The Salling Tower, an observation tower on Aarhus’ harbour, is fashioned like a striking urban sculpture with a remarkable architectural expression. This viewing tower, designed by Copenhagen firm Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter, appears from a distance as an abstract and sculptural object that acts as a beacon near the port in Aarhus, Denmark. The steel’s white body on the structure is a bright, eye-catching feature. By use of folded geometry, this piece of architecture stands out from the rest of its surroundings. Despite its unusual look, the tower adds to the marine environment of the old commercial harbour.
Visitors will be guided along an experience-filled path at the quayside and ascending to the top platform, 7.5 meters above the quay.
A broad staircase with benches completes the ascent, providing fantastic 360-degree views of the harbour and the bay. The tour ends at a large, covered viewing platform above the boulevard’s treetops. This top platform, which offers 360-degree views of the city and harbour, is partially covered by a perforated metal canopy.
The tower is lit up internally at night by LED lights that are meant to resemble the mast lights of cargo ships. The peek holes and a massive steel-plate framework painted white enhance the feeling of being at sea.
The Salling Funds have donated the tower as a gift to the city. It had to meet the criterion of being accessible to everyone. Additionally equipped with a lift, the observation tower enables access to the platforms for people with limited mobility. Visitors with limited mobility can utilize the lift by using the staircase from the lowest to the top platform, which offers an equivalent user experience. The peek holes and a massive steel-plate framework painted white enhance the feeling of being at sea.
Project Info
Project: New construction, a landmark on the harbourfront in Aarhus
Architecture Firm: Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter
Client: City of Aarhus
Size: 7,5 meter high
Status: Completed
Year: 2015
Photographs:Torben Eskerod
Engineer: Søren Jensen A/S
Founded by: The Salling Funds
Location: Aarhus, Denmark
