HSB Turning Torso in Malmö (Sweden) - 190 meter building in the shape of a twisted torso

HSB Turning Torso is undoubtedly one of the most iconic buildings in the world. This twisted skyscraper is located in Malmö, Sweden and is an example of modern architecture that combines aesthetics with functionality. Its unique form attracts the attention of both tourists and architects from all over the world. In addition to being an impressive example of human creativity, the Turning Torso also perfectly fulfills its practical role, providing living and office space. Let's take a closer look at this amazing building, its history, structure and interesting facts.

The history of the Turning Torso

The Turning Torso is not a random project that was created just to impress with its appearance. Its history begins in 1999, when HSB Malmö, a Swedish housing cooperative, decided to build something that would become a symbol of modern Malmö. The inspiration for the building was Santiago Calatrava's sculptural project - "Twisting Torso". Calatrava, a world-class architect and engineer, known for combining art and technology, decided to transform his sculptural concept into reality. The skyscraper was to symbolize the dynamism and future of the city.

Construction of Turning Torso began in 2001 and was completed in 2005. The construction cost was approximately 1.8 billion Swedish krona, which was a large investment at the time. Despite initial concerns about the financial viability of the project, the Turning Torso quickly became one of Malmö’s top attractions, attracting investors, locals and tourists from all over the world.

Architecture and structure – how does it work?

The Turning Torso is a true masterpiece of engineering. Its structure is based on nine cubes, each consisting of five floors. What’s unusual is that each of the cubes is gradually twisted a few degrees to the left, until the top of the building achieves a 90-degree rotation from the base. This creates the effect of a twisted torso – hence the name of the building.

The entire structure is based on a skyscraper core that stabilises the whole, and an external skeleton that connects the individual floors. This innovative approach makes the building not only aesthetically pleasing, but also durable. Winds of up to 44 metres per second cannot noticeably affect the stability of the structure – the top of the building then deflects only 30 centimetres, which is practically unnoticeable to the residents and users of the building.

Around 25,000 cubic metres of concrete were used to build Turning Torso, making it one of the heaviest structures in Sweden. This concrete colossus is reinforced with steel to withstand not only strong winds, but also the gravitational forces resulting from its unusual shape.

Interiors – luxury and modernity

HSB Turning Torso is not just a beautiful façade. Inside the building there are 149 luxury apartments ranging in size from 45 to 230 square metres. Each apartment has been designed with maximum comfort and modernity in mind. The interiors are spacious, and the windows stretch from floor to ceiling, providing amazing views of the city skyline and the surrounding waters. For those looking for a prestigious place to live, Turning Torso is an excellent choice.

The lower two segments of the building house offices, which allows for a harmonious combination of residential and commercial functions. This is a solution that perfectly meets the needs of modern city dwellers who value the proximity of their workplace and home.

Interesting facts - what is worth knowing?

Turning Torso hides many interesting facts and curiosities that may surprise even those well acquainted with architecture. First of all, Santiago Calatrava - the designer of the building - was inspired by his own sculpture of a twisting male torso. The building is therefore a kind of reflection of an artistic vision transformed into monumental architecture.

Interestingly, the Turning Torso is not the only building inspired by this project. In Chicago, the Fordham Spire was to be built, a twisted tower 610 meters high, which was planned to be completed in 2009. Although the project was not realized, the idea of ​​twisted buildings quickly gained popularity. Another example is the Infinity Tower in Dubai, which was also supposed to be completed in 2009.

Turning Torso has gained international recognition – in 2005 it received the prestigious Emporis Skyscraper Award for the best new building. This distinction highlights not only the innovative nature of the project, but also its impact on contemporary architecture.

Ecology and sustainable development

Nowadays, building sustainable, environmentally friendly buildings is a priority for many architects and developers. Despite its impressive size and modern technological solutions, Turning Torso meets strict ecological standards. The building has been equipped with modern energy management systems that minimize electricity and water consumption. Thanks to the use of advanced thermal insulation systems, it was also possible to reduce heat loss, which has a positive impact on operating costs.

Moreover, fire protection in Turning Torso is at the highest level. Each room is equipped with a sprinkler system, which automatically starts extinguishing in the event of a fire. The building also has an independent emergency power supply and a separate water tank, which additionally increases the safety of the residents.

Awards and distinctions

Since its completion, the Turning Torso has won a number of prestigious awards and distinctions, which confirm its importance both in the world of architecture and in a broader cultural context. The first important distinction was winning the Emporis Skyscraper Award in 2005, where it was recognized as the best new building in the world. This prestigious distinction is awarded by international experts who evaluate the innovation, aesthetics and social impact of new skyscrapers. The Turning Torso not only won first place, but also drew the attention of the global architectural community to modern urban designs.

In 2015, on the tenth anniversary of its inauguration, the Turning Torso was recognized as one of the most important buildings of the decade in Europe. Swedish and international architectural organizations such as the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) have repeatedly cited the Turning Torso as a model example of 21st century architecture. Its unique form, combination of art and functionality, and attention to sustainability have won wide recognition.

Another distinction was the inclusion of the Turning Torso in the list of 100 most innovative buildings in the world, compiled by the prestigious portal ArchDaily in 2017. This ranking takes into account innovative projects that have revolutionized contemporary architecture.

Turning Torso in films and literature

Turning Torso as an icon of modern architecture has also gained a place in popular culture, appearing in many films, books and documentaries. Its unique silhouette attracted the attention of filmmakers, who willingly included the skyscraper in frames as a symbol of the future and innovation. One of the more famous examples of its presence in films is the Swedish film "Mammon" from 2014, where the skyscraper serves not only as a background, but also as a symbol of power and prestige.

In documentary productions, Turning Torso appears in the series "Skyscrapers: Engineering the Future", which brings viewers closer to the most interesting architectural projects in the world. The skyscraper was presented there as an example of a modern approach to urban construction and high-rise construction that goes beyond traditional forms. In this context, the significance of its construction and the role it plays in the cityscape of Malmö were highlighted.

The Turning Torso also appears in literature, both in technical and more popular books. In the book Architectural Wonders of the Modern World” by John Miller, the skyscraper is listed as one of the most important examples of contemporary architecture. His chapter on the Turning Torso details the history of the building, from the design phase to its final completion, highlighting both the technical and artistic challenges.

The Turning Torso has also played a significant role in fiction, appearing in books with futuristic and dystopian themes, where it often symbolizes the development of future cities. In the Swedish novel "Skymningsstaden" (Twilight City) by Anna Malmgren, a skyscraper becomes a symbol of social divisions – the luxurious top is inhabited by the wealthiest, while the lower floors become a space for the middle and working classes.

These various appearances in popular culture show that Turning Torso is not just a building, but a symbol of modernity and transformation that inspires creators in both the world of architecture and art.

Turning Torso as a symbol of Malmö

Malmö, the third largest city in Sweden, has long been looking for its iconic building that could symbolize modernity, innovation and development. Turning Torso has become not only the city's calling card, but also a symbol of its transformation. In the past, Malmö was an industrial city, but today it is a thriving technological, cultural and educational center. Turning Torso fits perfectly into this new identity of the city, combining elements of art, technology and ecology.

The skyscraper has also become an important tourist attraction - every year thousands of tourists come to Malmö to see this unique structure with their own eyes. In the evenings, when the building is illuminated, it is particularly impressive.

Summary

Turning Torso is not just a building, it is a work of art and engineering. Its characteristic, twisted form attracts attention and fascinates both architecture experts and ordinary tourists. This skyscraper is not only a symbol of modernity and progress, but also proof that even the wildest ideas can be realized if they are backed by the right resources, technology and determination. Thanks to Santiago Calatrava, Malmö has gained not only a new symbol, but also a space that combines functionality, luxury and innovation.