L’Arbre Blanc

This multipurpose tower, located in the French coastal city Montpellier, contains housing, as well as a restaurant, art gallery, offices and a common area.

Designed by Japanese architecture practice Sou Fujimoto, the building’s name translates from French as ‘the white tree’. Hundreds of generous balconies fan out from its facade, like leaves soaking up sunlight – designed to encourage residents to gravitate outside.

The architects were inspired by Montpellier’s outdoors culture and warm climate.

Designed by Sou Fujimoto Architects, Nicolas Laisné, Dimitri Roussel and OXO Architectes.