Tokyo Sky Tree is one of the most incredible sights in Japan as well as the whole world. It is an elegant broadcasting, restaurant and observing tower located in Sumida, Tokyo. It prides itself for being the world’s tallest freestanding tower. At 2,080 ft high, it is the second tallest building after Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE (2,722 ft).
The construction of Tokyo Sky Tree begun in 2007 and the project was completed in 2012. It is popular for housing Tokyo’s radio and TV broadcasting beacon along with twin observation decks.
Design
The design of the tower was based on three concepts – contribution to disaster prevention, catalyst to revitalization of Tokyo, and the fusion of futuristic design along with Japan’s traditional beauty.
The tower’s base has a structure that resembles a tripod. The structure is cylindrical in shape in order to provide panoramic views of the city. It has several observatories which have a capacity of over 2,000 people. The upper observatory has a spiral, glass-covered sky-walk. It also has a section of glass flooring that is designed to offer viewers with a direct downward view.
Earthquake Resistance
Tokyo Sky Tree boasts of a seismic proofing that includes a central shaft that is made of reinforced concrete. The tower’s main internal pillar is strategically attached to its outer tower structure 410 ft above the ground. From there up to 1,230 ft, the pillar is attached to the tower’s frame with oil dampers. The dampers should work as cushions in case of an earthquake.
According to the tower’s designers, these dampers are capable of absorbing over 50% of the energy emitted by an earthquake. The tower emerged from the 2011 earthquake that hit Japan unscathed, despite the fact that it was under construction by then.
Color
The tower’s interior lattice is beautifully painted using a color that is officially referred to as ‘Skytree White’. This is an original color that is derived from aiijiro, which is a bluish white Japanese traditional color.
Opening
As the opening of the tower in May 2012 approached, it was reported that scores of people lined for a whole week to book tickets. By opening day, trips up the tower were all booked. The opening ceremony attracted tens of thousands of people, despite a heavy down pour.