Chinese studio Open Architecture has unveiled the impressive Sun Tower, a striking 50-metre-tall structure in Yantai, northeast China. This architectural marvel features a conical concrete design that elegantly tracks the sun’s journey across the sky. Nestled within Yantai’s Yeda Development Zone, the Sun Tower serves as a vibrant cultural and community hub, housing exhibition spaces, a semi-outdoor theatre, a library, a viewing deck, a café, and a bar.
The innovative design of the Sun Tower draws inspiration from a colossal sundial, while also offering a modern interpretation of traditional lighthouse forms. According to Li Hu, co-founder of Open Architecture, the building’s unique typology sets it apart as a multifaceted space. “Sun Tower is unusual in terms of its architectural typology — it is simultaneously a contemporary cultural building, a civic gathering place, a watchtower for ocean observation, a giant sundial, an education centre for environmental awareness, and a lighthouse for urban souls searching beyond the horizon,” he explained to urdesign. “It is fusing together all of the above, a new kind of species.”
Constructed in collaboration with engineering firm Arup, the Sun Tower features two layers of conical concrete shells. These layers are interconnected and supported by horizontal slabs and ramps that gracefully ascend through the structure. The exterior is adorned with numerous circular windows, strategically designed to channel natural light and enhance ventilation while minimizing energy consumption.
On the sea-facing side, the building appears to be sliced open, offering an unobstructed view of the ocean for both the ground-floor theatre and the viewing deck above. Visitors can easily access the theatre through a passage tunnel that traverses the building. The theatre is situated within the concave inner shell, which the studio claims naturally amplifies the sounds of the ocean, creating an immersive auditory experience.
Exhibition spaces are thoughtfully arranged along the pedestrian ramps, showcasing an array of digital screens and captivating projections. Atop the building lies Phenomena Space, a unique library and semi-outdoor viewing deck. This area features a circular opening in the roof, allowing rainwater to cascade into a pool below, resulting in a mesmerizing water installation that enhances the overall experience.
The design of Sun Tower by Open Architecture is a tribute to the sun’s journey throughout the year, reflecting the region’s historical reverence for sun-worship. The northern edge of the structure aligns perfectly with the noon sunlight during the equinoxes, while the entrance tunnel is oriented to capture the sunset on the winter solstice. Additionally, the theatre’s central axis is strategically positioned to greet the sunrise over the nearby Zhifu Island on the summer solstice.
Extending from the theatre is an outdoor plaza that envelops the building, adorned with a series of elliptical ring patterns. A linear water channel meanders through the plaza, with intersections between the ring patterns and the water channel meticulously designed to correspond with the building’s shadow at specific hours on equinox days. This thoughtful integration of natural elements aims to create a harmonious relationship between architecture and the environment.
Open Architecture’s vision for the project is to foster a deeper connection between people and nature. Co-founder Huang Wenjing expressed gratitude for the overwhelming public enthusiasm and the influx of visitors since the building’s inauguration. “We aimed to create architecture that connects people with nature and time in profound ways,” she stated. “Nature is sacred, that’s our belief. To combat the climate crisis, we must transform our perception and understanding of the world.”