RMJM’s iconic Lakhta Centre has become the first Russian project to win the prestigious Emporis Skyscraper of the Year Award. The building is the tallest high-rise in Europe, and at 462 meters it is the 14th tallest building in the world.
Form and sustainability were the features that prompted the jury to choose the Lakhta Centre as their favourite. They noted that the unusual exterior structure, comprised of five wings that rotate almost 90 degrees, creates an eye-catching aesthetic while also appearing to resemble the Gazprom logo when viewed from above as a nod to the company establishing its new headquarters inside the building.
The building also scored points for its dedication to sustainable and energy-efficient technologies. As the northernmost supertall skyscraper in the world, the Lakhta Centre is exposed to extreme temperatures, so the design team included a double skin curtain wall system which prevents unnecessary heat loss, while the use of infrared radiators means that excess heat is not lost but instead fed back into the heating system.
The project has garnered significant global recognition since it officially opened last year, with nominations in both 2019 and 2020 for the CTBUH Awards.