The Open Architecture company is nearing completion of the Solar Tower, an observatory that functions like a clock marking the change of seasons, located in Yantai.
The construction process of the Solar Tower in Yantai. (Video: Open Architecture).
Solar Tower stands 50 meters tall, situated on the beach and inspired by the historical worship of the Sun as well as local famous watchtowers, reported New Atlas on July 1st. These watchtowers were once used to alert the emperor about potential sea attacks.
In terms of structure, the Solar Tower is made from white concrete, carefully shaped to align with the Sun’s trajectory. Circular openings on the exterior of the tower connect to tubes that channel natural light into the building. At night, according to the design, the windows will be illuminated to resemble a starry sky. By promoting natural ventilation and reducing reliance on air conditioning during summer, the Solar Tower allows visitors to experience the changing seasons and the flow of natural energy.
At the base of the tower, there will be a plaza featuring a shallow water pond, misting devices, and fountains. A specially designed water channel cuts through the plaza, acting as a timekeeper. This is the line along which the shadow of the Solar Tower will move on the equinox (the time when the Earth’s equatorial plane passes through the center of the Sun).
The Solar Tower is made from white concrete, carefully shaped to align with the Sun’s trajectory.
The ground will be paved with patterns of a series of ellipses. The intersections of the ellipses and the water channel will mark the trace of the tower’s shadow at specific times of the day on the equinox. In one of the outer rings, a series of fountains will be designed to mark the 24 solar terms according to the traditional Chinese calendar. On regular days, they will operate in sync with the high and low tides, according to Open Architecture.
Inside the Solar Tower, there will be exhibition spaces, a library, an observation area near the top, and various other spaces. The structure will also include an outdoor theater with impressive acoustics thanks to the tower’s unique shape.
The basic structure of the Solar Tower is now complete. On June 21 – the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere – Open Architecture held a topping-out ceremony. The tower is currently being finalized and is expected to open in 2024.
