The Sky Tree is Japan’s 2,080-foot tall communications centerpiece and the second tallest building on the planet, dwarfed only by the Burj Khalifa. It is located in Sumida, Tokyo and cost $806 million to complete, including a two-month delay due to the earthquake and tsunami. Over half a million workers assisted in its construction which was completed in late-February to early-March.
The design, originally presented and published by architecture firm Nikken Sekkei Ltd. on November 24th, 2006, was based on the three following concepts: the fusion of futuristic design and traditional beauty of Japan, a catalyst for revitalization of the city, and contribution to disaster prevention “Safety and Security.” The tower utilizes seismic proofing, including a central shaft made of reinforced concrete. The main internal pillar is attached to the outer tower structure at 410 feet above ground. From there up until 1,230 feet, the pillar is attached to the tower frame with oil dampers, which act as cushions during a seismic event (i.e., earthquake). According to the designers, the oil dampers can absorb 50 percent of the energy from an earthquake and prevent significant damage to the tower.
Due to the fact that the current 1,093-foot Tokyo Tower is no longer tall enough to move around video and radio transmissions past any of the surrounding high-rises, the Tokyo Sky Tree includes the numerous communications arrays needed for those tasks. This will assist in improving digital signal coverage as Japan joined the U.S. and other countries in the transition to digital broadcasting from analog in July of last year. The tower also includes office space, broadcasting facilities—being the home to seven Japanese broadcasters, including anchor national public broadcast organization NHK—dining and shopping areas areas, and observation decks that rise from the tower’s 1,312-foot-wide base, at heights of approximately 1,148 to 1,476 feet, respectively. The Tokyo Sky Tree will be open to the public on May 22, 2012.