Crystal Lanterns

Five mixed-used towers connected by a shared retail podium topped with public parks and commercial spaces.

The Crystal Lanterns are a sustainable, mixed-use development of five residential towers on a retail podium in the leafy district of Lieu Giai in Hanoi, Vietnam. The sculptural form of the five towers is distinguished by elegant pleats of glass and balconies with plantings. The buildings sit in a lushly planted rooftop garden that includes publicly accessible parks, walking pathways, water features, cafés, and restaurants. An upper roof level provides more secluded gardens, swimming pools, and tennis courts for building residents. Skylights and a large glass-enclosed atrium bring light into the four levels of shopping in the podium, which also features below-grade parking.

I designed this project as an architectural designer at Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects.

Each tower's pleated glass facade features patterned balcony openings with built-in planters for every apartment.

The main entrance to the mall is through a large four-story glass atrium that floods the indoor spaces with natural light and provides views to the park spaces above.

The podium rooftop is accessible through the mall's atrium and features public parks and restaurant spaces with outdoor seating.

Entrances to below-grade parking are located on three sides of the podium; each residential tower has its own dedicated lobby.