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These are images of Atkins 250m-tall Ad Astra Tower skyscraper in the Black Sea coastal town of Batumi, Georgia. The mixed-use scheme will feature a hotel, offices, retail space and apartments and will be crowned by a glass heliport that opens and closes to allow helicopter landings.

James Fairweather’s verdict

The geometric aesthetics of the structure are extremely appealing; the facing provides sharp angular shapes with a uniformity that is simple yet spectacularly effective. The triangulated shaping entices the viewer’s eye up through the entire structure. A flow is created by the interlocking glass windows and enhanced by the irregular shapes used on the corners of the building, softening each façade and providing a smooth transition between each side.

The true test will be the structures use, how it fits the needs of the coastal region, both the business sector and the local communities, James Fairweather

The design will create a landmark on the landscape. However, the true test will be the structures use, how it fits the needs of the coastal region, both the business sector and the local communities.

Andrew Stout’s verdict

I really do appreciate good architecture, and this is no different as the ‘Ad Astra Tower’ - designed by Atkins - has such a wow factor. The diagrid structure gives the building such a modern feel to it, it really does seem Atkins has designed for the future.

To whether this building fits into its surrounding is another question as there is nothing really contextualizing the building. On the other hand they are trying to improve and make a change for the future as this will encourage business throughout Batumi.

James Fairweather and Andrew Stout are studying architecture at Nottingham Trent University.