These three unique buildings transform the skyline of Baku’s historic city center, perched on a hill overlooking the Caspian Sea. HOK was inspired to create these modern, Baku The city’s history of fire festivals, natural gas resources, and its current status as a technological and commercial center. Despite their similar appearance, each tower was created to perform a specific mission. The tallest of the three buildings, a 39-story residential tower to the south, has 130 luxury apartments. The 36-storey hotel at the north end of the site has 318 guest rooms with stunning views.
The office tower on the west side of the site offers over 350,000 square feet of adaptable Class A commercial office space. Azerbaijan’s motto “Land of Fire” is referenced by three flame-shaped towers representing the element of fire. This is historically significant in areas where gas torches are fired from the ground, and Zoroastrians interpret fire as a representation of the gods, especially in Ateshga and Yanardag in Baku. The emblem of the city of Baku also features a three-flame design.
The Flame Tower is believed to cost $350 million. The project started in 2007 and was completed in 2012. Lamborghini opened its first store in June 2014 on the ground floor of the East Tower of the Flame Towers in Azerbaijan. LED screens showing the movement of the fire visible from the furthest parts of the city completely surround these flame towers. Huge flames, the colors of the Azerbaijani flag, people waving flags and a huge water tank being filled with water were all featured in the light show. The average transition time is two minutes.
Towers are a prominent feature in the video game Battlefield 4, where Baku is the opening level of the Baku single-player campaign. The towers were also regularly exhibited during coverage of the inaugural Formula 1 European Grand Prix in Baku. Retail plinths that provide entertainment and leisure services for residents and visitors are anchored to the three towers. The flickering effect of the LED lights on the exterior of the building enhances the “flame” theme at night.
These towers are the ever-burning flames of contemporary Baku, inspired by Azerbaijan’s rich tradition of fire sacrifices. The Baku Flame Tower project is overseen by Azinko Development MMC. The project covers an area of approximately 28,000 square meters and consists of three towers sharing a podium. The project’s 245,000 square meters of building space is dedicated to construction. They are connected at the base of the tower by a glass roof. There is a sizable mall below.
