The new viewing tower and landmark on the harbour of Aarhus Ø, The Salling Tower, is shaped as a dramatic urban sculpture with a significant architectural expression. The white body of steel is a luminous and distinctive focal point and meeting place. Visitors will be led on a course full of experiences that start at the quayside and go to the upper platform 7.5 meters above quay-level. The route through the tower leads under an inclined surface and up to the first viewing plateau that hovers above the water. From here, the visitor is led upwards by a broad staircase which serves a lookout to panoramic views of the harbour and bay. Finally, the covered upper plateau provides a 360 degree overlook of the city and the harbour.The viewing tower by Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter adds a significant landmark to the harbour. It is distinguished from the surroundings with its expression of folded geometry. Despite the distinctive appearance, the tower contributes to the historic trading port by referencing the maritime environment. Peek holes and a massive white painted steel-plate construction promote the feeling of being at sea.The tower is a gift for the city donated by the Salling Funds. A criteria was that it should be accesible for everyone. A lift is installed and provides an equal user-experience for visitors with reduced mobility by following the staircase from the bottom to the top platform. At night, LED backlighting illuminates the tower from the inside, recalling the masts of neighboring cargo ships.
Photography by Torben Eskerod
