A landmark between the sky and the city: the poetics of the AGE 360 building

Mar 6

photo: Joana França

Designing a building that establishes a profound dialogue with the urban and natural landscape requires more than technique : it demands sensitivity , vision and an architecture that transcends the built form . In Curitiba, the AGE 360 residential complex is born from this duality between pragmatism and poetics . The building integrates art, technique and purpose, balancing structural innovation and connection with the environment.

In this interview, architect Greg Bousquet , founder of Architects Office , shares the challenges and creative solutions that shaped the finalist project at MIPIM 2025 , winner of the Rethinking The Future, iF Design Award 2021, GBC Condominium and Fitwel certificates – which recognizes works that place people's health as a fundamental element in their design.

From the concrete exoskeleton that frees up interiors, to the planters that intertwine the mineral, and the elevated common areas that redefine coexistence in vertical space, AGE 360 reveals how architecture can be simultaneously rational and surprising. A conversation that invites us to reflect on the construction of urban legacies and the role of architecture as a tool for imagining more sustainable and integrated futures.

photo: Joana França

How was it to balance the client's demands with the specific challenges of the terrain in Curitiba?

Greg Bousquet - The client's brief was clear: create a landmark for the city skyline. Located in the Ecoville neighborhood, a growing, low-density area, the site required a building that would stand out due to its height and its connection to its surroundings. The client requested a 124-meter tower that would be visible from various points in the city. This guideline led us to explore verticalization to the maximum, always balancing aesthetics, functionality, and urban impact. Of course, reconciling all the interests—of the developer, the engineers, and the architectural concept—was an intense task. We held workshops and a design thinking process to ensure that each decision was viable and maintained the strong concept. The result is a building that reflects these exchanges and compromises, while remaining faithful to the initial idea.

Architecture is a mix of art and technique. How did you translate objective elements, such as topography and legal norms, into an artistic approach that enriches the connection between the building and the urban and cultural context of Curitiba? GB - For us, art and technique are inseparable pillars of architecture. We always start with tangible data, such as topography, sunlight, and the norms of the master plan. But we also incorporate intangible aspects, such as the history, culture, and sociology of the place. This intersection between the objective and the subjective is what shapes our projects, giving them a unique identity that is deeply connected to the context.

High-rise towers present structural and functional challenges. What were AGE 360’s main innovations in using the concrete exoskeleton and how did it redefine the resident experience? GB - Two major challenges were the circulation core and the structure. In the case of high-rise towers, these elements can consume a lot of space or compromise views. To solve this, we opted for a concrete exoskeleton, a solution that frees up the interiors of the apartments from pillars, ensuring flexible layouts and unobstructed views. We had to conduct numerous on-site tests with the construction company to ensure consistency in the texture, dyeing and finish of the concrete. The uniformity of the structural exoskeleton was essential to maintain the building’s visual identity. In the end, we found that the contrast between the mineral and vegetal elements was very interesting, and the decision reinforced the concept of integrating the building with nature.

The design of AGE 360 stands out for its unique volume and chamfers. How did the restrictions of local legislation influence these choices and what kind of experimentation was necessary to achieve the final result? GB - The most interesting thing is that the design comes from Curitiba's own legislation. We carried out 48 tests to find the best positioning for the tower on the site, always respecting local rules and seeking efficiency and privileged views. The final volume, with the chamfers, reflects these legal requirements and ended up generating the building's unique identity.

The concept of double-height interior spaces and green terraces brings a unique dynamic to the project. How did these choices impact the functionality and perception of the building by both residents and the real estate market? GB - This was possible because the master plan allowed us to work with "voids" in the volumetry. These spaces gave rise to duplexes and triplexes, as well as green terraces. Vegetation is essential for us, as we always want a balanced dialogue between the mineral and the organic. In this project, we opted for built-in planters at the floor level of the terraces. In this way, we created the sensation of a continuous garden, allowing all residents to have direct access to the greenery. This integration is not just decorative; it connects residents to nature in a genuine way.

What criteria guided the choice of plant species and how did you ensure their viability over time? GB - It was essential to think of species that were suitable for the height of the building, resistant to wind and that did not require frequent pruning. In addition, the planters are accessed via the terraces, which simplifies maintenance and avoids large expenses with scaffolding. Everything was designed to work in a practical and efficient way, with over 20 years of experience in projects of this type.

The common areas were positioned in the middle of the tower, instead of on the ground floor. How does this decision change the living experience, and what is the symbolic impact of elevating these spaces to the center of the building? GB - We decided to position areas such as the pool, spa, and gardens in the middle of the tower, instead of on the ground floor. This creates a democratic meeting point, with incredible views of both Barigui Park and the city. This decision not only values sociability but also reinforces the well-being of residents, placing them at the center of the project. The solution also reinforces the concept of 'wellness'. AG7, the project's developer, wanted an environment that promoted silence, well-being, and reconnection with nature. The common areas were covered in natural wood, creating a harmonious contrast with the concrete and vegetation. The core of the building, exposed in some areas, also received this treatment to emphasize biophilia and welcoming.

In your opinion, what are the main urban legacies that AGE 360 leaves for Curitiba? GB - The way it combines pragmatism and aesthetics. Each decision was guided by functionality, but resulted in something poetically integrated into the urban and natural context. The building is an example of how architecture can be procedural, rational and, at the same time, surprising. Our goal is always to leave a positive legacy, both for residents and for the city. This project reflects our philosophy of creating contextual architecture, which respects the surroundings and local experiences, while proposing innovative solutions. The tower is not only a visual landmark, but also a proposal for richer and more sustainable urban coexistence.