Those who have a fear of heights might not want to look down next time you go up to the Space Needle. One of the centerpieces of the landmark’s massive remodel, designed by Olson Kundig, is now complete: a rotating glass floor, allowing visitors to look down at the 500 feet between them and the ground. — Curbed Seattle
After receiving a massive $100 million Olson Kundig-designed makeover, the 55-year-old Seattle icon recently reopened to the public with an improved visitor experience, enhanced views (floor-to-ceiling glass panels further opened up the 360-degree views of the Puget Sound), and, what it claims to be, the world's first and only revolving glass floor.
"Through the glass floor, guests are able to see the mechanics of the turntable, which consist of a series of 12 motors," explains the project description. "The power transmission relies on rolling peg gears to minimize friction and wear."
7 Comments
they didn't make a rotating glass floor. they took an existing rotating floor and changed the materials. i get that you cannot do much to iconic architecture but this project is a major snooze fest. kind of disappointing to see ok fail to scale beyond residential work
Still not as bad as all those millions of glass stairs.
terrible. Thanks for f×××ing up an icon. Couldnt leave well enough alone.
The above 3 comments indicate a total ignorance of how such a project gets designed and built. :(
you may disagree with some opinions but it doesn't mean they are ignorant
A little more context would help, richmon.
The word ""ignorant" as used here by me implies that the processes of such a complex project as the space needle seem unknown to the commenters. Specifically, the structural challenge of replacing concrete structure with glass (more like designing a bridge), negotiating with the landmarks commission on a listed building that is several feet above the earth (Frank Gehry calls gravity one of the several challenges an architect deals with.... lol). And of course there is the client. Listen to Archinect sessions with Alan Maskin for more information.
I'm sure there are many opinions re:: aesthetics. A recent quote I like appeared here at ARCHINECT: "One approach to disagreements is focusing on what is right instead of who is right". Let's see how the Macintosh and Notre Dame fare in today's architectural climate. :)
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