Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has revealed its proposal for a striking 21-story residential tower as part of a competitive development process in Málaga, Spain. The ambitious 47,000-square-meter project, commissioned by Marbella-based developer Sierra Blanca Estates, represents one of three competing proposals that could reshape the Spanish city's urban landscape.

The ZHA design encompasses 153 residential units housed within the 21-story tower structure. In addition to the main residential component, the proposal includes 80 subsidized housing units specifically designated for long-term residents of the local community, demonstrating a commitment to affordable housing integration.

The development site currently houses a shelter for vulnerable people, which ZHA's proposal would relocate to a new building elsewhere in the town. The architectural firm's plans also involve demolishing an existing hostel and other buildings owned by the city council in the area to make way for the new development.

A distinctive feature of the ZHA proposal is its 40-meter façade, which strategically decreases in height as it approaches Huelin Park, a green space in the vicinity. This design approach appears to create a more harmonious transition between the tall residential structure and the adjacent parkland.

Sierra Blanca Estates faces competition from two other development teams. The first competitor is the Urbania and Guamar building firm, working with Spanish architecture studio Morph as their designer. Morph has submitted what they call an "invisible housing development," specifically designed to create the smallest possible visual impact on the surrounding area. Notably, this is the only scheme among the three that proposes keeping the existing shelter in its current location. According to local reports, Morph's design features a spiraling structure with terraces topped by greenery, emphasizing environmental integration.

The third competing proposal comes from José Seguí's architectural studio, which takes a dramatically different approach. Seguí has proposed a 26-floor luxury hotel that would include approximately 300 rooms, more than 4,000 square meters of office space, and a helipad positioned on the roof. This proposal represents a mixed-use approach that combines hospitality, commercial, and transportation elements.

The Sierra Blanca Estates proposal extends beyond just the ZHA tower design. Their comprehensive plan includes the creation of public squares, landscaped gardens, and sheltered courtyards throughout the development area. The proposal also calls for new sports and recreational facilities to serve the community.

According to Sierra Blanca Estates, these additional elements are specifically designed to enhance the quality of civic spaces for both Málaga residents and visitors while creating a more accessible urban environment. The developer emphasizes that their proposal aims to improve the overall urban experience rather than simply adding residential capacity.

The proposal also addresses heritage preservation concerns by including plans for the preservation and relocation of several nearby heritage structures, in addition to the homeless shelter relocation. This approach suggests an attempt to balance new development with historical conservation.

This development competition forms part of Málaga's broader urban transformation initiative, specifically the ongoing conversion of the city's industrial port area into a residential neighborhood. This transformation falls under the Andalusia urban development initiative, representing a significant shift in how the city utilizes its waterfront industrial spaces.

The ZHA project team is led by Design Principal Patrik Schumacher, with Project Director Manuela Gatto overseeing the development. The project team includes Alicia Hidalgo, Armando Bussey, Jessica Wang, Jose Pareja Gomez, Laizhen Wu, Massimo Napoleoni, Thomas Bagnoli, and Veronica Erspamer. The firm's sustainability team consists of Carlos Bausa Martinez, Aditya Ambare, Aleksander Mastalski, Bahaa Alnassrallah, Disha Shetty, and Shibani Choudhury. Rendering work has been provided by Atchain, while animation services are being handled by Morean.

A decision regarding which of the three competing schemes will be adopted is expected to be announced later this year. The selection will significantly impact the future development trajectory of this area of Málaga and could set a precedent for similar urban transformation projects throughout the region.

The competition reflects broader trends in European urban development, where cities are increasingly looking to transform former industrial areas into modern residential and mixed-use neighborhoods. The outcome will likely influence how other Spanish cities approach similar redevelopment challenges in their own industrial port areas.