Formerly: New Tokyo Tower Built: 2011 Cost: ¥60,000,000,000 Type: Tower Maximum Height: 2,000 feet / 610 meters Location: Oshiage 1-chome, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Description by Wayne Lorentz T okyo returns to the world's architectural stage with this massive broadcasting tower, scheduled for completion in 2011. It will rise above what was the Tobu Railway Company's rail yard in Sumida Ward. Discussions about a new broadcast tower have been ongoing for years, but it wasn't until 2006 that Tokyo's major broadcasting companies and the national broadcaster, NHK, agreed on this plan.
This tower will carry antennae for Tokyo radio and television stations, which are currently at the top of Tokyo Tower. However, Tokyo Tower is quickly being surrounded by massive skyscrapers which cause mutltipath and other problems with radio signals. The new tower will allow the broadcasters to locate their transmitters at a higher point to alleviate the congestion. As part of the move to the new tower, the broadcasters will abandon their analog facilities and move to pure digital operation.
Unlike the current Tokyo Tower, the base of Tokyo Sky Tree will be more than an expanse of asphalt with some scraggly gardens and minor amusement facilities. It is envisioned as an entire urban working, shopping, transportation, and community center, right beneath the tower, helping better utilize the available space.
Of course, the real star of the show is the tower, itself. Rising from a triangular-shaped lobby with a large arch on each side, the core of the building will be surrounded by a lattice work of structural steel. As the building rises, the core changes to a circular shape by the time it reaches the first observation level. The second level is 330 feet higher, but smaller. This is topped by the continuing steel cone and eventually a master television antenna.
This building is designed to be extra earthquake-resistant because it will serve as a vital communications relay during disasters.
First observatory height: 1,148 feet
Second observatory height: 1,476 feet
June 10, 2008: The name of this building is changed from New Tokyo Tower to Tokyo Sky Tree.
December, 2010: Anticipated date of construction completion.
A triangular-shaped lobby was chosen because it has three sides -- the smallest number possible for a self-supporting structure. They also symbolize the confluence of the Sumida River, the Ara River, and the bustle of human traffic.
Paul Diamond
Saturday, October 17th, 2009 @ 10:40pm
Rating: Five stars. Excellent. At last something new for Godzilla to destroy.
Bruce M.
Wednesday, February 4th, 2009 @ 3:47pm
Rating: Five stars. Trying to replace the Tokyo Tower with a taller structure is like trying to replace the Empire State or Chrysler Buildings in New York. They achieved icon status not just because off their size, but also because of their design, despite "new", taller structures. This new tower looks like an erector set on steroids, and doesn't say "TOKYO, JAPAN" to me--it could be built anywhere.
Megan Hoteling
Thursday, September 25th, 2008 @ 6:10pm
Rating: Four stars. While I do enjoy the futuristic heading and the forethought put into both the design and uses, I cannot say that I will not miss the classical, almost symbolic, figure that is the Tokyo Tower today.
Ruddy Nuņez
Monday, December 3rd, 2007 @ 2:45pm
Looks very good, keep up the good work!
kele best
Wednesday, November 28th, 2007 @ 1:21am
this is just what tokyo needs to show just how advanced they are when it comes to technology
dave
Saturday, August 25th, 2007 @ 4:40pm
It looks very modern and sleek. Just goes to show how much money Japan has.
Marc
Wednesday, May 23rd, 2007 @ 6:39am
Rating: Five stars. A spectacular tower.And more beautiful than existing Tokyo Tower.I hope it will have a sky lobby, open for public.
Animator
Sunday, April 15th, 2007 @ 9:42pm
Rating: Five stars. Very elegant and futuristic, it boasts japans enormous grip on technology.
eske
Sunday, March 25th, 2007 @ 1:50pm
Rating: Five stars. I like the height of the new tokyo tower it is interesting...
alexanderi premja
Tuesday, March 6th, 2007 @ 1:43pm
Rating: Five stars. very stilish and looks powerfull.
Kyoko Hikarui
Thursday, February 22nd, 2007 @ 9:59am
Rating: Five stars. It kinda reminds me of seattle
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Paul Diamond
Five stars.
Four stars.
dave
Marc
alexanderi premja
Kyoko Hikarui