a tower impressed by the trail of the solar
OPEN structureThe lately accomplished Solar Tower is a particular cultural web site in Yantai's Yeda Improvement Zone, China. Rising fifty meters (164 ft) above the shoreline, The concrete the construction combines 12 months observeropen air theatre, exhibition areas, a library, cafe, bar and the distinctive Phenomena area, all housed in a conical form impressed by the trail of the solar. Situated on the coast of the Yellow Sea, the Tower of the Solar brings a up to date architectural landmark to a area with a wealthy historical past, establishing an iconic vacation spot for residents and guests to the town.
Since its institution in 1984, the Yeda Improvement Zone has developed right into a hub for business and tourism. The arrival of the Solar Tower responds to the rising demand for cultural and group areas, offering a venue that encourages engagement, environmental consciousness and social interplay for the world's rising inhabitants and guests.
the design displays the area's historical past of solar worship and coastal watchtowers | picture © Jonathan Leijonhufvud
celebrating the connection between the solar and the ocean
With its Solar Tower, the design crew at OPEN Structure celebrates Yantai's deep reference to solar and sea. Reflecting the area's historic historical past as a spot of solar worship and the watchtowers of the Ming Dynasty, the Tower of the Solar serves as a contemporary interpretation of conventional lighthouses. This multi-purpose construction is designed to embody the altering passage of time, anchoring the group in pure cycles and historic reverence for the actions of the solar.
The curved form of the tower, marked by giant openings on the seaward facet, supplies platforms and viewing areas overlooking the coast. Constructed with two layers of inclined concrete shells strengthened with horizontal slabs and ramps, the construction was designed in collaboration with Arup to resist coastal circumstances and distinctive design challenges. This strong type ensures structural sturdiness together with a direct oceanfront connection.
The Tower of the Solar combines a theater, galleries, library, cafe, bar and “phenomenal area” | picture © Iwan Baan
open structure learns from solstice
Cautious photo voltaic research knowledgeable the design of the Tower of the Solar. Its northern edge strains up with the noonday daylight of the equinox, whereas the doorway tunnel frames the winter solstice sundown. The semi-outdoor central theater faces Zhifu Island, aligning with the dawn on the Summer time Solstice, permitting guests to expertise photo voltaic occasions from contained in the constructing.
Going through the Yellow Sea, the tower's concave internal shell amplifies the sound of the ocean, resonating by way of the construction to the amphitheater at its base. A collection of elliptical rings radiate from the central sq., symbolizing the planetary orbits. These rings intersect with a water channel carved into the stone pavement, marking the shadows of the constructing throughout the equinoxes, whereas an outer ring celebrates the twenty-four photo voltaic phrases of the standard Chinese language calendar with a collection of fountains.
the 50 meter excessive tower has two inclined concrete shells going through the Yellow Sea | picture © Jonathan Leijonhufvud
The highest of the Solar Tower homes a library and Phenomena House, the place guests can take pleasure in panoramic ocean views. This semi-outdoor statement deck has an eyelet that permits rainwater to gather in a nonetheless pool, including a contemplative facet to the architectural expertise.
As guests ascend the pedestrian ramps that wind the construction, they encounter exhibition areas with digital screens and projection surfaces, supported by strategically positioned suspension factors for varied shows. The Solar Tower makes use of passive design parts equivalent to tunnel cooling, thermal mass for temperature stabilization, cross air flow and a chimney impact for air circulation, all aimed toward minimizing vitality consumption.
the tower meets the native want for a group and cultural heart in Yantai | picture © Iwan Baan
photo voltaic alignments mark the setting of the winter solstice and the rising of the summer time solstice | picture © Jonathan Leijonhufvud