Wonderwoods is a proposition that brings greenery and nature to the heart of the city, in this case, Utrecht in the Netherlands, a confluence of roads, railways and water routes. In bringing biodiversity to the city center it aims to become the centerpiece of a healthy urban quarter. One tower, designed by Stefano Boeri treats nature as an essential element in architecture. The other by MVSA is more extrovert, forging connections between nature on the inside and outside of the building.
-Judging Panel
MIPM and The Architectural Review have recognized “Wonderwoods” by MVSA Architects and Stefano Boeri Architetti as the overall winner for their Future Projects Award 2019. Developed for client G&S Vastgoed, the twin 90-meter towers in Utrecht, The Netherlands, provide a balance between nature and the city.
The defining feature of the scheme is a living green façade absorbing 5.4 tonnes of CO2 per year, behind which sits a mix of homes, offices, and public facilities. The scheme is one of several projects to win at the 2019 awards, with 16 award categories celebrating the flourishing of nature in the city, seeking to “restore our ability to connect with the natural world as our planet undergoes the largest wave of urban growth in history.”
