RMJM begins defence of St Petersburg tower
- Published: 17 December 2007 10:28
- Author: Richard Vaughan
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- Last Updated: 17 December 2007 12:15
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RMJM has released new images detailing the potential impact of its new 394m-tall Okhta Tower in Russia's picturesque St Petersburg.
The practice was asked to supply new evidence to appease world-heritage body UNESCO, which has demanded a report on the building's impact to be submitted by February.
When built, the building will become Europe's tallest tower as well as the new headquarters for Russian oil and gas company Gazprom.
According to Tony Kettle, RMJM's group design director, the design team took into consideration St Petersburg's urban landscape of horizontal buildings broken by singular vertical elements, such as the spires of the Peter and Paul Cathedral.
He said: 'I think that the quality of the tower's design and its limited impact is critical here and we firmly believe that our design truly works for the city.
'St Petersburg is not the place to create a collection of towers like Manhattan or Paris' La Defense. We have created something quite unique and timeless, a beautiful landmark for the city which will also set new standards for energy conservation and sustainability.'
Kettle added: 'Gazprom is one of the world's most important energy companies and it is fitting that in a city of spires, this new spire should symbolise the importance of energy.'
The cost of the project is believed to be around £1.2 billion, and RMJM hopes to start construction in 2008 with completion in 2016.
