Denver’s skyline has gained a new icon with One River North, a 16-story mixed-use development in the heart of the River North Art District (RiNo). Designed by MAD Architects, this project is more than just a residential tower—it is an immersive living experience where urban life meets the rugged beauty of nature. Through its innovative design, One River North redefines the relationship between architecture and the natural world, offering residents a space where the boundaries between building and environment disappear.
One River North Technical Information
- Architects1-9: MAD Architects
- Location: Denver, Colorado, USA
- Topics: Mixed-Use Developments
- Area: 342,674 Sq. Ft. | 31,835 m2
- Project Year: 2019 – 2024
- Photographs: © Iwan Baan, © Parrish Ruiz De Velasco, © Vic Ryan
Imagine living in a building yet feeling as though you’re immersed in a natural landscape—like living within a canyon itself.
– Ma Yansong, Founder & Principal Architect at MAD
One River North Photographs
One River North: A New Urban Landmark in Denver
One River North is located in the rapidly transforming River North Art District. The building embodies the shift from industrial space to creative hub, mirroring the district’s renaissance. Designed by MAD Architects, led by Ma Yansong, the project draws inspiration from Colorado’s awe-inspiring natural features—mountains, canyons, and rivers.
This 342,674-square-foot development houses 187 rental units and nearly 9,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor. But what makes One River North stand out is its conceptual approach: a canyon carved into the building’s glass facade that allows nature to become part of the architectural experience. Yansong’s vision is to reimagine urban living by intertwining modern architecture with natural environments, transforming the building into a vertical landscape that fosters a deep connection between its residents and their surroundings.
Architectural Design: Blurring the Line Between Nature and Structure
At first glance, the most striking feature of One River North is the crack-like canyon that runs through the building, creating a dynamic interplay of natural and built forms. This is not merely a decorative element but a functional design that opens up the building’s facade, allowing terraces and greenery to flow through the structure. The canyon starts on the 6th floor and extends to the 9th, offering over 13,000 square feet of landscaped terraces.
The canyon, inspired by natural erosion, contrasts with the otherwise geometric and sleek facade of glass, a hallmark of modern urban architecture. Yet these opposing elements—nature and modernity—come together seamlessly, blurring the boundaries between the city and the surrounding environment. The contrast between the organic form of the canyon and the sharp lines of the building’s exterior speaks to MAD Architects’ skill in integrating natural elements into a contemporary architectural form.
Inside, the theme of nature continues with materials and textures that evoke the feeling of being within a canyon. Soft, natural surfaces in the common areas are paired with plantings and water features that evoke Colorado’s diverse ecosystems. From any angle, it’s clear that One River North is a building designed not just to house people but to immerse them in an experience that feels as much like a walk through the mountains as it does an urban residence.
Living Experience: A Vertical Hike in the City
Living in One River North is akin to embarking on a vertical hike. Residents can traverse the canyon-like pathway from the 6th to the 9th floor, engaging with curated environments inspired by Colorado’s natural ecosystems. Water cascades through these spaces, and plant life changes with the seasons, creating a dynamic, ever-evolving experience for residents and visitors alike.
The building’s design blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living. The sense of connection to the natural environment is palpable, with terraces seemingly hanging in mid-air. The outdoor amenity areas feature seating spaces and shared rooms, encouraging interaction and engagement among residents. Fitness facilities are also integrated into this natural landscape, offering an immersive experience where the connection to nature enhances wellness.
At the top of the building, a rooftop terrace provides a final touch of alpine inspiration. With a pool, spa, and garden, residents can relax while enjoying unobstructed views of the Rocky Mountains and the Denver skyline. The design of these amenities reflects a deep understanding of the importance of nature in promoting mental and physical well-being. One River North’s Fitwel certification further underscores the building’s commitment to providing a living environment that prioritizes health and wellness.
A New Paradigm for Urban Architecture
The future city is not just made of concrete boxes anymore; it becomes a place that integrates and connects people with nature.
– Ma Yansong, Founder & Principal Architect at MAD
In One River North, MAD Architects have created more than just a high-rise—they have crafted a vision for the future of urban living. By integrating natural landscapes into the building itself, they challenge the traditional notion of what a city can be. In this project, nature is not something to escape outside the city; it is embedded within the urban fabric.
This approach is particularly relevant in Denver, a city known for its close proximity to nature but also facing the pressures of urban density. One River North addresses these challenges head-on by providing high-density housing while maintaining a strong connection to the environment. The building’s canyon feature encourages exploration and social engagement, while its wellness-oriented design reflects the growing demand for healthier, more sustainable living environments in urban areas.
In a broader architectural context, One River North sets a new precedent for how urban spaces can evolve. It points to a future where cities are not just collections of concrete structures but become integrated ecosystems that connect people with the natural world.
One River North Plans
One River North Image Gallery
About MAD Architects
MAD Architects, founded by Ma Yansong in 2004, is a global architecture firm known for its visionary and futuristic designs that blend nature and urbanism. With a commitment to creating spaces that foster emotional connections between people and their environments, MAD explores organic forms and sustainable solutions that challenge conventional architectural boundaries. The firm has gained international recognition through projects like the Harbin Opera House, Absolute Towers in Canada, and the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, continuously pushing the envelope in merging natural landscapes with urban structures.
Notes & Additional Credits
Principal Partners: Ma Yansong, Dang Qun, Yosuke Hayano
- Design Team: Jon Kontuly, Flora Lee, Peng Xie, Edwin Cho, Horace Hou, Yunfei Qiu, Evan Shane, Shawna Chengxiang Meng
- Client: The Max Collaborative
Owner: The Max Collaborative, Uplands Real Estate Partners, Zakhem Real Estate Group
Executive Architect: Davis Partnership Architects
Contractor: Saunders Construction
Interior Designer: The Interior Studio at Davis Partnership Architects
Structural Engineer: Jirsa Hedrick
MEP Engineer: ME Engineers
Landscape Architect: Davis Partnership Architects
Civil Consultant: Kimley-Horn
