MAD’s One River North brings nature into the heart of Denver
One River North, designed by Ma Yansong of MAD Architects, stands as an innovative architectural feat in Denver’s River North Art District (RiNo). This 16-story building, a striking addition to Denver’s skyline, is much more than a typical apartment building; it reimagines urban living as an integration with the natural world. The design is dominated by a visually captivating “canyon” carved through its glass facade, echoing the rugged terrains of Colorado and inviting residents to engage with nature on a daily basis. Through this canyon, MAD Architects transforms the concept of urban residential space, blurring the lines between architecture and the natural environment and offering residents the sensation of residing within a canyon rather than simply in a high-rise.
Traversing this canyon from the sixth to the ninth floor, residents find themselves immersed in a meticulously designed landscape inspired by Colorado’s canyon and foothill ecosystems. This canyon-like space features cascading water sounds audible from the street below, contributing to the natural ambiance that defines One River North. By integrating these elements, MAD aims to foster a sense of community, grounding residents in an environment where nature, design, and city living converge. This approach to design seeks not only to meet the housing needs of an urban center but to enhance the well-being and accessibility of city life, encapsulating the active and outdoor-centric lifestyle for which Denver is known.
Denver’s River North Art District has rapidly transformed from an industrial area into a vibrant hub for artists, creators, and outdoor enthusiasts, embodying a creative revival reflective of Colorado’s spirit. MAD Architects’ One River North complements this evolution, bringing in a high-density housing solution that emphasizes wellness and encourages residents to connect with both nature and one another. The building houses 187 rental units over 15 floors, complemented by a ground-level retail space that extends the natural landscape of the area into the building’s interior. Materials, textures, and plantings flow seamlessly from outside to inside, fostering a continuity that unites the urban streetscape with indoor spaces.
The canyon within One River North is a sculptural, four-story amenity area designed with soft surfaces to mimic the effects of natural erosion, a deliberate contrast to the building’s clean geometric form. Spanning more than 13,000 square feet of terraces, the canyon features suspended greenery and striking city views, as well as water features that deepen residents’ sense of connection to the natural world. The canyon’s landscaping takes inspiration from Colorado’s diverse ecosystems, and seasonal variations are woven into its plant life. Using resilient native species, the design ensures that the greenery will mature over time, transforming the canyon into a lush, thriving environment that grows alongside the community it serves.
Ascending to the rooftop, residents find an alpine-inspired retreat on the 16th floor, complete with a pool, spa, and garden offering panoramic views of the Denver skyline and the Rocky Mountains. This landscaped terrace brings a new level of luxury to urban living, encapsulating a mountain escape within an urban setting. The rooftop, like the canyon below, is a reminder of Denver’s proximity to nature and offers residents a sanctuary in which they can retreat, socialize, or simply relax while taking in the city’s natural and urban landscapes.
One River North has been awarded the Fitwel certification, a recognition bestowed upon fewer than a thousand buildings worldwide, for its commitment to promoting the physical and mental wellness of its residents. This certification underscores the project’s focus on human health and the well-being of its occupants, a priority in MAD’s vision for the future of urban living. Through a thoughtfully curated design that emphasizes placemaking, One River North provides a unique, immersive living experience that fosters a sense of community and encourages a balance between city life and natural surroundings.
Photography: Iwan Baan, Parrish Ruiz De Velasco, Vic Ryan and TAL+Bai Yu, courtesy of MAD, shared with permission
