The Tokyo Sky Tree

[Kyuu]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Sky_Tree

Leave it to Japan to be able to finish the structure on a Leap Year Day. Skyscrapers. Yea, I'm somewhat of a fan of these things, especially with the boom of skyscraper construction across East Asia. Upon completion, this sucker is the second tallest structure in the world. Of all places, earthquake prone Tokyo. So, imagine being up that thing during an earthquake; yet, I wouldn't expect it to fall. Japanese engineering, after all.

So, if anyone has the chance to go up there, do it. And looking at this picture, which shows its height relative to everything else around it -- well -- it has to be one heck of an unobstructed view up there.

[Endless Soul]

I've always viewed skyscrapers as tangible proof of the audacity, arrogance, and wonder of humanity's mastery over nature. They're awesome.

Endless "Audacious" Soul

[GDB]

Oh neat, public opening on May 22. I'll be on vacation there starting on the 24th. One more place to visit.

[andyjay729]

The Japanese can think of this as their Freedom Tower in the wake of the earthquake; not just a landmark for the tourists but a symbol of their recovery.

I especially like how the building's shape starts off as a triangle at the bottom and gradually morphs into a circle.

[Xagzan]

I'm just waiting for them to do this, this, or, sweet hell, this.

[Sumeragi]

One more reason to hate Tokyo.

[Gamer_2k4]

Originally Posted by Xagzan

I'm just waiting for them to do this, this, or, sweet hell, this.

If any massive skyscraper project is going to be realized, you can bet it'll be in Dubai.

Of course, this one in Saudi Arabia has already been approved, so...

[Xagzan]

Originally Posted by Sumeragi

One more reason to hate Tokyo.

Not a fan of skyscrapers, Sumeragi-san?

Originally Posted by Gamer_2k4

If any massive skyscraper project is going to be realized, you can bet it'll be in Dubai.

Of course, this one in Saudi Arabia has already been approved, so...

Oh I know something like the X-Seed is simply not going to happen for the foreseeable future. Of course, I'm torn over whether I'd ever want to see it built. But I hadn't heard about that Kingdom Tower, thanks for the link. It says construction was not planned to start any later than last December, but it doesn't say if they actually held to that plan...

[Sumeragi]

Originally Posted by Xagzan

Not a fan of skyscrapers, Sumeragi-san?

More like I don't like such towers which are mostly tall for the sake of being tall.

[sa547]

Originally Posted by Kyuu

So, imagine being up that thing during an earthquake; yet, I wouldn't expect it to fall. Japanese engineering, after all.

It did went through five minutes of 3/11 with only a few buckets of paint knocked off.

[Ithekro]

So it is there to replace the functions of the old Tokyo Tower (which is too short to broadcast over the surrounding skyscrappers). Fair enough.

It is not a fuctional habitate structure like those mega-structures being planned.

[Xagzan]

Originally Posted by Sumeragi

More like I don't like such towers which are mostly tall for the sake of being tall.

I hear you. That's why I usually feel conflicted about such huge structures as well. But, if this one does serve that function Ithekro mentioned, I suppose it's more understandable.

[Sumeragi]

Originally Posted by Ithekro

So it is there to replace the functions of the old Tokyo Tower (which is too short to broadcast over the surrounding skyscrappers). Fair enough.

I've never been a fan of such broadcasting towers unless they're on a scenic place relatively away from the city proper (like the N Seoul Tower or Port Tower in Amagami). Believe me, I HATE Kyoto Tower, and only tolerate it because it has a traditionalist shape of a candle and the building complex at its base. I'm a fan of using buildings to install transmitters, like what was done at Sears Tower (currently Willis Tower, but it'll always be Sears in my heart).

[Ithekro]

Around here we have a conveniant mountain for such transmitters.

[Endless Soul]

Originally Posted by Ithekro

Around here we have a conveniant mountain for such transmitters.

Mt. Wilson? Or are you farther north?

[Ithekro]

Farther north. Mt. Diablo. Though they don't use it as much for that.

[Kyuu]

Originally Posted by Xagzan

I'm just waiting for them to do this, this, or, sweet hell, this.

I've been aware of the first two. And man, they're mega projects. But this X-Seed idea... oh lordy...

All three ideas fall under SimCity2000... with those Acropolis buildings. And come to think of it: if mankind can actually port these kinds of structural ideas (particularly the Shimizu Pyramid) towards outer space structures -- then space cities would be very very possible.

[Random32]

Originally Posted by Sumeragi

I've never been a fan of such broadcasting towers unless they're on a scenic place relatively away from the city proper (like the N Seoul Tower or Port Tower in Amagami). Believe me, I HATE Kyoto Tower, and only tolerate it because it has a traditionalist shape of a candle and the building complex at its base. I'm a fan of using buildings to install transmitters, like what was done at Sears Tower (currently Willis Tower, but it'll always be Sears in my heart).

Considering that Tokyo Tower was already the tallest building in Tokyo and still wasn't tall enough, I don't think they had a choice but to build a taller tower to broadcast from.

btw, Sears Tower FTW. Though the transparent balconies are pretty cool imho.

[Xagzan]

Originally Posted by Sumeragi

I've never been a fan of such broadcasting towers unless they're on a scenic place relatively away from the city proper (like the N Seoul Tower or Port Tower in Amagami). Believe me, I HATE Kyoto Tower, and only tolerate it because it has a traditionalist shape of a candle and the building complex at its base. I'm a fan of using buildings to install transmitters, like what was done at Sears Tower (currently Willis Tower, but it'll always be Sears in my heart).

THANK YOU. Sears Tower is its real name, far as I'm concerned. "Willis Tower" just sounds so wrong, and as a name it holds no meaning for me anyway. It wasn't the "Willis" Tower I visited and had a blast ascending when I was little.

And I do believe that even when 1 WTC is completed, Sears Tower will still be the tallest building in the US if you just look at roof height and exclude the antennae.

Originally Posted by Kyuu

I've been aware of the first two. And man, they're mega projects. But this X-Seed idea... oh lordy...

Haha, yes, I saw the idea for the X-Seed a couple of years ago and was just floored that something like that was even envisioned. Of course, it looks terrifying, like a futuristic Mt. Doom.

All three ideas fall under SimCity2000... with those Acropolis buildings. And come to think of it: if mankind can actually port these kinds of structural ideas (particularly the Shimizu Pyramid) towards outer space structures -- then space cities would be very very possible.

Well Shimizu is technically an arcology, and as such would have a shorter pinnacle height than Sky City, but right now the latter is the one that they could feasibly hope to accomplish. On Earth, that is. I think we actually have to start putting more effort into basic space exploration itself before we can put cities up there

[Ithekro]

Looking at it...The Tokyo Sky Tree, I mean...Looks like a prototype for an anti-alien weapon. A giant laser cannon to fend off the invaders. Or a Macross Cannon - Wave Motion Gun type thing.