This Apartment Building Is Mario Kart-Inspired–If You Squint Hard Enough

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The new twelve-sided tower in Phoenix’s Arts District looks strikingly modern from afar, almost like something out of a science fiction film – or a playful geometry class. But the designers reveal it’s actually a fun tribute to the popular video game, Mario Kart.

Zac Cohen, creative director at Räkkhaus, the firm designing the building, told Fox 10 in Phoenix that creating unique structures that grab people’s attention is vital for a vibrant downtown area. He hinted that the building’s unusual appearance is only the beginning – the story behind its design is even more interesting.

The building gets its name from Rainbow Road, a famously wild and colorful racetrack where players often fall off the track. While you won’t find any official characters or logos on the outside – the designers avoided that due to a certain company’s strict legal policies – there are still nods to the source material for those who look closely.

He explained that the building has twelve sides to symbolize the winding nature of the race track. Each floor you ascend represents a level-up in the game. The window frames also subtly change colors, referencing the vibrant and ever-shifting visuals of the famous course.

Cohen explained that the building’s windows are strikingly angled, creating a sense of twisting movement. From the ground, the building almost seems to be in motion. This dynamic feeling continues at street level with features like bike racks and benches, which echo the flowing design inspired by Rainbow Road. A colorful sidewalk pattern will extend around the block, creating a memorable walkway that people will recognize even without seeing any game branding.

The new building features a public gym, a restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating, and 36 apartments, with monthly rent starting around $1,900. After a year and four months of building, it’s scheduled to open on December 1st, and the developer, Cohen, believes it will bring new life to the area.

We aimed to create a fun, playful space that truly reflected the artistic spirit of the district,” he explained. “It’s surprising how few businesses here actually focus on art, so we wanted to be the spark that encourages more creative design in the area.

Even if you don’t live in Phoenix or plan to move there, you can still experience the fun of Rainbow Road by playing Mario Kart World. The game is up for several awards at The Game Awards, and the winners will be announced in a few weeks.

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2025-11-19 23:41