Skylon Tower at Niagara Falls (Canada) - 160 m tower

The tower is divided into seven parts (from above):
1. Observation deck - there is a souvenir shop here.
2. Apartments, recreation rooms, buffet.
3. A rotating dome with a restaurant.
4. Three glazed elevators, and two staircases with 662 steps each.
5. Shopping center, place of special celebrations and art exhibitions.
6. Main level, checkout, dinner reservations, exchange office, boutique, restaurant.
7. The lowest levels, administrative offices, toilets, almost 5,500 m² exhibition and recreation space.

The Skylon Tower is located just above the Niagara Falls. On some days, night shows here illuminate lights of different colors. In the period from November 18, 2000 to January 11, 2001, about 5,000 bulbs were used in such illumination, and 54,50 watts of energy were used.

The construction of foundations began at a height of 15 meters below ground level. The cement was pumped to the top continuously for 38 days, while the mold was raised and squeezed forming a narrowed trunk, then the cement was distributed in large wheelbarrows by finishing people. The tower is also stiffened with reinforced steel rods.

Extensive wind resistance tests were conducted at the University of Toronto. Engineers there concluded that a slim shape would be the most effective way to counter wind up to 91 mph. Skylon Tower was the first construction in the world using this form.

One of the biggest challenges for engineers was the construction and placement of the dome. The form of the dome was raised by a system of hydraulic levers and cables to the top of the tower. As soon as the cement was poured in and concentrated, the round dome was lowered to the ground.

Three super-fast elevators called "Yellow Bugs", are painted yellow and have windows that look like insect eyes. The journey to the top of the tower takes 52 seconds. Each elevator can accommodate up to 30 people, or up to 5,000 pounds. Unlike other buildings where the elevators are on each side, the Skylon Tower lifts are only on the back of the tower. Special equipment is used to prevent cables tangling due to wind, and to ensure that ice and snow do not hinder the effectiveness of lifts.

Dimensions of the tower: diameter of the core at the base - 22.1 m, diameter of the shaft at the top - 10.2 m, diameter of the dome - 33.2 m, length of the building on the basis - 123.2 m Weight of cement used for the tower - 21 772 800 kilograms, weight of cement used on the base of the tower - 5 987 520 kilograms. Glass thickness: in the observation tower - 3/8 inch, on the lower floors - half an inch.

On a clear day, visibility from the observation deck reaches 129 kilometers.

At the top of the tower, there are: a police department, radio stations and joint-stock companies.