Since it’s opening on May 22, the Tokyo Skytree has already experienced an overwhelming amount of visitors. As reported by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), the 634-meter (2,080 feet) structure has surpassed the previously tallest communications tower, Canton Tower in China, by 34 meters. The Tokyo Skytree took four years to construct and is double the height of Japan’s 333-meter Tokyo Tower.
Tokyo Skytree’s name and design concept is described by the developer as, “The creation of city scenery transcending time: A fusion of traditional Japanese beauty and neo-futuristic design”. Continue reading for more.
Constructed to lure shoppers and increase commuter traffic, Bloomberg has reported that the ¥65 billion tower is expected to boost developer Tobu Railway Co.’s (9001) revenue by ¥28.3 billion. Approximately 32 million visitors are expected within the first year. Upon visiting, they will be lured into the 34-story entertainment and retail complex at the tower’s base.
The earthquake resistant Skytree stands on three legs with a central column. Its “Skytree White” steel frame morphs from a triangular base to a circular top, while encompassing two observation decks: one at 350 meters and another at 450 meters.
Watch a video tour of the tower here. And, check out a list of the world’s 50 tallest towers here.
Photo by Flickr user Joe Hsu, yasa, Kentaro Ohno, and hkflc licensed through Creative Commons.
Reference: Bloomberg, Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
