When you hear the word 'skytree' what comes to mind? Do you think of a giant tree floating
through the sky like in a Miyazaki film or maybe just a really big tree reaching out
toward the heavens?
While both of those would be pretty cool, the skytree we're referring to is actually
located in Tokyo and at a staggering 634 meters, it became the tallest tower in the world when
construction was completed in March of 2011.
In addition to the unique rounding of the tower's upright structure from a triangular
base to a circular top, the tower uses a central pillar of reinforced concrete which acts as
a seismic dampener and can absorb up to 50% of the energy from an earthquake. The central
pillar is attached to the outer part of the tower starting 125 meters above the ground
via a series of oil dampeners.
While this tech is quite novel, it's far from being a new technology. Wooden structures
supported using a large central pillar have been around since the 6th century. Dendrochronological
analysis have shown that the central pillar at the 'five story pagoda' in Nara was felled
in the year 594. Yes, that's right, parts of that 32.45 meter structure are more than
1,400 years old!
So why was the name 'Tokyo Skytree' chosen for broadcast tower and tourist magnet? For
two months in 2007 names were collected from the general public and narrowed down to six
finalists by committee. Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Edo Tower, Rising Tower, Tower of the Future,
Dream Lookout and Rising East Tower were put to a nationwide vote and the result was announced
in 2008. Tokyo Skytree won out with 30% of the 110,000 votes beating out Tokyo Edo Tower
as the number two favorite.
While Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in the world, it still holds the number two spot
behind the Berj Kalifa which is the tallest manmade structure in the world at a staggering
829.8 meters and who knows how long even that goliath will remain at the top of the list.
If the proposed Kingdom Tower ever reaches completion, it will tower over the Saudi Arabian
landscape at over 1,000 meters. With a completion date of 2019, we've still got some time to
wait however. Until then, you can fight the estimated 25 million annual visitors and head
up to one of Tokyo Skytree's two observation decks located 350 and 450 meters above the
ground.
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