The design of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan in Baku takes the economical high-rise typology as a starting point. The East-West oriented slab and its polygonal geometry rises then into a sculpturally twisted volume, glazed from top to bottom and open to its surroundings. The client asked for a symbolic building, open and light, to replace the hermetically-sealed structure of the former Headquarters.

Situated on the Heydar-Aliyev Avenue, the 164 meters tall tower becomes a highly visible landmark of the capital city, a significant point of reference in the Baku skyline. Two other iconic buildings of modern Baku are located further South-West, on the same main road: the Baku Convention Center designed by Coop Himmelb(l)au (2015), and Zaha Hadid’s Heydar Aliyev Center (2012).

A transparent, full-height atrium enhances the design, thereby generating a new high-rise typology that transforms the traditional office block into a vibrant place to work.

The atrium functions as a ​“vertical city” with platforms functionally connecting spaces across the atrium and dividing it horizontally into urban-like neighborhoods. Numerous ​“short circuit” stairs and ramps connect several of the office floors across this ample interstitial space, creating informal meeting lounges and circulation patterns, similar to streets and passages of a city. Additionally, hanging gardens and daylight reflecting cones bring light and vegetation into the microclimate of the Vertical City. The atrium thus unfolds as a pleasant and dynamic communication forum, providing stunning views of the city of Baku and the Caspian Sea.

As an economically optimized building, the Central Bank of Azerbaijan is equipped with a state-of-the-art sustainable energy concept, employing solar gain, passive sun protection, and natural ventilation for cooling and heating, as well as natural daylighting.