Wave Pier by Mesh Architects Swirls from the Florida Shoreline Like a Roller Coaster

An all-star team of architects has designed Wave Pier, a swirling new culture center for St. Petersburg, Florida that spirals from the shore like a roller coaster. The designers behind the imaginative structure, <a href="http://www.mesh.ws/" target="_blank">Mesh Architects</a>, are a collaborative team made up of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/bigfreaks-unveil-an-urban-living-room-to-serve-as-meca-for-art-in-bordeaux/" target="_blank">Bjarke Ingles Group</a>, Martha Schwarz Partners, Thornton Thomasetti, Parsons Brinchkerhoff, HR&amp;A and CC&amp;A. The incredible design sweeps into Tampa Bay <a href="http://inhabitat.com/james-corner-field-operations-wins-competition-to-redesign-chicagos-navy-pier/" target="_blank">from the water’s edge</a>, and curves dramatically to create a beautiful and unique cultural center.

Mesh’s design for the aptly named Wave Pier names the proposed name as inspiration.

The group’s entry for the city’s design competition defies gravity, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/cebras-green-ramps-spiral-through-the-experimentarium-science-center-in-copenhagen/" target="_blank">swirling and extending</a> from the shore line and twisting 360 degrees to form an interior complex that provides a covered shelter to an outdoor space below.

The multi-use structure meshes different activities under one roof. The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/pierescape-aedas-envisions-a-series-of-outdoor-“dock-like-extensions”-for-navy-pier-in-chicago/" target="_blank">Wave Pier</a> becomes a place to view the serene Tampa Bay, and the glittering lights of the St. Petersburg skyline.

Inside, a pavilion, exhibition and banquet hall can host an array of performances and events for cultural institutions. The building’s arch forms a natural band shell underneath, for outdoor concerts throughout warmer months. A market is also nestled near the band shell, adjacent to a boat pier.

The curve of the structure also gives way to an artificial beach- a second beach out at sea, as the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/solar-powered-floating-island-is-an-off-shore-eco-retreat/" target="_blank">structure dives into the waters below</a>. The roof of the pier is a unique terrace giving sprawling views of the bay.

Mesh Architecture’s Wave Pier adds an iconic landmark to <a href="http://inhabitat.com/architect-michael-maltzans-lens-wins-st-petersburg-pier-competition/" target="_blank">St. Petersburg’s coast line</a>, while creating a space that can suit many cultural and community needs.