Fish-inspired skyscraper by RMJM wins Chinese tower contest
News: architecture firm RMJM has won a competition to design a landmark tower for Doumen, China, with plans for a 93-metre-high structure covered in scales (+ slideshow).
![Doumen Observation Tower by RMJM is a fish-inspired skyscraper](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Observation-tower-in-Doumen-by-RMJM_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
Proposed at the intersection of two rivers in Zhuhai, the Doumen Observation Tower was designed by RMJM's Shenzhen office to mimic the movement of water and aquatic life in the coastal city, sometimes known as the Chinese Riviera.
![Doumen Observation Tower by RMJM is a fish-inspired skyscraper](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Observation-tower-in-Doumen-by-RMJM_dezeen_468_2.jpg)
"The movement of water and fish can be seen as origin of the initial idea," said project architect Zhenyuan Yang. "The fish jumping gesture should symbolise the prosperity and rapid transformation of the city."
![Doumen Observation Tower by RMJM is a fish-inspired skyscraper](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Observation-tower-in-Doumen-by-RMJM_dezeen_468_4.jpg)
The tower's curving form will be clad with 1,400 bent panels, made from perforated aluminium. These will give the structure its scaly appearance, whilst shading the interior from direct sunlight.
![Doumen Observation Tower by RMJM is a fish-inspired skyscraper](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Observation-tower-in-Doumen-by-RMJM_dezeen_468_3.jpg)
RMJM used a parametric modelling system to develop the shape, which will be made up of twelve two-dimensional curves.
![Doumen Observation Tower by RMJM is a fish-inspired skyscraper](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Observation-tower-in-Doumen-by-RMJM_dezeen_468_5.jpg)
This will naturally divide the structure up into three sections – a ground-level podium housing shops and restaurants, a middle section containing leisure facilities, and a top-floor observation deck offering 360-degree views.
![Doumen Observation Tower by RMJM](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Observation-tower-in-Doumen-by-RMJM_dezeen_468_0.jpg)
The tower is set to be delivered as part of the wider regeneration of Doumen's riverfront.
Project credits:
Project architect: Yang Zhenyuan
Design director: Yang Hua
Design team: Stefan Mandl, Wu Jiayang, Michael Rebhandl, Thomas Sutner
![Doumen Observation Tower by RMJM](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Observation-tower-in-Doumen-by-RMJM_dezeen_1.gif)
![Doumen Observation Tower by RMJM](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Observation-tower-in-Doumen-by-RMJM_dezeen_3.gif)
![Doumen Observation Tower by RMJM](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Observation-tower-in-Doumen-by-RMJM_dezeen_7.gif)
![Doumen Observation Tower by RMJM](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Observation-tower-in-Doumen-by-RMJM_dezeen_4.gif)