QRT Guidance 3Structure of the Tower of the Sun
The original concept for the Tower of the Sun was based around the need for a way to transport spectators of the Theme Pavilion up to the〈Grand Roof〉suspended 30 meters above ground. The functional role of the Tower of the Sun was of a vertical passage of escalators connecting the Subterranean Level Exhibition and the Mid-Air Level Exhibition. After viewing the Subterranean Level Exhibition, visitors would climb 4 escalators to a second-level corridor, and continue onto the interior of the〈Grand Roof〉via a 5th escalator inside the right arm of the tower.
The photograph below is of a recreated model of what the interior of the tower looked like at the time of Expo '70.From seismic retrofitting completed in 2018, the form of the interior has changed slightly. The〈Space of the Sun〉has narrowed as a result of the addition of steel members fitted onto the steel frame above the arms, and the interior space has become slightly narrower as a result of the addition of 20 centimeters of concrete wall below the arms. The escalators have also been replaced with stairs in an effort to reduce the weight of the tower.
- 6.Space of the Sun
- A space expressing the infiniteness of the sky. Its colors change from the lights.
- 5.Escalator
- This escalator took spectators to the〈Grand Roof〉.
- 4.Emergency Staircase
- A staircase for emergencies. It was connected to the〈Grand Roof〉.
- 3.The Tree of Life
- Expressing the evolutionary process. 33 different organisms are to be found.
- 2.Base
- The flames of the bowels of the earth. Colonies of early lifeforms.
- 1.Viewing route
- After walking up the slope and the staircase, one would continue onto 5 escalators.