Open Architecture's Conical Concrete "Sun Tower" is Inspired by Solar Worship

Open Architecture has unveiled its latest project – a new cultural center in Yantai, China, which features a striking design based on the movement of the sun.

The “Sun Tower” is situated in the Yeda Development Zone, which has – since its establisment in 1984 – has become a thriving cultural hub. Location-wise, the area stretches across the coastline of the Yellow Sea, which, in the Ming Dynasty-era, was populated by watchtowers, and has a history with sun-worshipping rituals.

It is this past, as well as typologies of other lighthouses, that informed the architectural design – resulting in a cone-shaped structure that reaches up 50 meters tall.

1 of 8

Jonathan Leijonhufvud

2 of 8

Jonathan Leijonhufvud

3 of 8

Jonathan Leijonhufvud

4 of 8

Jonathan Leijonhufvud

5 of 8

Jonathan Leijonhufvud

6 of 8

Jonathan Leijonhufvud

7 of 8

Jonathan Leijonhufvud

8 of 8

Jonathan Leijonhufvud

The building itself has been created through the use of two concrete “shells”, which are joined together by various ramps and slabs. Clever details were taken into the design, such as the fact that the inner shell is concave and facing the ocean – allowing it to amplify the coastal noises throughout the building.

Inspired by the sun worshipping rituals once practiced in this specific area, the building is aligned to specifically catch the sun at different points. Inside, exhibition spaces, a library, a cafe and a bar have all been created, while at the top of the building is the so-called “Phenomena Space”, which offers views out to sea.

According to the studio’s founders, Wenjing Huang and Li Hu, visitors to the Sun Tower will experience a reconnection to ancient wisdom – “it will help restore the spiritual power of nature in everyday life—to them, this is critical in fighting the worsening climate crisis — we need to change not only our lifestyle but also our belief system,” they add.

Take a look around via the gallery above.