Like many rapidly developing suburbs in North America, the city of Mississauga in Southern Ontario, is on a quest for a modern makeover.

Rising to 170 meter, Mississauga’s ‘Absolute Towers’ authenticate the city’s desires to convey a new and modern identity that connects people and an urban setting with a surrounding natural landscape.

Nicknamed the ‘Marilyn Monroe’ skyscraper, the construction of these two gigantic residential towers started in 2006 and is scheduled for completion in autumn of 2011. The 50-storey towers necessitate 95,000 square metres, although the buildings’ height and grandeur are by far from the Absolute Towers’ most remarkable feature. An unbroken balcony envelopes the whole tower, abolishing the monotonousness of the vertical bars that are traditionally used in high-rise architecture.

But how can high-rise towers –the ultimate representation of urbanization and modernism – possibly connect to their natural rural surroundings? The Absolute Tower rotates by different degrees at different levels, a trait that the building’s designers, MAD, claim corresponds with the surrounding scenery.

Talking of their aspirations to connect the city with nature, a spokesperson for MAD commented:

“Our aim is to provide 360 degree views, to awaken the city dweller’s appreciation of nature, and to get them in touch with the sunlight and the wind.”

Situated at the junction of two main streets in Mississauga, Absolute Towers is a gateway that signifies the entrance to the city. In a recent ceremony to mark the progression of the towers, Mississauga’s mayor Hazel McCallion joined Absolute Tower’s officials and MAD’s Associate Partner Ping Jiang. Remarking on how the towers will enhance Mississauga, Ping Jiang said:

“Mississauga has become a magical city full of energy. We are happy to be part of it. More important, we are happy so many people like the building. We believe the two towers are unique architecture which links the city and nature by introducing those beautiful curves.”

Whilst there may be plenty of people who would disagree that a high-rise tower could possibly link the city and nature, it is irrefutable that the Absolute Towers are a unique symbol of a modern expanding city. Although one question remains unanswered, “why have the locals nicknamed the towers the Marilyn Monroe Skyscraper?” Perhaps, one guesses, for its voluptuous curves?

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