The skyscraper standing on a ‘pencil spike’ is an unusual work by Japanese-American architect Minoru Yamasaki. The building gives the impression of being precariously suspended above the street. Yamasaki, a pioneer of the new formalism, is also the author of projects: World Trade Center, Torre Picasso and IBM Building. His characteristic narrow windows separated by straight lines inspired the architects of the 1970s, while the Rainier Tower is one of the most interesting and imaginative architectural projects of the period.
The new formalism implied a return to the principles of classical architecture translated into modern realities. Hence the complete symmetry of the façade, accentuated podiums and arches. Moreover, the style also made use of flat walls, fountains and precious materials, especially in the interior finishes. Yamasaki paid extra attention to the urban greenery, as he wanted to avoid being overwhelmed by the compactness of the streets.
Light giant
On the one hand, the Rainier Tower relieves the urban space with its tapered platform. On the other, it is hard not to notice the massive solid wall of the flat skyscraper. In addition to the architect’s philosophy, the narrow base also has a legal and engineering justification. City regulations did not allow such a wide skyscraper to be built on this site because of the plot area. Yamasaki also wanted the space at the base of the building to be landscaped by landscape architects, which would have added some vegetation to the dense development. Interestingly, the unusual shape of the platform was also intended to reduce the effect of an urban canyon, where the wind blows at high speed.
The concrete base is actually set on deep foundations so that it is able to support the weight of the tower. Despite the engineering soundness of the base, many residents expressed their concerns about the stability of the building. After all, the skyscraper looks as if it is hanging above the street on a thin column. Somewhat surprisingly, it is the steel structure of the skyscraper that may be a much greater threat to the city. According to the Seattle Times, buildings dating back to the 1970s often consist of steel skeletons, connected by welds (welded joints). Seismic activity in Seattle could therefore damage the steel structure over time, while the concrete platform of the Rainier Tower remains intact.
The little brother of the World Trade Centre
The façade of the skyscraper consists of narrow windows separated by strips of metal. This distinctive design was taken from Yamasaki’s previous projects in Seattle and New York. The IBM Building near the current Rainier Tower was built in 1964 and was characterised by thin, longitudinal lines superimposed on the windows. New York’s World Trade Center, on the other hand, one of the most famous skyscrapers in US history, also used vertical facade lines. We wrote about the history of the WTC towers HERE.
Measuring 156 m, the skyscraper is today seen as an icon of this part of the city. The 38 m high platform is associated by some with the tip of a pencil or with a tree being undercut by a beaver. It is by far Yamasaki’s strangest idea, but it was the project that defined Seattle’s business centre of the 1970s. Interestingly, in 2020, the Rainier Square building measuring 260 m was built on the plot next to the skyscraper. The new residential skyscraper is a variation on the inverted Rainier Tower theme.
Although the state-owned Rainier Bank has not rented offices in the skyscraper for more than 35 years, the building still bears the name associated with the institution. Rainier is also the name of a nearby mountain measuring 4392 metres above sea level.
Source: SAH Archipedia
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