Space Needle, Observation tower in Seattle Center, United States
The Space Needle rises 184 meters above Seattle, featuring a circular observation deck and a rotating restaurant at its summit.
Construction began in April 1961, and the tower opened during the Century 21 Exposition World Fair in April 1962.
The tower represents mid-century Googie architecture with its hourglass profile and flying saucer-shaped top platform, reflecting 1960s futuristic design.
Three elevators transport visitors to the observation deck at a speed of 244 meters per minute, completing the journey in 41 seconds.
The structure includes 25 lightning rods and can withstand winds of 320 kilometers per hour and earthquakes measuring up to 9.0 magnitude.
Location: Seattle
Inception: April 17, 1961
Architects: John Graham & Company
Official opening: April 21, 1962
Architectural style: Googie
Floors above the ground: 6
Elevators: 3
Height: 184 m
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Fee: Yes
Charge: Regular (ages 13-64): $35-$39;Senior (ages 65+): $30-$33;Youth (ages 5-12): $26-$29
Operator: The Space Needle is privately owned by the Wright family
Part of: Seattle Center
Address: 400 Broad Street 98109
Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday 09:00-22:00; Friday-Sunday 08:00-00:00
Phone: +12069052100
Website: https://spaceneedle.com
GPS coordinates: 47.62040,-122.34910
Latest update: May 27, 2025 19:59
20th and 21st-century architecture has transformed city centers with structures that push engineering boundaries. Observation towers like the Seattle Space Needle and experimental residential complexes like Habitat 67 in Montreal demonstrate the evolution of construction techniques. Architects have explored new forms using materials such as steel, glass, and concrete, creating structures that meet the growing demands of metropolitan areas. This collection includes buildings that marked their time with innovative design. In Barcelona, Antoni Gaudí's Casa Milà features a wavy facade that breaks traditional norms, while in London, 30 St Mary Axe incorporates energy-saving technologies into its 180-meter structure. From Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum clad in titanium to artificial islands shaped in the Persian Gulf in Dubai, these projects illustrate the diversity of architectural approaches worldwide. Each building reflects its urban context while offering solutions to technical and functional challenges of its era.
This route connects main locations in Seattle. The tour includes Space Needle, Pike Place Market, museums, urban parks and historic buildings. The itinerary shows different aspects of the city.
This collection brings together major technical achievements that have marked the history of modern engineering. From the Hoover Dam on the Colorado, built in 1936 to produce hydroelectric power, to the ITER nuclear fusion project in France, which represents the future of energy research, these structures exemplify human boldness and skill. Each structure serves a specific purpose: crossing natural obstacles like the Brooklyn Bridge, connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn since 1883, facilitating maritime trade with the Panama Canal between the Atlantic and Pacific, or pushing height limits with the Burj Khalifa at 828 meters. These achievements are visited around the world and often offer remarkable experiences. The Eiffel Tower welcomes 7 million visitors each year who ascend to discover Paris from its 324-meter height. Shanghai's Maglev allows travel at 430 kilometers per hour thanks to magnetic levitation. The Millau Viaduct crosses the Tarn Valley at 343 meters above sea level over 2,460 meters in length. These engineering landmarks invite understanding of how industrial architecture has shaped our modern world, combining functional necessity with technical prowess that continues to fascinate visitors worldwide.
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