MAD’s Latest Project features a “Cracked-Open” Facade

MAD's Latest Project features a "Cracked-Open" Facade

As a gamer who’s spent countless hours exploring virtual landscapes and cities, I must say that One River North in Denver has truly caught my attention. The fusion of urban and natural environments, as envisioned by MAD Architects, resonates deeply with my gaming experiences where digital canyons and cityscapes often blur into one another.


MAD Architects recently finished a project in Denver that includes an intriguing architectural element: a fissured or crackled exterior design.

Standing tall at 16 stories high, the multi-purpose structure known as “One River North” resides right in the heart of the River North Artistic District, or RiNo for short.

As I navigated through the breathtaking terrain of Colorado’s foothills and canyons, I found myself deeply inspired. The design concepts I later encountered seemed to effortlessly blend cityscapes with nature, a vision that MAD principal Ma Yansong describes as erasing the lines between urban and natural environments – a truly immersive gaming experience for my imagination!

Architects intended to mimic a form that appeared to be sculpted by nature over centuries, giving rise to what’s known as the “Canyon” detail. This design element not only makes the structure a distinctive visual point, but also establishes a sequence of terraced landscapes.

Among these terraced areas, we’ve incorporated water elements to enhance the sensation of immersion in nature for the residents. The vegetation selected mirrors Colorado’s diverse ecosystems, adjusting and transforming according to the changing seasons.

MAD's Latest Project features a "Cracked-Open" Facade
MAD's Latest Project features a "Cracked-Open" Facade
MAD's Latest Project features a "Cracked-Open" Facade
MAD's Latest Project features a "Cracked-Open" Facade
MAD's Latest Project features a "Cracked-Open" Facade
MAD's Latest Project features a "Cracked-Open" Facade
MAD's Latest Project features a "Cracked-Open" Facade
MAD's Latest Project features a "Cracked-Open" Facade
MAD's Latest Project features a "Cracked-Open" Facade
MAD's Latest Project features a "Cracked-Open" Facade
MAD's Latest Project features a "Cracked-Open" Facade

All in all, One River North offers 187 apartments for rent, spanning 15 stories high. Additionally, there’s a substantial retail area located on the ground level, offering convenient shopping options for the building’s residents.

At the very peak, you’ll find a rooftop terrace reminiscent of the Alps, complete with a swimming pool, hot tub, and lush greenery. From this vantage point, you can marvel at the breathtaking panorama of the Rocky Mountains and the Denver cityscape below.

Ma Yansong describes a concept where city living feels like being part of a natural environment – as if you’re inhabiting a canyon itself. He envisions three-dimensional urban landscapes, where skyscrapers house gardens, canyons, and waterfalls. In this vision, future cities will not only consist of concrete structures but will blend with nature, providing a connection for people to the outdoors.

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2024-10-22 18:26