This will be a wonder of architecture if it's ever built

Feb 25, 2015 16:12 GMT  ·  By

Architects have always been responsible for all man-made world wonders, since they are the only ones who ever get to build things on a scale high enough to warrant that sort of recognition. Or at least they can have things built that way.

The project I wouldn't mind seeing come true is one introduced by the Dutch Windwheel Corporation for the city of Rotterdam.

Their idea was that they could build a gigantic and marvelous-looking windwheel, but that they could also have the structure double as an apartment building.

There would be an outer ring with 40 pods on rails that could move around and allow people to board them and look at the view of Rotterdam and the port.

The inner ring would be the one with the apartments, 72 in total. There would also be a hotel with 160 more rooms, as well as a panoramic restaurant and viewing gallery.

Finally, there would be a massive bladeless turbine spanning the center of the middle ring, which would actually produce electricity. Essentially, it would mean that the Dutch Windwheel would be self-powered, maybe even capable of providing power to some other, smaller buildings that would be erected around it later.

There is no guarantee that the Dutch Windwheel Corporation will go through with this project, but interest is very high. It would provide a lot of space for both dwellers and commercial functions. The whole thing is 174 meters tall after all, or 571 feet, and even has underwater foundations.

Dutch Windwheel project (4 Images)

Dutch Windwheel during the day
Dutch Windwheel at nightDutch Windwheel viewing platform
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