Kobe Port Tower
Kobe Port Tower, nicknamed the Steel Tower Beauty, is a hyperboloid tower in the port city of Kobe, Japan. When it was completed in 1963 it was the world’s first building featuring a pipe lattice structure.
Designed by the Nikken Sekkei Company, the tower’s unique shape was inspired by a tsuzumi, a traditional Japanese drum. It is 108 m tall, and comprises 8 layers, the top being a 360-degree observation deck which is open to tourists and provides impressive views of Kobe.
The main structure of the tower is painted a burnt orange colour, surrounded by 32 red steel staves.
The tower was closed for renovation in 2009-2010, during which time 7,000 LED lights were installed which are illuminated at night.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Government approach could undermine delivery and regeneration.
World's first mass timber data centre.
The overlooked environmental aspect of data centre development.
Introduction to radon awareness
New technical information sheet published by CIOB.
Updated supplier guide can help electrical contractors engage with NHP.
CIAT confirm the winners of the 2026 architectural technology awards.
Government launches a one stop shop for flood preparedness.
Sir Edwin Lutyens: Britain's greatest architect? Book review.
CIOB publishes free template to help assess and manage risks.
ECA's reflections on Party Conference season
Burnham wants to be confident of winning before asking for a fresh mandate.
New Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser
Sergio Cavalaro, Professor of Infrastructure Systems at Loughborough University.
Building safety levy for England
CIAT publish estimator tool for members.
Water sector faces a growing crisis that could slow the delivery of vital infrastructure.