Appearing to defy gravity itself, CCTV, the headquarters of China Central Television in Beijing, China, has become an instant icon on the skyline it now dominates, as well as on the world stage. A seminal collaboration between Balmond and Rem Koolhaas, CCTV breaks the mould of a conventional ‘skyscraper’. Formed by two leaning towers that are bent 90° at the top and bottom, the building creates a continuous tube. Rather than chasing height, it captures ingenuity and innovation.