Chicago, Illinois | Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty
Owning a home in a landmark high-rise is about more than the address, the views or the amenities—it’s an opportunity to inhabit an architectural vision. The most sought-after addresses are in towers shaped by unbridled creativity and innovation, where form, materiality, and spatial experience come together to redefine the modern urban lifestyle.
While skyscraper design has long been a male-dominated field, some of the most striking towers redefining city skylines today are the work of women architects. From Zaha Hadid’s fluid, futuristic forms to Jeanne Gang’s sculptural precision, these visionaries have transformed vertical living into an art form.
Among these pioneering works is St. Regis Residences in Chicago, where architect Jeanne Gang has designed a striking 101-story tower—the city’s third tallest. Its undulating facade, inspired by the geometry of naturally eroded rock formations, creates a shimmering, kinetic effect against the skyline. Inside, thoughtfully designed residences maximize natural light and frame unparalleled views of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.
One residence within the tower, currently on the market with Sotheby’s International Realty, is available fully furnished with bespoke furniture and inspired finishes by award-winning architect and designer Joaquin Homs. The interiors match the drama of the city skyline and every detail is designed to elevate the living experience within the architectural masterpiece.
San Francisco, California | Sotheby’s International Realty - San Francisco Brokerage
Gang’s approach to high-rise living is equally evident in Mira in San Francisco, which she envisioned as a twisting, terraced tower designed to bring a sense of movement and dynamism to the cityscape.
The unique geometry of the building also allows for more corner units, giving residents expansive vistas and an abundance of daylight—a hallmark of Gang’s human-centred approach to design. This apartment is a perfect reflection of this vision, with expansive windows that maximize natural light and frame sweeping city views, and a private balcony that extends the living space outdoors.
Further pushing the boundaries of form and function was the late “star-chitect” Zaha Hadid, whose Mercury Tower in Malta continues her legacy of futuristic, gravity-defying architecture. Here, Hadid’s signature curves create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, with residences offering immersive views and a sense of sculptural grandeur.
Malta | Malta Sotheby’s International Realty
“As one of Zaha Hadid’s final designs, the development is not just a residence but a statement piece against the city skyline, offering a living space that is as much a piece of art as it is a home,” says Raj Daswani, a global real estate advisor at Malta Sotheby’s International Realty. A full-floor apartment perched on the 28th floor is a masterclass in contemporary luxury, with sweeping Mediterranean panoramas and soaring interiors finished in timber and Italian marble.
Another avant-garde take on the luxury high-rise can be found in Barcelona, where the vision of award-winning French architect Odile Decq is realized in the new Antares tower. Characterized by its striking red accents and expansive private terraces, Antares offers 88 apartments with awe-inspiring ocean views, and access to an unparalleled suite of amenities across 1,000 square metres of communal space, from a rooftop infinity pool—the city’s largest—to an on-site dining experience from Michelin-starred chef Romain Fornell.
Barcelona, Spain | Barcelona & Costa Brava Sotheby’s International Realty
As Daswani says, these properties represent more than luxury. "The appeal lies not just in their striking aesthetics, but in the quality of life they offer. Thoughtful design means better natural light, intelligent layouts, and seamless integration of luxury amenities. Rarity also plays a role—homes in such buildings tend to appreciate in value, making them not just a purchase, but a statement of taste and a smart investment."
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