Studio Gang Envisions Sculptural Tree-Inspired Building in Denver

New York-based Studio Gang has revealed new renderings for Populus, a 13-story mixed-use building slated for development near Civic Center Park in Denver. Conceptualized in partnership with real estate firm Urban Villages, the 145,000-square-foot design will be home to 40 micro-apartments, a public rooftop bar and observatory, and a 250-key hotel. Positioned as a link between the city’s downtown and its Golden Triangle Creative District, Populus’ sculptural façade will be punctuated by vertical scallops that span the width of each hotel room. Windows will also vary in size for private and public space, but each will echo the characteristic forms of Aspen trees. “Forming an essential interface between inside and outside, the distinctive windows expand the hotel rooms to the city and Rocky Mountains beyond,” explains Studio Gang founding principal and partner Jeanne Gang. “Their shape is inspired by the growth pattern seen on the iconic Aspen trees of Colorado, whose branches produce ‘eyes’ on the trunks’ surface.” A green roof will also be planted with regional vegetation, providing a lush destination for socializing and maximizing expansive views. Inside, an expansive ballroom will serve as one of the building’s several event spaces, in addition to a lobby that will activate the ground floor with several F&B concepts. Currently in the permitting process, the project is expected to kick off construction later this year and is slated for completion in 2023.