Revolving Architecture : Three Super Cool Buildings That Spin
Hey there, Architecture enthusiast! So I came across this interesting book “Revolving Architecture: A History of Buildings that Rotate, Swivel, and Pivot.” Yep. You heard that right. Let’s dive into some seriously mind-bending examples in the book that don’t just stand there but spin, swivel, and pivot like it’s nobody’s business lol. Chad Randl (the author) gives us some cool examples, so here are a few of my favorites (I haven't read the book, I just googled).Get ready to discover how Architects let their imaginations run wild or take it for a spin?
1. The Round House - Spinny Legacy by George Augustus Frederick
Check this out: in the early 1800s, there was a guy named George Augustus Frederick who was like, “You know what? I’m going to build a house that can spin!” And he did it. The Round House in England is just that — round, and it rotates a full circle. It takes around 45 minutes for the house to complete a full rotation. According to the current owners, the spin feels like “a kind of nautical feel, as if floating, not on water but in space." Imagine waking up with a new view every day, just by giving your house a little nudge. Dope, I know.
2. The Dynamic Tower: David Fisher’s Tower of Tomorrow
Fast forward to our time, and we’ve got David Fisher cooking up a storm with the Revolving Tower, aka the Dynamic Tower ( still in concept stage ) Imagine a skyscraper where every single floor can do its own thing. Yeah, that’s the one. The tower will consist of 80 fully rotating floors, each capable of rotating independently. The rotation will be powered by wind turbines placed between each floor and solar panels on the roof. It’s like a Rubik’s Cube that’s also a place to live. Each floor will rotate at different speeds, completing a full rotation in 90 minutes to 24 hours. So a new facade every minute? Crazy.
3. Sky-High Dining: Revolving Dinner Venue at the Space Needle
Eating out with a view is cool, but how about eating while the whole restaurant slowly spins around? No, it doesn't make you nauseous. The Space Needle in Seattle nailed this idea with their restaurant called “The Loupe Lounge.” It’s like a merry-go-round for foodies. Its floor revolved on a track and wheel system weighing roughly 125 tons, moving at a rate of one revolution every 47 minutes. You can munch on your meal and take in the whole city, all in one go. A pretty delicious way to enjoy Architecture, if you ask me.
Closing Thoughts
So, there you have it — From the past to the present, these spinning, twirling, structures remind us that Architecture isn’t just about walls and roofs; it’s about setting your creativity in motion and giving the world a spin. I am always mind-blown by the amazing ways Architects have shaken things up! God bless us.
