Reconnecting People with Ancient Wisdom, Nature, and the Cosmos

Designed by OPEN Architecture, the Sun Tower is a new cultural facility located in the Yeda Development Zone of Yantai, China. Situated along the coast of the Yellow Sea, the cone-shaped structure houses an outdoor theatre, exhibition spaces, a library, a café, a bar, and a special space called the Phenomena Space. Its design is guided by the trajectory of the sun, drawing visitors into an experience of natural and cosmic rhythms.

Night_view
Photo credit: Jonathan Leijonhufvud

Established in 1984, the Yeda Development Zone has grown into a thriving area of industry and tourism. The Sun Tower now functions as a vital cultural core for the district, fostering community engagement while also promoting environmental awareness. The architectural concept pays tribute to the site’s ancient connection to the sun and the sea. Inspired by local history—including early sun-worship practices and Ming Dynasty-era coastal watchtowers—the structure fuses the typologies of lighthouse, cultural facility, civic hub, and sundial into a single architectural statement.

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Photo credit: Iwan Baan

The_shadow_of_the_tower_moves_along_a_water_channel_on_the_equinoxes
Photo credit: Jonathan Leijonhufvud

Standing 50 meters tall, the building is formed by two slanted concrete shells that are connected and braced by horizontal slabs and ramps. The engineering was completed in collaboration with Arup. One side of the curved volume is marked by large openings that open the viewing platforms and ground-level theatre to the sea. Based on precise solar observations, the north wall of the building is aligned with the noon sun during the equinoxes. The entrance tunnel faces the sunset at the Winter Solstice, while the semi-outdoor theatre at the center is aligned with the sunrise over Zhifu Island on the Summer Solstice.

Outdoor_theater
Photo credit: Iwan Baan

Outdoor_theater
Photo credit: Jonathan Leijonhufvud

Main_entrance
Photo credit: Jonathan Leijonhufvud

Ramp_exhibition_gallery
Photo credit: Iwan Baan

Two_layers_of_white_concrete_shells
Photo credit: Jonathan Leijonhufvud

Acoustic design is also key. The concave inner shell facing the sea captures the sound of the waves, reflecting them back into the structure and toward the amphitheatre below. From the center of the plaza, a series of elliptical rings spread outward, evoking planetary orbits. A water channel is carved into the stone pavement, and its intersections with the rings mark the building's shadow during the equinoxes. One outer ring includes fountains that commemorate the 24 solar terms of the traditional Chinese calendar.

Entrance_tunnel
Photo credit: Jonathan Leijonhufvud

In_Between_Space
Photo credit: Iwan Baan

At the top of the tower are a library and the Phenomena Space, offering views out to the sea. The Phenomena Space includes an oculus opening overhead, through which rainwater falls and is collected in a calm reflecting pool—a sensory link to the elements. Inside the structure, a winding sloped walkway leads visitors through exhibition areas, equipped with hanging points in the concrete walls and ceilings for displaying objects. Passive strategies are integrated throughout: tunnel cooling for fresh air, thermal mass for temperature control, operable openings to enhance cross-ventilation, and chimney effect for natural heat exhaust—all contributing to reduced energy consumption.

Library01
Photo credit: Iwan Baan

Library02
Photo credit: Jonathan Leijonhufvud

Phenomena_Space01
Photo credit: Iwan Baan

Phenomena_Space02
Photo credit: Jonathan Leijonhufvud

In_Between_Space01
Photo credit: Jonathan Leijonhufvud

In_Between_Space02
Photo credit: Jonathan Leijonhufvud

OPEN Architecture has translated invisible natural forces—air, light, sound, and planetary motion—into spatial experience. As a cultural and community landmark, the Sun Tower serves both practical and symbolic roles in a rapidly evolving urban environment. Founders Huang Wenjing and Li Hu hope the Sun Tower reconnects people with nature and restores its spiritual significance in daily life. In their view, addressing the climate crisis requires not only changing our lifestyles but also rethinking the belief systems that shape them.

Frontal_view
Photo credit: Jonathan Leijonhufvud

The_upper_part
Photo credit: Jonathan Leijonhufvud

About OPEN Architecture

OPEN Architecture is a design studio working across architecture, urbanism, landscape, and interiors. In response to the unprecedented challenges facing current and future generations, the studio conducts research and develops strategic design approaches. Founded by Li Hu and Huang Wenjing in New York, OPEN established its Beijing office in 2008. Notable works include the Sun Tower, Shanfeng Academy, Chapel of Sound, UCCA Dune Art Museum, Tank Shanghai, Pingshan Performing Arts Center, Tsinghua Ocean Center, and Garden School / Beijing No.4 High School Fangshan Campus. The firm has received multiple awards, including the AIA International Design Awards Honor Award (USA), Arcasia Awards Gold Award, Design for Asia Awards, LEAF Awards (Europe), AR Future Project Awards (UK), P/A Awards (USA), AZ Awards (Canada), Civic Trust Awards (UK), and Iconic Awards Best of Best (Germany), among others.