South America's tallest tower is a landmark to Chile's extraordinary beauty and spirit
Located in the beautiful Providencia region of Chile's capital, Gran Torre Santiago soars nearly 1,000 feet into the sky, reflecting the energy of the country’s growing economy and Santiago’s historic cityscape. The tower anchors the Costanera Center complex at the heart of the financial district, a bustling center for global business and popular destination for international tourism, luxury shopping, and entertainment. A public observatory on the tower’s upper floors invites visitors to take in panoramic views of Santiago and the surrounding mountains, including breathtaking sunsets over the Chilean coastal range.
Drawing inspiration from a landscape like no other
Surrounded by the majestic Andes Mountains, Gran Torre Santiago is a modern expression of the obelisk form composed by faceted glass walls. Each wall folds slightly at its centerline, creating a ridge that reaches up to the tower’s top. Tapering as they rise, the walls pull apart at the tower’s corners, revealing a strikingly thin profile and culminating in a latticed crown that glows softly — a welcoming beacon in the night sky. The tower touches the ground gently at its base alongside the Mapocho River that runs through the center of Santiago.
“No human-built form can compete with the power of these mountains. The tower is designed to be part of the city, without cosmic pretentions.” — Cesar Pelli, FAIA, RIBA, JIA
Forward-looking sustainability and safety features at the design’s core
LEED-Gold rated, the tower’s innovative sustainability features include recycled steel, high-efficiency mechanical systems, natural cooling with water from the surrounding San Carlos Canal, and high-performance coatings on the glass cladding that allow for unobstructed views with intelligent solar shading. The tower features a state-of-the-art structural system that provides unprecedented earthquake protection in a region known for its seismic activity.
More About the Project
Project Team
- Fred Clarke, FAIA, RIBA, JIA ↗
- Cesar Pelli, FAIA, RIBA, JIA
- Larry Ng
- Luis Dellinocente
- Javier Roig
- Alejandra Alonso
- Stephen Chien
- Geoffrey Lawson
- Jessie Palacios
Principal Collaborators
- Architect of Record: Alemparte Barreda Wedeles Besancon
- Structural Engineer: Rene Lagos Engineers / Thornton Tomasetti
- MEP: JB&B / Inspecta S.A.
Project Information
- Location: Santiago, Chile
- Client: Cencosud, S.A.
- Size: 1,200,000 sq. ft. / 110,000 sq. m.
- Height: 980 ft. / 300 m.
- Completion: 2014
- Certification: LEED Gold
- Firm Role: Design Architect
Awards
- 2013, Highly Commended Award for Chile, High Rise Architecture, International Property Awards
- 2013, 5 Star Award for Chile, Mixed-Use Architecture, International Property Awards
- Principal Project Photography: Jeff Goldberg/ESTO