Space Needle
It’s pretty much impossible to picture Seattle’s skyline without the iconic Space Needle. The tower’s daring aesthetic – part flying-saucer, part giraffe-necked tripod – boldly eschews architectural convention to bring oodles of idiosyncratic charm to the Emerald City’s sky-scraping profile.
Built-in 1962 to celebrate that year’s World’s Fair, the Space Needle was originally conceived as a towering symbol of humanity’s intergalactic ambitions. Right from the get-go, the space-age building proved a massive hit. During the World’s Fair alone more than 2.5 million people dropped in to marvel at its futuristic construction. What’s more, its appeal hasn’t dimmed since. All in all, more than 63 million people have visited this quirky landmark of the Pacific Northwest. With over 20,000 people taking the elevators to the observation deck each and every day.
A Magical Eyrie
If you want to see Seattle at its best, then the Space Needle is the place for you. Perched some 520-foot above Downtown, the structure’s “Top House” commands unmatched views across the sprawling city, the inky waters of Puget Sound, and, of course, the imperious bulk of Mt Rainier squatting on the horizon.
What’s more, the whole experience is better than ever, thanks to a recent $100 million renovation. On the observation deck’s uppermost level, 11-foot glass panels – that recline nonchalantly over the void – have been fitted. As, incidentally, have 24 glass benches. A word to the wise, however. Like the glass panels, the benches tilt toward the perilous drop. Don’t worry though, the slope is by no means suggestive of shoddy workmanship. Quite the opposite, in fact. You see, the slant is altogether deliberate and is calibrated in such a way as to induce a floating sensation.
The observation deck’s upper level is connected to a slightly lower level via a magnificent staircase called “The Oculus”. A work of art in its own right, the staircase is an enchanting composite of wood, glass, and steel. The lower level, meanwhile, known as “The Loupe” is enclosed by crystalline walls of glass that invite the stunning views in. For all that, the standout feature is without doubt the unique revolving glass floor. It’s as if you are suspended in space high above the city.
Technological Innovation
Futuristic by design, futuristic by nature. When it comes to delivering a truly world-class visitor experience, the Space Needle continues to push the technological envelope. Interactive displays are dotted everywhere. You can even take a virtual reality bungee jump – albeit from the ground floor! – and download a video of the experience via the Space Needle’s very own app.
In a similar vein, selfie cameras have been mounted at strategic locations. Operated via the Space Needle app, these cameras make it a breeze to capture the perfect snap. Selfies not enough? Well, the “Zoomie” video service allows you to capture footage of your visit from a neighboring building.
How The Space Needle Measures Up
From the ground to the very tip of its spire, the Space Needle measures 605ft. Incidentally, this was enough to make it the tallest building west of the Mississippi when it was first built. From one side to the other, meanwhile, the tower measures 138ft across. Or at least it does most of the time. You see, on very warm days, the building has been known to expand by roughly one inch.
Even the foundations are impressive. At 30ft deep and 120ft wide, the hole for the structure’s foundation was large enough to swallow some 5,600 tons of concrete. Of course, the foundations had to be solid. After all, the Space Needle tips the scales at a pretty hefty 9,550 tons.
Although principally renowned for its startling design, it’s worth noting that the Space Needle has also been built to last. In fact, the structure has been engineered to withstand earthquakes of up to a magnitude of 9.1 and hurricane-force winds of 200 miles per hour. On top of that, the tower has also been fitted with 25 lightning rods.