Curvaceous apartment with tree-lined terraces unveiled for Paris

Beijing studio MAD has unveiled designs for UNIC, a curvaceous new apartment complex in Paris with undulating tree-planted terraces.

Crowned winner of an international design competition, the eye-catching proposal will be located in the Clichy-Batignolles neighborhood and offer views of the Eiffel Tower and Paris skyline. The nature-inspired building was created in collaboration with local firm Accueil-Biecher Architectes.Unlike its urban neighbors, the UNIC eschews harsh edges for a sinuous and asymmetric form that references organic shapes found in nature. The floors gradually decrease in size towards the upper levels, giving the 13-story-tall block a mountain-like appearance. Full-height glazing wraps around every floor and opens up to undulating terraces with glass balustrades and planted trees.

“The floating and upward-growing form responds to an organic scheme,” said MAD. “Representing stacked courtyards, the distance between human and nature is collapsed.” UNIC will also be connected to a public housing project on the mixed-use podium level with access to the extended Paris Métro, shops, restaurants, and kindergarten. The building is slated for completion in 2018.