Rotterdam firm MVRDV has won a competition to design an addition to the skyline of Vienna, proposing a new hour-glass-shaped tower that will be located between the airport and the historic Gasometers.

Due to its trapezoidal plan and its proximity to the metro station, the site was initially restricted in height to constructions of 75m high or less. MVRDV proposed a more compact and efficient square layout but with greater volume. The architects minimised the impact of the building’s shadow on its surroundings, by designing the lower 10 storeys into a twist.