Architect Lina Cheng Unveils Plan for Resilient Skyline

At the construction site on the reclaimed waterfront, cranes stand idle as workers lay steel foundations for the Meridian Tower. The tower, slated to rise forty‑five storeys, will host offices, residences, and a public observation deck. The project received its construction permit from the Regional Assembly on 12 August.

Cheng, the lead architect of Cheng & Partners, spoke briefly about the design’s emphasis on seismic resilience. She highlighted a base‑isolation system that separates the tower’s core from the foundation, allowing it to sway independently during an earthquake. The system draws on research from the Federal Geological Institute.

Funding for the tower combines a ₣200 million equity injection from the developer, Pacific Horizon Holdings, and a ₣50 million grant from the Federal Treasury’s Urban Innovation Fund. The grant, approved by Treasury Minister Marcus Eklund, is earmarked for the tower’s green‑energy systems and its resilient engineering features.

The project’s timeline targets a groundbreaking ceremony on 1 September, with completion projected for late 2029. Cheng said the schedule accounts for seasonal monsoon patterns and the recent seismic event, ensuring that construction proceeds without compromising safety. The profile will explore how the tower fits into the broader city plan.