Sun Tower by OPEN Architecture

Rising dramatically along the coast of the Yellow Sea in Yantai, China, the Sun Tower by award-winning practice OPEN Architecture emerges not only as a cultural landmark but as a poetic tribute to the passage of time, the rhythms of the natural world, and the spiritual legacy of sun worship. Situated within the rapidly expanding Yeda Development Zone, the 50-meter-tall structure functions as a lighthouse for culture, community, and ecological awareness—offering a unique fusion of architecture, astronomy, and ancient symbolism.

Established in 1984, the Yeda Zone has grown into a thriving industrial and tourism hub. The introduction of the Sun Tower brings a much-needed cultural anchor to the area, offering spaces for gathering, learning, and contemplation. Comprising an outdoor amphitheatre, exhibition spaces, a library, café, bar, and a specially designated Phenomena Space, the building represents a bold experiment in integrating environmental storytelling with civic architecture.

A Modern Lighthouse Rooted in Ancient Rituals

The form of the Sun Tower is deeply inspired by the cosmic and cultural significance of the sun in this region, one of the earliest sites of sun worship in ancient China. In the Ming Dynasty, watchtowers were established along this coastline; OPEN Architecture revisits that legacy, reimagining it through a contemporary lens. The tower behaves like a modern-day lighthouse—not one for sailors, but for communities, ideas, and planetary consciousness.

The cone-like volume is sculpted by two layers of angled concrete shells, forming a hollow, curving structure that opens toward the sea. Large apertures on the seaward-facing side frame expansive coastal views, while the interplay of light and shadow across the building’s surface shifts continually throughout the day. Horizontal slabs and pedestrian ramps tie the two shells together, creating a dynamic interior circulation that spirals upward.

Key architectural moments throughout the structure are informed by precise solar geometry. For example, the northern edge of the building aligns with the noon sun during the spring and autumn equinoxes, while the entry tunnel captures the light of the winter solstice sunset. At the core, the semi-outdoor theatre points directly toward Zhifu Island, framing the sunrise on the summer solstice. These alignments evoke the function of a monumental sundial, integrating ancient celestial knowledge with contemporary spatial experience.

Material and Sensory Architecture

In close collaboration with engineering firm Arup, OPEN Architecture developed a robust yet expressive structural system that embraces the raw tactility of concrete. Inside, the concave inner shell enhances acoustics by absorbing and reflecting the ocean’s sounds down to the central amphitheatre. The architectural design becomes both a visual and auditory amplifier of the landscape, anchoring human presence within elemental forces.

The central plaza extends the building’s astronomical theme. A water channel intersects with a series of elliptical stone rings, recalling planetary orbits. The shadows cast on the stone pavement track time during equinoxes, while interactive fountains celebrate the 24 solar terms of the traditional Chinese calendar—reminding visitors of the cyclical nature of time and life.

Climbing Toward Phenomena

As visitors ascend through the spiraling exhibition ramps—lined with digital displays and adaptable hanging points—they reach the Phenomena Space, located just below the tower’s summit. This semi-outdoor observatory features an oculus, where rainwater is allowed to enter and pool in a circular basin, creating a contemplative installation that brings sky, water, and earth into direct dialogue. Adjacent lies the library, a sanctuary of thought and reflection, with panoramic views of the ocean beyond.

OPEN Architecture incorporates passive climate strategies throughout the building. These include tunnel cooling, operable ventilation on both concrete shells, strategic thermal massing, and chimney-effect air circulation. These systems work quietly and effectively, allowing the building to remain environmentally responsible without reliance on excessive mechanical systems.

A Spiritual Infrastructure for a New Era

Through the Sun Tower, OPEN Architecture articulates an architecture not only of form and function, but of spirit and ritual. Principals Li Hu and Huang Wenjing describe the project as an invitation to reconnect with the wisdom of nature—a call to embrace sustainable thinking not merely as a lifestyle adjustment, but as a philosophical shift. For them, architectural innovation must support the spiritual and environmental transformation necessary to confront the global climate crisis.

Today, the Sun Tower stands as a powerful beacon in the evolving urban landscape of Yantai—a place where past and future, earth and cosmos, community and solitude, all converge. It is not just a building, but a living instrument of time, attuned to the celestial rhythms that have guided humanity for millennia.

Photography: Iwan Baan Photography & Jonathan Leijonhufvud