A mixed-use residential tower titled ‘L’Arbre Blanc’ or ‘The White Tree’ has been chosen by the City of Monpellier as the winning entry in the “Architectural Folie of the 21st Century” competition.

Designed by Sou Fujimoto Architects, Nicolas Laisné Associés and Manal Rachdi Oxo, the 17-storey building is said to be inspired by the form and structural efficiency of trees, with strategically placed balconies that fan out from the tower like branches.

Built to accommodate the surrounding environment, the building’s facade curves and twists to offer its residents the best exposure and panoramic views without obstructing the views of its neighbours.

Just like a tree, the tower will feed off natural resources to help reduce the energy usage and control environmental impacts.

The city of Montpellier launched the 12-building “Folies” competition in hopes of enriching its 21st century architectural heritage.

The chosen tower will be located midway between the historic city centre and recently developed districts of Port Marianne and Odysseum, linking the ‘old’ to the ‘new’.

Courtesy Arch Daily, Sou Fujimoto Architects, Nicolas Laisné Associés and Manal Rachdi Oxo