A modern multi-story building with an angular design, featuring a large red vertical section with a glass elevator shaft visible inside, and several floors with green human figures engaging in various activities. The background sky has a gradient from pink to gray.

THE TOWER

A map overview of a community, showing different zones for housing, rooftop theater, daycare, library, outdoor lounge, gum, shops, lobby & mailroom, with trees and pathways surrounding the buildings.

Located at the edge of a park, the leaning tower’s form creates a striking contrast with its environment, casting shadows and offering relief to park-goers. The mixed-use tower integrates residential and commercial spaces, fostering interaction through shared atriums, mezzanines, and transparent corridors.

The structure emphasizes verticality, using large diagonal windows and geometric voids to connect interior spaces while inviting light and air. The middle of the building features a dramatic "cracking moment" that blurs the boundaries between inside and outside, enhancing social engagement among residents. Despite its urban context, the design maintains a connection to nature, with landscaped hills echoing interior voids and offering visual contrast to the cubic massing.

Elevation A
Elevation B
Circulation Diagram
Floor Plan 01
Floor Plan 02
Section B
Section A
Site Plan
Double Unit Plan
Single Unit Plan
Exterior Optic 02

By incorporating varied ceiling heights and aligning windows and balconies to promote interaction, the design creates a cohesive dialogue between private and public spaces. The tower accommodates diverse living scenarios, balancing privacy with community, and offering a dynamic spatial experience from park entry to urban interiors.

UCLA 2022

Professor: Max Kuo

Contributors: Hanna Wittmack, Felix Lam, & Casey Wong