Studio Fuksas Designs 'Hanging Garden' for Monaco

A statement from Studio Fuksas indicates that "natural elements guided the inspiration: here, the sea, there, the slopes [of] green Mediterranean hills." The rendering at top gives the indication that the design is hill- or cliff-like, with stacked, enclosed uses connected by external stairs and ramps. The curved lines of the building's five levels "evoke the movement of the waves and the topography of the seabed." Terraces "adorned with local plant elements," which the studio refers to as "the hanging garden," further the building's analogy to natural features.

The 45,000-square-meter project is located next to a planned cable car station (visible at the left side in the top rendering) being designed by Shigeru Ban Architects. Studio Fuksas's statement did not indicate a construction start or anticipated completion of their Fontvieille project.