A rendering shows Al Noor Tower in Casablanca Picture: Valode & Pistre

At 540 metres, Morocco's planned Al Noor Tower will leave London's Shard in the shade

Visitors to Casablanca typically explore its famed Hassan II mosque and medina, but that could change following the announcement of plans to build Africa’s tallest skyscraper in the Moroccan city.

Dubai-based developers Middle East Development’s 114-floor Al Noor Tower would measure 540 metres – the final height is meant to act as a tribute to the 54 countries that make up the African continent – and the mixed-use building would house a seven-star luxury hotel, art gallery, spa, fine-dining restaurants and luxury boutiques, alongside an exhibition centre and offices.

The architects behind the tower, Valode & Pistre, say its sweeping design has been inspired by the feel of a wedding dress and that its elongated form resembles the nib of a fountain pen when viewed from the side. The building’s façade will be imprinted with references to the 1,000 languages and dialects spoken in Africa to ensure that “everyone in Africa will feel part of the tower”.....Continue Reading

> via The Telegraph