The new tower is designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando and sculptor Kiichi Sumikawa. Tokyo Sky Tree is being built upon a triangular foundation and its body turns into a cylinder as it reaches upward.
The tower became the world’s tallest upon installation of the antenna which increased its height to 601m. The tower features an anti-seismic design that includes underground pilings spread out like the branches of a tree. The tower consists of an outer steel frame and an inner shaft of reinforced concrete that can move separately and cancel out their seismic energies, rendering the tower safe against Japan’s frequent earthquakes.
The tower will include two observation decks, 300 shops and restaurants, an aquarium, planetarium and a dome theatre. Construction of the tower is being managed by Tobu Tower Sky Tree Company. Construction commenced in July 2008 while completion is expected towards the end of 2012.
Upon completion, the tower will be 634m high and will replace another tower, the 332m high Tokyo Tower.
