High Thermal Performing Observation Deck Renovation
Built in 1962 for the World's Fair, the Space Needle stands 605 feet above Seattle and welcomes more than 1.3 million guests from around the world each year. In June 2018, the historic landmark revealed its newly renovated observation decks and celebrated a milestone in its "Century Project," a multi-year, privately funded, $100 million effort to preserve and enhance the visitor experience for the next 50 years.
In reimagining the building Olson Kundig respected the Space Needle's conceptual innovation and enduring legacy as originally envisioned by Edward E. Carlson, and as designed by John Graham with Victor Steinbruek, to reflect aspirations of the Space Age. Working with Olson Kundig from the renovation's earliest stages, glazing consultant and designer Front Inc. specified Technoform's spacers to help achieve the Space Needle's design goals.
Expanded views, historic aesthetic, updated performance
"The Space Needle looked at all the options and decided which had the most value to attract people and keep relevant in the future," said Front Inc.'s principal, Richard Green, P.E. The renovations not only would enhance value and experience, dramatically expanding the views, but also needed to respect the historic building's overall appearance.