Among the defining buildings the urban skyline of Malmö, Swedenthe skyscraper stands out majestically Turning Torso, an icon of contemporary architecture that attracts glances and curiosity about the origin of its shape and name. With its 190 meters of height, the Turning Torso stands out as the highest point in all of Sweden. Designed by the starchitect Santiago Calatravathis monumental 54-story building is a symbol of innovation, design and sustainability.
The meaning of “Turning Torso”
The name itself, “Turning Torso”, hides a profound and fascinating meaning. The term “torso” suggests the idea of a human form, while “turning” evokes the concept of movement and change. This name is not accidental, but reflects the vision of the architect Calatrava, who conceived the building taking inspiration from his previous sculpture depicting a human torso twisting on itself. This twisting movement, which causes the upper surface to rotate 90 degrees with respect to the basegives the Turning Torso a dynamic and unique presence in the urban landscape.
Calatrava’s architectural technique
To make the extraordinary curvature of the volumes possible and achievable, Calatrava adopted an innovative approach by dividing the building into nine rotating blocks, each composed of five floors. This subdivision not only made the actual twisting of the building possible, but also created a sense of spatial movement that captures the attention of anyone who observes it.
Sustainability and modernity
In addition to its iconic design, the Turning Torso is also an example of sustainability and modernity. Every aspect of its construction has been carefully studied to reduce environmental impact and promote a sustainable lifestyle. The energy used inside the building comes entirely from renewables and each housing unit is equipped with a system for recycling of organic waste, transforming it into energy usable.
Västra Hamnen: an urban transformation
The Turning Torso is not just an architectural work: it is also the beating heart of one of the most dynamic and modern areas of Malmö, Västra Hamnen. What was once a highly degraded industrial area has now become a lively neighborhood, populated by young people and tourists attracted by futuristic architecture and trendy clubs.
The Turning Torso skyscraper in Malmö, therefore, is much more than just a building: it is a symbol of innovation, design and sustainability that embodies the modern and progressive spirit of the city. Getting to know this architectural monument is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and future of Malmo (city hosting the Eurovision Song Contest 2024), discovering the infinite possibilities that change and unstoppable urban development can bring.
