Japanese architecture

A strange new growth has joined the skyline of the French city of Montpelier – though admittedly, it hardly sprang up overnight. The "White Tree" is a mixed-use complex designed in 2014 by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto. Now nearing completion, it combines elements of both Japanese and Mediterranean stye. Non-residents can enjoy the restaurant, shops, offices and gallery – or pop up to the rooftop panoramic bar. Meanwhile, whose lucky enough to bag an apartment will find a home that makes little distinction between indoors and outdoors, thanks to the fact that this building is positively bristling with balconies. The White Tree has also been intentionally placed where Montpelier's older city centre and the recently redeveloped Port Marianne and Odysseum areas meet, taking advantage of everything the old and new have to offer. So, when can we move in?