Sun Tower, a new cultural center in Yantai’s Yeda Development Zone, creatively embodies the region’s link to the sun and sea. The structure is designed to honor both its historical context and contemporary demands with sustainable architecture and visually striking elements. Its alignment with solar paths enhances the visitor experience, making it a landmark for both locals and tourists alike.
The newly unveiled Sun Tower in Yantai offers a vibrant cultural center for the burgeoning community of the Yeda Development Zone. Once a cluster of fishing villages, this area has evolved since 1984 into a hub of industrial and tourist activity, marked by OPEN Architecture’s imaginative design that honors the region’s deep-rooted connections to the sun and sea. This intriguing structure draws inspiration from Yantai’s past, being a prominent site of ancient sun-worship and viewing towers from the Ming Dynasty. Sun Tower also reinterprets the lighthouse design, manifesting a curving façade with expansive openings for breathtaking views over the seafront. Standing at approximately 164 feet tall, the building consists of two sloped layers of concrete shells, strengthened by horizontal slabs and ramps, developed in partnership with Arup. Carefully aligned to the celestial paths, the various spaces within the tower reflect meticulous solar studies: the northern side parallels the midday sun during equinoxes, while the entrance aligns with the winter solstice’s sunset. A semi-open theater sits at the tower’s heart, directed toward the summer solstice sunrise over nearby Zhifu Island. The tower’s inner concave shell serves a unique acoustic purpose, absorbing ocean sounds and redirecting them to the amphitheater below. At this lower level, elliptical rings radiate outwards resembling celestial orbits, intertwined with a stone-carved water channel that dramatically marks the tower’s shadows as they dance throughout the equinoxes. An outer ring boasts fountains symbolizing the 24 solar terms of the traditional Chinese calendar. Atop Sun Tower, visitors find the library and the “Phenomena Space,” an observation deck featuring an oculus that allows rainwater to fill an elegant pool installation below. Exhibition areas line the spiral pedestrian ramps, equipped with digital screens for an immersive experience. Designed for sustainability, the tower incorporates passive techniques like tunnel cooling, thermal mass, and cross-ventilation to optimize energy efficiency.
Sun Tower epitomizes the transformation of Yantai, reflecting its migration from humble fishing roots to an industrial and tourist-populated locale since its development began in 1984. This architectural marvel not only serves a functional role as a cultural hub, but also pays homage to the historical significance of the sun and the sea in the lives of local inhabitants. The design beautifully weaves together ancient customs and modern structural innovations, ensuring historical reverence while meeting contemporary needs.
Sun Tower stands as a beacon of culture and history, seamlessly blending traditional elements with innovative design to create an architectural symbol of Yantai’s evolution. Its thoughtful orientation towards the sun and sound-enhancing features offer visitors both an aesthetic and enlightening experience. This remarkable facility positions itself not only as a gathering space for the growing community but also as a testament to sustainability and historical appreciation.
Original Source: archinect.com
