Urban Fusion - ICT Innovation Center

University of Moratuwa (UoM), Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architecture, Moratuwa

Project idea

Problem statement

According to current research, approximately 50% of the world's population currently resides in cities. However, by 2050, this figure is projected to rise to 70%, indicating a significant increase in urbanization. Consequently, cities will experience higher population densities. This trend will inevitably lead to a shift from horizontal development to vertical development in order to accommodate the growing population within limited space.

As a result, high-rise buildings will become more prevalent in the future. However, constructing cities with vertical layers presents various challenges related to social, climatic, visual, and functional aspects. The main argument and design thesis aim to address the following question: "Why is it difficult to replicate the characteristics of horizontally layered cities in a vertical direction?"

Architectural position & design intent

“Restructuring vertical typology” - intertwin interconnections of urban fabric and intra-connection of the internal environment.

The design thesis is to investigate ways to combine a developed city's horizontal layer characteristics into a vertical direction while resolving the challenges connected with vertical advancements. The goal is to ensure that the buildings are functional and responsive to the needs of the urban environment by creating a seamless transition from the horizontal urban fabric to the vertical structures.

One of the project's primary goals will be to investigate how the various functions of a city, such as commercial and public spaces, might be vertically integrated. The project will investigate how to design and incorporate components that encourage connectivity between the many levels of the vertical structure while also encouraging engagement with the surrounding urban fabric.

Project description

The horizontal spatial planning of the podium level aims to integrate and embrace the existing urban context. It seeks to extend the functionalities of the surrounding city into this level, incorporating elements such as theaters, cinemas, exhibition spaces, walkable pathways, public gathering spaces and restaurants. By doing so, it supports and enhances the ongoing activities and movements within the city.

The vertical spatial planning of the tower significantly diverges from the conventional design of high-rise buildings. In this tower, a unique approach is taken where public, semi-public, and private functions are interwoven and distributed throughout the entire structure. As individuals ascend vertically through the central circulation path, they encounter and engage with various functions much like strolling along a vibrant street. The tower incorporates small threshold spaces and areas for public gatherings, strategically placed at different levels, to foster social interaction and create opportunities for people to connect within the vertical space.


The podium level of the building serves as a crucial element that attracts people to the urban context. It provides various amenities such as a theater, restaurant, exhibition spaces, and seasonal stall areas. The central green space acts as a connecting element between the main attractions on the podium level, serving as alleyways that allow people to navigate the area without having to travel long distances. Pathways adorned with trees and designed in different geometries create diverse ambiences for people to enjoy. The simple pathways facilitate movement and create a dynamic space within the colonnaded structure, allowing people to witness and engage with existing human behavior. Ultimately, the goal is to establish a strong connection between the podium level and the surrounding urban context, bringing people together and seamlessly guiding them towards the tower.

The concept behind the tower revolves around four distinct types of rentable units, each serving a specific purpose. These units include two-story office spaces, single-story co-working areas, mechatronic workshops, and they are strategically stacked within the tower in various orientations. Some units are rotated or mirrored, resulting in a dynamic façade that offers diverse openings and visual interest.
In addition to these rentable units, the tower accommodates several auxiliary spaces. These include a mini cinema, a library, an institute, a mini auditorium, a gallery space, as well as a restaurant, pub, and club. Complementing these primary areas, there are also small cafes and gathering spaces throughout the tower. These spaces play a crucial role in enhancing the tower's liveliness and mobility, ensuring that it remains active and vibrant throughout the day.

The staircase core serves as a prominent area for social interaction within the building, open and accessible from both directions, with the building itself divided into two towers. Each floor features interconnections between these two parts through staircases and bridges. Washroom cores and lift cores are positioned on opposite sides, ensuring that individuals consistently traverse through the central area. To encourage usage, the staircase core is accentuated with an orange color, both highlighting its presence and conveying a sense of purpose. Moreover, the color choice is thoughtfully implemented to create a visual appeal that resonates with its practicality. Within the staircases, larger and wider steps are provided, accompanied by seating areas, creating central communal spaces. These spacious sections are particularly emphasized in proximity to key public areas such as the cinema, library, and institute. By integrating these features, the staircase core becomes more than a mere means of vertical movement; it becomes an inviting and engaging space that fosters interaction and community.

When designing each individual unit, several strategies are employed to establish connections and foster a sense of linkage among people both within and outside the space. Double-height spaces, collaborative working areas, and courtyards as small communal spaces are utilized to facilitate internal connections within the office unit. Outdoor working pods and a lobby that opens up to the central circulation path are designed to create visual connections with the core area. These features allow people entering the tower to have a clear understanding of the activities taking place inside the building, while those working within the tower can observe the functions occurring in the surrounding areas.

Furthermore, the inclusion of green courtyards with trees helps maintain a connection to the ground level, providing a sense of proximity for the individuals within the tower. This creates a feeling that they are not too far removed from the natural environment. Overall, these design strategies aim to enhance connectivity and establish a seamless relationship between the occupants of the unit and their surroundings, both inside and outside the building

Technical information

In this high-rise building, the main service cores play a critical role in providing central structural support to the entire building. Additionally, shear walls are located at the edges of the building layout to help transfer vertical loads to the floor. The tower boasts an innovative approach to construction, as all slabs are crafted using bubble deck slabs. This technique allows for longer spans, reduced material usage, and seamless construction. As a high-end office building, the tower exudes aesthetic charm, particularly in its main area, where an 8m span creates a spacious and customizable environment. The clear space can be easily adapted to suit various office requirements and can also accommodate small gatherings, such as mini auditoriums, open gallery and cinemas.

The high-rise building is primarily comprised of two service cores that are separated for lifts and washrooms. The lift core features a fire-fighting lobby that provides a fire staircase and fire-fighting shaft, as well as a fire lobby measuring 8m2. The same service lift is used as the fire-fighting shaft and is open to the lift lobby, which serves as the main lobby for both passenger lifts and fire staircase lobby. The common washroom layout provides separate male and female washrooms, as well as a disabled washroom.

The air conditioning service, plumbing and electrical systems have been independently provided to both parts of the building, with ducts installed throughout. Each of these ducts can be accessed from inside the building, thanks to a feature wall which seamlessly blends in with the interior design. These ducts have been integrated into the structural columns and main service cores, ensuring a cohesive and efficient system for the building's occupants

Improved version: Daylight and ventilation are incorporated into the building through vertical windows that are covered with vertical louver panels. These panels help to minimize direct sunlight from the east and west by being set back 600mm from the façade. Additionally, vertical louver panels are provided for the openings. The building façade features central pivoted, rotatable, double-glazed windows.

The building's circulation pathway is protected from rain by an operable vertical glass façade, made up of openable windows controlled by a central system that can be operated automatically. During rainy weather, the windows can be closed to ensure a safe and comfortable indoor environment. This innovative design feature not only provides protection but also adds aesthetic value to the building, integrating indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly. Frame less sliding folding glass panel - Frameless sliding folding glass panels are a modern and elegant solution for creating an open and airy space that offers unobstructed views and increased airflow.