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“Imagine our three-dimensional urban spaces where high-rise office buildings and high-rise hotels introduce sky gardens, canyons, and waterfalls,” Yangson says. “In this vision, the future city is not just made of concrete boxes anymore; it becomes a place that integrates and connects people with nature.”
Architects: MAD Architects
Area: 342674 ft²
Year: 2024
Photographs: Iwan Baan, Parrish Ruiz De Velasco and Vic Ryan, Vic Ryan Photograph
One River North is more than simply a complex of apartments; it’s a vertical landscape that allows its occupants to explore as though they were hiking through the mountains. MAD Principal Architect Ma Yansong says, “Imagine living in a building and yet feeling like you’re in a natural landscape—like living within a canyon itself.” From the sixth to the ninth floors of the building, inhabitants follow the canyon trail, which leads them through carefully designed spaces modeled after Colorado’s canyon and foothill ecosystems and accompanied by the sounds of falling water that can be heard from the street below.
By incorporating natural elements into contemporary architecture, MAD hopes to reinvent urban life with One River North, establishing immersive living spaces that promote community and deepen ties between inhabitants and the environment. The environmental circumstances of Denver, a city renowned for the untamed mountains and steep valleys that encircle its urban region, have prompted this creative approach. The city’s River North Art District (RiNo) has undergone a dramatic change in recent years. Originally an industrial town, it has transformed into a flourishing hub for artists, creators, and outdoor enthusiasts, all of whom contribute to Colorado’s vibrant and creative culture.
In a safe, walkable neighborhood, One River North offers an extended lifestyle focused on accessibility and wellness while meeting Denver’s demand for high-density urban housing. By promoting exploration, wellbeing, and a connection to nature, MAD’s design reflects the vibrant culture of the city and fortifies the bonds between its citizens and their environment. The building has 15 floors with 187 rental units and a 9,000-square-foot ground-floor storefront that mixes in perfectly with the streetscape and surroundings. The transition between indoors and outside is strengthened by the movement of outdoor elements and vegetation into the interior.
In order to contrast with the crisp geometric lines of the building’s massing, MAD created the soft surfaces of the Canyon, a four-story amenity space that is carved out and reminiscent of a slot canyon and was inspired by natural erosion. In addition to water features that strengthen the bond between locals and the natural world, this feature features more than 13,000 square feet of landscaped terraces that seem to float in open space, providing some of the most stunning views in the city. By fusing indoor and outdoor areas and obfuscating the distinction between architecture and nature, the canyon-like structure that runs through the façade produces an immersive, natural experience.
The Canyon culminates at a landscaped rooftop terrace 16 stories above street level after ascending across the building’s facades. The garden, pool, and spa in this alpine-inspired area offer unhindered views of the Denver skyline and the Rocky Mountains. One River North’s dedication to fostering the physical and mental health of its residents is demonstrated by its achievement of Fitwel certification, a distinguished honor. The project’s creative approach to mixed-use development is reflected in this certification, which is given to less than 1,000 buildings globally. One River North raises the bar for urban living that prioritizes human health and wellness by providing a carefully planned, immersive living environment that prioritizes placemaking and cultivates a sense of community.
