A residential condominium twin tower complex in Mississauga, Ont., has been named the world’s best new skyscrapers.

The shapely Absolute World towers, nicknamed the ‘Marilyn Monroe’ towers because they resemble the movie star’s hourglass figure, were selected from more than 300 skyscrapers to receive this year’s Emporis Skyscraper Award.

Presented annually by Emporis, a global provider of building data, the award recognizes the architectural excellence of highrise structures. Buildings must have a minimum height of 100 metres (328 feet) and have been completed during the previous calendar year.

“The way the two structures twist organically by up to eight degrees per floor is not just a superb technical achievement but also a refreshing change to the set forms of highrise routine,” stated the international jury of experts about the winning skyscrapers.

Designed by MAD Ltd.and Burka Architects, the two towers are part of a five-building complex. They rise 175 metres (574 feet) into the Mississauga skyline, twisting 209 degrees from their base to the top floor, which is 56 storeys up.

Absolute World towers is only the second building in Canada to win the Emporis Skyscraper Award. In 2001, Vancouver’s One Wall Centre claimed the coveted prize.

This year, a second Canadian building made it on to Emporis’ ‘world’s most spectacular buildings’ list. Designed by Foster + Partners and Zeidler Partnership Architects, Calgary’s The Bow earned the fourth spot.