High on a hill beside a neighboring city, a tower rises high above the dense woods below, its apex resembling a finely cut diamond. Sunlight reflects off it such that the tower glistens in the sky, twinkling like a jewel and commanding attention 24/7. At least that's the vision of the architects at Foster+Partners, who are planning just such a structure next to the city of Khanty Mansiysk in Sibera.

In a few very impressive renderings, the Foster gang shows the jewel-like tower dominating the landscape in an almost biblical way with its shine. That's due to "solar gain" and a design that's intended keep the interior lit with natural light. As such, the structure is planned to be "sustainable," energy-wise (I think they mean self-sustainable), with a viewing platform and restaurant at the top (how original).

All in all, we love the wicked, environmentally friendly design, even if the real thing probably won't look as good as the design renderings. But speaking of which, check out a couple more, including one of the interior, after the jump. — Peter Pachal

Foster+Partners, via Electro-Plankton