team at the Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity has renovated an industrial building in California to host the organisation's headquarters and a 40,000-object archive.Launched in 2023, the Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity is a non-profit dedicated to preserving the Eames legacy through digital and physical public programming, including hosting tours of the designers' extensive archive.The Eames Institute has renovated an industrial building to house offices and an archive dedicated to its designersThe institution recently completed a gut renovation of a building previously dedicated to the manufacturing of medical devices, opening up the floor plans on two storeys to accommodate staff.Originally built in 1997 and designed by California architect Jim Jennings, it features a saw-tooth-shaped body with a glass-enclosed lobby at its front that follows the form of its site, a wedge-shaped parcel tucked in between the off-ramps of a highway.The building was originally built in the 1990s by local architect Jim Jennings"The space began as dated, awkwardly-scaled private offices," said the team."Recognizing the innate value of Jennings's design and the building's history, The Eames Institute's internal design team set about transforming the interiors to better fit its architectural bones.""The renovated office channels the design genius of Ray and Charles Eames and notably showcases vintage furnishings from the Institute's namesakes."The new offices encompass a 2,755-square-foot (255 square metre) first-floor workspace and a 4,793-square-foot (445 metre) second-floor space, while the archive, a gift shop and a small gallery take up the rest of the building.The offices feature an exposed wooden structure, white walls, and Eames furniture and other pieces in the designers' characteristic primary colour palette spread throughout.They are designed for "multi-disciplinary" work, with an assortment of different seating arrangements such as enclosed and semi-enclosed spaces offered for employees, including a long, wooden bar and multiple lounge areas.A mixture of enclosed and semi-enclosed spaces offers a variety of workspaces"Key initiatives included designing offices that offer a wide breadth of work points for both individuals and groups, as well as offering both opportunities for heads-down focused tasks and more social and collaborative activities," said the team.Besides the "countless" Eames furniture pieces, lighting by Isamu Noguchi, textiles designed by Alexander Girard for Maharam, and furniture by MillerKnoll and vintage Herman Miller fill the space.Read: Manual creates branding for Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity with "dynamic configurations""The interior design drew from the wellspring of creativity and design excellence intrinsic to the organization's identity and as everything the Institute oversees honors the rich legacy of Ray and Charles Eames."The completion of the offices coincides with the opening of the Eames Archive, which encompasses a collection of "tens of thousands of artefacts" including furniture and objects organized among rows of shelving.The Eames' characteristic primary colour palette marks the interior designThe institute offers guided tours of the archive led by chief curator and Eames granddaughter Llisa Demetrios.It also oversees the Eames Ranch, a Sonoma Country property dedicated to "land stewardship, habitat restoration, farming, and ranching" which is currently under renovation.Recently, it announced new branding by design agency Manual while Reebook released a series of sneakers that incorporate Eames design signatures.The photography is courtesy of the Eames InstituteThe post Eames Institute renovates 1990s industrial building to house headquarters appeared first on Dezeen.

The latest edition of our weekly Dezeen Agenda newsletter features RIBA's shortlist for this year's Stirling Prize. Subscribe to Dezeen Agenda now.Six British buildings, described as "purposeful yet unassuming," have been shortlisted for this year's Stirling Prize by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).Among them are the Wraxall Yard holiday accommodation in Dorset by Clementine Blakemore Architects and Jamie Fobert Architects' overhaul of the National Portrait Gallery with Purcell (pictured above).Adidas unveils "first football super shoe"This week's newsletter also featured Adidas' reveal of its "football super shoe", four rotating glass pillars designed for Atlanta's High Museum of Art by designer Sabine Marcelis and the news that Ellen van Loon, a long-standing partner at the Dutch studio OMA, has stepped down.Dezeen AgendaDezeen Agenda is a curated newsletter sent every Tuesday containing the most important news highlights from Dezeen. Read the latest edition of Dezeen Agenda or subscribe here.You can also subscribe to our other newsletters; Dezeen Debate is sent every Thursday and features the hottest reader comments and most-debated stories, Dezeen Dailyis our daily bulletin that contains every story published in the preceding 24 hours andDezeen In Depthis sent on the last Friday of every month anddelves deeper into the major stories shaping architecture and design.The post Dezeen Agenda features this year's Stirling Prize shortlist appeared first on Dezeen.

New York studio Pei Architects has unveiled a skyscraper in Toronto, Canada, wrapped in precast concrete balconies and above a travertine podium.Pei Architects founded by the two sons of modernist architect IM Pei created the 56-storey residential tower for the Tower Hill Development in Midtown Toronto.Designed with local studio Quadrangle Architects, the 2221 Yonge Street Tower is 593 feet high (180 metres) and has a six-storey podium, which is clad in travertine and is slightly skew from the tower.Pei Architects has completed a concrete-clad skyscraper in TorontoAccording to Russell Masters, vice president of Tower Hill Development Corp, Pei Architects was commissioned to create a tower that would stand out in Toronto, which he described as "the mecca of condominiums in North America, if not the world".This led to the concrete-forward approach of Pei Architects.2221 Yonge Street Tower has 56 storeysAs the tower rises, it takes on a slightly hexagonal form. White precast concrete cladding surrounds the boundaries that wrap around the structure, interspersed in parts on the wide side by glass."We aimed to celebrate Toronto's rich tradition of concrete architecture by creating a tower that stands out amidst the sea of glass box apartments sprouting up across the city," Pei Architects partner Toh Tsun Lim told Dezeen.Lim also noted that the concrete balustrades across the structure's face are turned slightly upwards in order to increase privacy and create a "striking" effect from a distance.Read: Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill designs pair of Toronto skyscrapers"Our 56-story tower continues the esteemed legacy of Toronto's concrete skyscrapers, echoing the bold spirit of the city's historic landmarks," continued Lim."It stands in the tradition of iconic structures like the Brutalist City Hall towers, the modernist Sheraton Centre, and the legendary CN Tower."A six-storey podium features a lounge on its topIn addition to the dialogue with the structures in Toronto, the studio was also forthcoming with a dedication to the legacy of IM Pei.Though, it tried to differentiate the approach, mostly through the "dynamic and playful pattern" created by the alternation of concrete and glass in balustrades."Our project draws inspiration from the precast concrete apartment towers designed by IM Pei and Partners, such as Kips Bay, Society Hill, and the NYU Faculty Apartments," said Lim."The inherent versatility of concrete allows us to sculpt it into a distinctive faade pattern that defines the identity of our project. While IM Pei's original towers featured orderly, grid-like modular windows, our Toronto project takes a different approach."It has balustrades comprised of alternating concrete and glass sectionsThe interiors were created by local designer Alessandro Munge and feature details that reference the "neomodernist" architecture of the exterior.For example, the lobby features monumental black room divides and a massive stone fireplace arranged around dark-toned seating elements.Alessandro Munge designed the interiors to be a reflection of the "neomodernist" exterior"I wanted to keep the transition from the exterior into the interior very fluid and seamless," said Munge.The tower was completed in late 2022, though was only recently photographed.Other skyscrapers recently completed in Toronto include a 250-metre-tall tower clad with "three-dimensional diamonds" by WilkinsonEyre.The photography is by Kerun Ip.Project credits:Design architect: Pei ArchitectsArchitect of record: Quadrangle ArchitectsInterior design: Alessandro MungeStructural engineer: Jablonsky, Ast & PartnersMechanical/electrical: United EngineeringLandscape architect: Ferris + Associates IncConstruction manager: Toddglen ConstructionThe post Skyscraper by Pei Architects follows "Toronto's rich tradition of concrete" appeared first on Dezeen.