Design for Tallest Building in the West Unveiled

As Vincent notes, the $1-billion hotel and office building being developed by Korean Airlines - which appropriately enough is shaped like an airplane wing - won't just be notable for its "dramatic addition to the city skyline," but also as "a symbol of South Korea's growing status as a global economic powerhouse." 

"As designed by Los Angeles architecture firm AC Martin Partners, arriving hotel guests will be whisked by high-speed elevators to the 'sky lobby' on the 70th floor for check-in to one of 900 rooms. An operator, who could bring a familiar brand name to the inn, has yet to be selected."

"The 71st floor will be a restaurant. The floor above that will house window-washing gear and engineering equipment, clearing the top floor for an "infinity" swimming pool and recreation area. At street level there will be about three floors of restaurants and shops, topped by 30 floors of offices for rent."

The tower, which is expected to be completed in 2017, replaces the 936-room Wilshire Grand hotel, built in 1952, which has been owned by Korean Air since 1989.

For more images of the project, see Sam Lubell's report in The Architect's Newspaper.