Sun Tower: returning to the spiritual power of nature

Inspired by the movement of the sun, Sun Tower is set to become a cultural landmark of the Yeda Development Zone in Yantai, China.

Designed by OPEN Architecture, this conical structure houses an open-air theatre, exhibition spaces, a library, a café, a bar, and an innovative “phenomena space,” all overlooking the beautiful Yellow Sea coastline.

© Jonathan Leijonhufvud, courtesy of OPEN Architecture

© Iwan Baan, courtesy of OPEN Architecture

 

OPEN Architecture conceived Sun Tower as a tribute to the region’s inherent connection to the sea and sun, and as an acknowledgement of the region’s ancient traditions, which included sun worship.

Also inspired by the local watchtowers built during the Ming Dynasty, the project is a modern reinterpretation of traditional lighthouse architecture. Besides standing out for its design, Sun Tower is a lighthouse, cultural center, and sundial that pays homage to the beauty of nature and the passing of time.

 

Sun Tower and its relationship with the sun

© Jonathan Leijonhufvud, courtesy of OPEN Architecture

 

The 50 m high structure has two inclined concrete shells connected and braced by horizontal slabs. The curving volume of the building has large openings on one side, while at ground level, the theater and the viewing platforms overlooking the seafront are left exposed.

© Jonathan Leijonhufvud, courtesy of OPEN Architecture

 

At the top of the tower are a library and the phenomena space, a semi-outdoor panoramic terrace with spectacular sea views. This section of the tower has an oculus at the top that allows rainwater to enter.

© Jonathan Leijonhufvud, courtesy of OPEN Architecture

 

Following detailed studies of the sun’s trajectory, the north side of the tower is parallel to the midday sun during the equinoxes, while the main entrance is oriented towards the sunset on the winter solstice. The semi-outdoor theater at the center of the tower faces so that its middle axis points towards the sunrise on Zhifu Island on the summer solstice.

© Iwan Baan, courtesy of OPEN Architecture

 

Facing the ocean, the concave inner shell absorbs and amplifies the sounds of the sea like a conch shell, distributing it through the structure to the amphitheater below.

© Jonathan Leijonhufvud, courtesy of OPEN Architecture

 

The building harnessing passive strategies to minimize overall energy consumption, such as using thermal mass to stabilize temperatures inside, optimizing cross-ventilation through operable vents, and exploiting the stack effect to extract hot air.

 

A cultural beacon for a growing city

© Jonathan Leijonhufvud, courtesy of OPEN Architecture

 

A series of exhibition areas are located along winding pedestrian ramps within the tower, complemented by screens and digital projections. Points for displaying artworks are strategically located along the exposed concrete walls and ceilings.

© Jonathan Leijonhufvud, courtesy of OPEN Architecture

 

A series of elliptical rings radiate outward from the center of the plaza, referencing the orbits of the planets, while a water channel cut into the stone paving traces the shadow cast by the tower during the equinoxes. An outer ring features a fountain display celebrating the 24 solar terms of the traditional Chinese calendar.

© Jwan Baan, courtesy of OPEN Architecture

 

OPEN founders, Wenjing Huang and Li Hu, have given concrete architectural expression to the invisible energies of light, sound, and planetary movements, creating an innovative and versatile structure. The aim of the Sun Tower is to re-establish the connection between people and the age-old wisdom of respecting nature. For the architects, this is crucial to combating the climate crisis, which demands both a change in our lifestyle as well as a profound change in our belief system.

 

>>> Discover the project School as Village in Shanghai, also by OPEN Architecture

© Jonathan Leijonhufvud, courtesy of OPEN Architecture

© Jonathan Leijonhufvud, courtesy of OPEN Architecture

© Jonathan Leijonhufvud, courtesy of OPEN Architecture

© Jonathan Leijonhufvud, courtesy of OPEN Architecture

© Jonathan Leijonhufvud, courtesy of OPEN Architecture

© Iwan Baan, courtesy of OPEN Architecture

© Jonathan Leijonhufvud, courtesy of OPEN Architecture

© Jonathan Leijonhufvud, courtesy of OPEN Architecture

© Jonathan Leijonhufvud, courtesy of OPEN Architecture

© Iwan Baan, courtesy of OPEN Architecture

© Jonathan Leijonhufvud, courtesy of OPEN Architecture

© Jonathan Leijonhufvud, courtesy of OPEN Architecture

© Jonathan Leijonhufvud, courtesy of OPEN Architecture