Tag: observation-tower | ArchDaily

Paris’ Tour Montparnasse Observatory to Close in March 2026 as Redevelopment Plans Move Forward

Reyyan Dogan — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 07:30:00 +0000

The public observation deck at the top of the Tour Montparnasse, long considered one of the most debated additions to the Parisian skyline, is set to close on March 31, 2026, ahead of a major redevelopment of the tower and its surrounding complex. Completed in 1973, the 210-meter structure has remained the only skyscraper within central Paris for decades, frequently criticized for its scale and contrast with the historic cityscape. The closure of the Paris Montparnasse Observatory marks the beginning of a multi-year transformation aimed at modernizing the tower while rethinking its relationship with the surrounding Montparnasse district.

Of a Feather: The Hidden Architecture of Bird Watching

Olivia Poston — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 07:30:00 +0000

Around the world, a passionate community of bird watchers, from novice observers to seasoned ornithologists, is drawn to the subtle movements, distinct calls, and remarkable migrations of birds. This global fascination has led to the creation of thoughtfully designed spaces by architects and designers, enhancing the bird-watching experience while respecting the ecological landscapes in which they are placed.

Architecture Above: 25 Observation Towers Around the World

Camilla Ghisleni — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 07:30:00 +0000

The desire to see the world from above transcends cultures and time — an almost instinctive impulse to seek new horizons, gain perspective, and momentarily step outside everyday life. Observation towers embody that desire: built in forests, mountains, urban parks, or coastal landscapes, they invite us to pause, look closely, and discover the surroundings in a quiet or playful way. These structures offer more than just views; they offer experiences. As we climb their steps or ramps, our bodies take part in a ritual of transition — from ground to sky.

A View From the Top: The History of Observation Towers

Kaley Overstreet — Fri, 13 May 2022 04:00:00 +0000

There’s something magical about seeing a city from the very top. To have a new vantage point, and look across a skyline instead of looking up at it is one of the most powerful and awe-inspiring feelings. Observation decks are not just architectural marvels, but also a sort of civic icon and sense of pride for a city. In the present day, it’s not just their height that draws people in, but the additional programming of sky-high bars, rides, and bungee jumping as well.

Brick Observation Tower - Elephant World / Bangkok Project Studio

Hana Abdel — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Kui, the ethnic people of Surin Province in north-eastern Thailand have been elephant keepers for centuries. Elephants are considered family members, and living with elephants has been an inseparable part of their long heritage. But following the economic growth and extensive deforestation, they suffered droughts, shortages of food and medicinal plants the forest once provided. The last decades saw the two displaced to many tourist towns across Thailand, living in elephant camps, some with unsuitable living conditions and routine.

Bee Breeders Announce Winners of Nemrut Volcano Eyes Competition

Yiling Shen — Sat, 02 Jun 2018 12:00:00 +0000

Bee Breeders have announced the winners of the Nemrut Volcano Eyes Competition, where participants were tasked with designing a visitor observation platform on top of Nemrut, a dormant volcano in eastern Turkey. With the unique natural environment, including a caldera and a pair of lakes, the observation platform is intended to provide unobstructed views of the extraordinary landscape. The jury encouraged submissions that were cost-effective, environmentally-responsible, and energy-efficient.

Kemeri National Park Observation Tower

Rene Submissions — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 18:00:00 +0000

Third-largest national park in one of Europe’s greenest country, Kemeri is a stunning and eclectic mix of forests, lakes, swamps and ancient raised bogs. Situated just a 1-hour train ride from Latvia’s capital, Riga, the park is home to a wide range of fauna including rare birds like the black stork, as well as moose, deer, elk, foxes, wolves, and wild cattle and horses. These were all reintroduced into this unique ecosystem with some help from the World Wildlife Fund.

Observation Tower Adapts Chinese Typologies to Create Dynamic Public Space

Collin Abdallah — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 14:00:00 +0000

A proposal for the 'NaTian' Cup International Design Competition, "The Gentle Giant" from Stefano Corbo Studio acts as a continuation of the existing bridge providing a unique path for the public, as well as a visual link to the surrounding Flower Farm area. The proposed landmark combines the vertical presence of Chinese "Pagodas and Porcelain Towers" with the dynamic geometry of the Great Wall, whose powerful arrangement has a direct relationship to its changing topography.

World's Tallest Tower: Santiago Calatrava's Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour Breaks Ground

Patrick Lynch — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 13:30:00 +0000

Santiago Calatrava’s Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour has broken ground, and in just a few short years, will be breaking records, too.

Video: Calatrava’s Dubai Observation Tower Passes Wind Tunnel Testing

Patrick Lynch — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 07:30:00 +0000

The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour, Santiago Calatrava's competition-winning "landmark" residential and observation tower in Dubai, has passed through wind tunnel tests, confirming the structural strength of the project. When complete, the project will constitute the heart of a 6 square kilometer master-planned community set by the historic Dubai Creek and only 10 minutes from the Dubai International Airport.

Santiago Calatrava Reveals New Details About Dubai Observation Tower

Karissa Rosenfield — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 12:37:00 +0000

New images and information has been released regarding Santiago Calatrava's competition-winning design for Dubai's new "landmark" observation tower. Planned for a site in Dubai Creek Harbor, near the Ras Al Khor National Wildlife Sanctuary, the tower was inspired by the "natural forms of the lily and evokes the shape of a minaret, a distinctive architectural feature in Islamic culture."

Santiago Calatrava Wins Competition to Design Landmark Observation Tower in Dubai

Karissa Rosenfield — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 12:00:00 +0000

Santiago Calatrava has won an international competition to design a "landmark" observation tower in Dubai Creek Harbor. Selected over five other proposals, the design was inspired by Islamic architecture with the intention to "fuse modern, sustainable design with the rich culture and heritage of the United Arab Emirates."

Italian Architects to Build Tree-Inspired Lookout Tower in Bruneck

Holly Giermann — Fri, 01 May 2015 17:00:09 +0000

Italian architects Anton Pramstrahler and Alex Niederkofler plan to construct a "Lookout Tower" in a woodland near the town of Bruneck, Italy. Comprised almost entirely of wood, the twisting structure will provide a scenic space for respite and contemplation while blending into the surrounding growth with a fanned façade that mirrors the trees’ roots and canopies.

RMJM Designs Fish-Inspired Tower Clad with Aluminum Scales

Finn MacLeod — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 01:00:00 +0000

RMJM's Shenzhen studio has just been awarded the contract to build a 93 metre public observation tower inspired by the importance of water in the historic Doumen District, Guangdong Province, China. Perched at the confluence of two rivers, the Doumen Observation Tower will rise from the waterfront of the Zhuhai, and is inspired by the form of a fish soaring above the water, clad in aluminum scales to protect from the hot Chinese sun. The tower will occupy a minimal footprint and will be surrounded by a large public plaza.