World's tallest residential building to be built in Brazil
by Zac Campbell · Mail OnlineThe world's tallest residential building, which will be named after national hero Ayrton Senna, is set to be built after being given been government approval.
The Senna Tower, which is primed for construction in the city of Balneário Camboriú in southern Brazil, could stand at 500 metres high if built.
This will over the world's the current tallest tower block, Central Park Tower in New York City, by 18 metres.
The concept, costing a reported £415,000,000, was devised by architectural firm FG Empreendimentos and designed by Senna's visual artist niece Lalalli.
She said: 'Every great story begins with a journey. A journey of discovery, growth and transformation.
'The Senna Tower is a work of art of monumental proportions: a symbol that inspires us to seek to overcome our limitations and express the greatness within us.
'The tower has this architectural form precisely to symbolise this heroic journey of overcoming our ideals and the manifestation of our deep potential.'
One of the greatest drivers to have ever raced in Formula One, Senna wowed fans with his scintillating speed on-track, which saw him win three world championships throughout his time at McLaren before he moved to Williams in 1994.
Tragically, in his first season with his new team, he died after a high-speed crash at that year's San Marino Grand Prix.
The structure, which has been approved by the Brazilian government and environmental agencies, will hold 204 apartments, 18 'suspended mansions', four duplex penthouses, and two mega triplex penthouses.
According to a survey by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), 57.22% of inhabitants in Balneário Camboriú live in apartments, which equates to the second-highest rate of any city in the country.
This statistic has also seen the city become colloquially referred to as the 'Brazilian Dubai' by locals.
The municipality is the second smallest city in terms of territorial extension in the state, even though it is the 12th in absolute population.
Jean Graciola, co-founder and president of FG Empreendimentos, said: 'Our relentless focus on innovation, technology, and the pursuit of the extraordinary sets us apart.
'Designing and building is an art, and our expertise allows us to bring this audacious project to Santa Catarina, developed by talented hands and in partnership with the world's top engineering firms.
'This is our commitment: to transform an extraordinary intangible concept into something real and timeless, leaving a legacy beyond our generation, perpetuating the message for the future'.