New Turkey tower will mark International Expo

Construction is due to commence later this year on the Antalya Tower in Turkey, the winning entry of The Expo 2016 Antalya Tower competition.

The tower was designed by local firm NITA and will cater to the city’s 10 million annual visitors.

The completion of the tower will coincide with the World Botanic Expo 2016 to be held (on April 23 next year) in Antalya, on Turkey’s south-west coast, and mark the country’s first International Expo.

The tower was inspired by the triumphal arch ‘Hadrian’s Gate’ at the entrance of Antalya’s old town, and pays homage to the arch’s three gates, with the number ‘three’ recurring throughout the structure. The Antalya Tower is tripartite in form, comprising three panoramic rooftop viewing decks tapering into a single shaft at the building’s base.

It is estimated that upon completion, the observation decks will have a visitor capacity of 250 people. Three terraces will explore the ‘Flowers and Children’ theme of the World Botanic Expo 2016, providing a glimpse into what the event organisers deem a “green planet for future generations”.

The tower’s internal planning provides for three levels for visitors, with two semi-enclosed observation spaces alongside an open-air observation deck. Skylights at the rooftop level allow natural light to penetrate the top floors of the building.

The concrete service core of the tower is embedded at the junction between the three branches of the building. Standing at 101 metres (but with less than 50 per cent occupiable space), Antalya Tower will feature two panoramic elevators allowing views of the surrounding city.