The Tokyo SkyTree is the worlds tallest tower at 634 metres and was completed in 2012. The tower has a tripod shape at its base before transforing to a cylindrical shape at a height of 350 metres.
The Tokyo Skytree is used as a radio and television bradcasting site and also receives thousands of visitors every month who enjoy the veiw from two observatories, one at 350 metres and anotehr at a height of 450 metres.
The upper observatory’s main attraction is a glas covered walkway offering visitors an unimpeded view to the street level over 400 metres below.
Reported in January 2014
Design of the Tokyo Skytree
The foot of the Tokyo SkyTree is shaped as a triangle. The number “3” is the smallest unit that can provide stability as exemplified by tripods.
That rational shape minimizes any sense of over-bearing and the impact of shadows on the surroundings.
The shape was also chosen because it is symbolic of the triangular crisscrossing in the area of the Sumidagawa (Sumida River), Arakawa (Ara River) and the east-west axis of traffic.
In addition, concerning the silhouette, the “sori” (concave curves) and “mukuri” (convex curves) seen in traditional Japanese architecture, etc. were the images in mind. The smooth curves that changes from the top towards the foot of the tower give the tower a dignified poise and an elegant air to it.
Furthermore, as you move up from the foot to the top of the tower, the base form changes from triangular to circular.
The varied appearances that the tower will have depending on the angle or place from which the tower is seen also makes this a landmark full of originality that is unlike anything found in any other city around the world.
This new tower has been born based on the traditional sense of beauty and utilizing the advanced technology of Japan. The new tower will create a new landscape that goes beyond space and
Urban Revitalization
To create, connect and spread new life into this area where traditional Edo culture continues to live. The foot of the Tokyo SkyTree is arched and shaped like three open gates. In addition, there will be two observatories – one 350m above ground and another 450m above ground. Restaurants, stores and other facilities are also planned for the 350m section to offer gourmet food and other pleasures while enjoying a commanding view of Kanto.
Plans are to set up a sky walkway covered in glass around the observatory lobby at an altitude of 450m, enabling the world’s highest walk to be enjoyed.
Moreover, a bustling complex with character distinctive of a shitamachi (the traditional name for the area of Tokyo extending from Taito, Chiyoda and Chuo Wards east of the Sumida River where many merchants, craftsmen, etc. reside) is being planned in the area surrounding the new tower to create an environment enjoyable for everyone – irrespective of age or gender or nationality.
Watch Tower
The new tower has been positioned as the core facility for the new digital broadcasting era and has the social duty to serve as the lifeline of the information infrastructure in times of disaster. Everything from structural form to construction techniques will involve the all-out mobilization of people with experience and expertise in state-of-the-art technology as well as traditional techniques.
In addition, the new tower is aim to be a long-life structure that accounts for renovations, updating and other lifecycles and, at the same time, will contribute to the development of a center that satisfies the disaster prevention plans promoted by the area through being equipped with disaster prevention features.
The five-story pagoda, representative of architectural techniques specific to Japan, is structured in a way that each floor is independent with a central pillar at the core. This structure and resulting interaction between the pagoda floors is said to help minimize the size of tremors in the event of an earthquake or during strong winds. The structural system of the new tower will recreate this five-story pagoda damping system using the latest technology.
Tower Structure
Learning from the technique of indigo dyeing, the white color for the tower will have a tint of blue in it to give a subtle luster, like the faint bluish white seen in white porcelain. Gray EV shafts give depth to the white tower structure, making the total tower design stand out in bold relief. The lath and metallic panels of the observation deck give an integral look to the tower structure, blending with the Tokyo sky. The brilliant white peak pointing to the blue sky symbolizes the spirit of innovation and the future.
Color Concept
White, the color of the Tokyo SkyTree as seen from the Sumida River, expresses traditional Japanese aesthetics. White recalls Japanese purity and sanctity as seen in snow-capped Mt. Fuji, as well as in the firemen’s matoi and festival nobori banners, both of which are spiritual symbols of the old town of Edo. It is a color representing the traditional sense of beauty held by the Japanese people.
The word shiro (white) in Japanese originated from shiru (know) or shirushi (sign), a color used to differentiate one from the rest and also to recall a symbolic value. The white Tokyo SkyTree will serve as a symbol of the area and embodiment of the pride of the surrounding residents.
White will serve as a screen to show the changes in the sky and the city, the landscape beyond time and space through all seasons. The night view will be even spectacular with the tower illuminated to stand out in the dark. It will capture the images of the vibrant community created by all walks of life who visit the tower.
This is an original color based on aijiro, Japanese traditional color, and the lightest shade of indigo dye. Inspired by the technique of indigo dyeing, the Sky Tree White has a tint of blue in it. The faint bluish white gives a subtle luster to the tower as seen in white porcelains.
The color created by artisans odyeing f indigo dyeing, a traditional Japanese handicraft, hints at the dawn of a new culture through the encounter of the Tokyo SkyTree with the artisan culture, passed down for generations in the downtown area, where the tower stands. The tower clad in Sky Tree White will shine brilliantly under the blue sky of downtown Tokyo, transcending time and space.
