From the nature of Georgia and the sea of Denmark to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, three visitable observatories offer breathtaking views
Pagona Lapsatis
Marsktårn, Denmark
The sculptural spiral staircase, which seems to emerge from the ground and gaze out over the Wadden Sea, is the Marsktårn observatory designed by BIG. Also known as the Marsh Tower, it is located in the Hjemsted district of Skærbæk in western Denmark and is 25 meters high. It opened its doors in August 2021, offering visitors to the Wadden Sea National Park unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape and the Wadden Sea, the largest tidal zone in the southeastern part of the North Sea.
The National The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while the water 'plain' of Wadden is rich in biodiversity and is an important wetland for many native species and a stopover for thousands of migratory birds.
Marsktårn is built entirely of steel and is a visible landmark throughout the area. Stairs unfold around the center of the structure which includes an elevator, which provides access for disabled visitors. From the observation platform at the top of the tower, with an area of 110 square meters, the public has a 360-degree view that reaches up to 18 kilometers, visually integrating the entire topography of the area.
The team of architects led by Bjarke Ingels collaborated on the design of the tower with the local group Marsk Camp, responsible for activities in the National Park, in order to create a new point of tourist interest in the area.
In addition to the tower, the park has restaurants, a mini golf course, a tent area and parking.
marskcamp.dk
Summit One Vanderbilt, New York
The Summit One Vanderbilt observatory rises above Grand Central Terminal, offering a unique view of Manhattan. Its construction was completed in September 2020 and is one of New York's most attractive new landmarks. Modern and striking, it is designed by the architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) and occupies 6,040 square meters – the fourth tallest building in the city.
It consists of 93 floors, with the observation areas occupying four levels before the top, and the experience that visitors have as soon as they step out of the elevator and onto its glass floor is unique. Initially, the eyes need some time to adjust to the strong light and the reflections created on the smooth glass and mirror surfaces. That is why it is recommended that visitors bring sunglasses, but also wear comfortable shoes without heels or metal elements that can cause damage to the floor.
The art installation of the Kenzo Digital studio, which specializes in creating compelling, sonic and emotionally powerful stories in physical space, is well worth a tour. The studio created here a huge box that seems to embrace the whole of New York, as hundreds of different views of it are reflected on its surfaces.
Then surrender to the view: take the opportunity to see the Chrysler building up close , admire the grandeur of the Empire State Building, enjoy the green oasis of Central Park. You're already standing 324 meters above Madison Avenue – for those who can handle more thrills, head up to the outdoor terrace at 364 meters to sip a cocktail and watch the sun set over Manhattan.
The interior design of the skyscraper has been handled by the architectural studio Snøhetta. For coffee and light snacks head to Café Après, while for a more interesting culinary experience there is French restaurant Le Pavillon by renowned chef Daniel Boulud.
summitov.com
Diamond Bridge, Dashbashi Canyon, Georgia
A 240-meter-long glass bridge-tourist attraction opened last May over Dashbashi Gorge in Chalka, about a two-hour drive from Georgia's capital, Tbilisi. Its most distinctive feature is its multi-level prismatic platform at its highest point, which is ideal for observation.
The investment value of the project amounts to 40 million dollars and the costs for its implementation were undertaken by the Israeli group Kass Group. The huge transparent structure, which rises 280 meters from the ground, extends throughout the natural monument, offering a panoramic view of the gorge with its impressive waterfalls and caves. Made of steel and glass, it took about three years to complete.
The Glass Bridge, which also includes a bar in its center, is not the only interesting element of the project. For example, a zip-line will allow visitors who wish to cross the canyon through the air, while part of the project is also expected to be a hotel, swimming pools and a venue for music festivals.
Investors' goal was to create an extreme, exciting and unforgettable experience that will awaken the visitors' senses and leave a mark in their memory. They believe that the bridge will attract more than two million tourists a year to Chalka province, an area with wonderful natural landscapes that remain unexplored even by locals. The cost for the construction of the bridge is estimated at 12 million dollars, while the remaining capital will be given to the implementation of the infrastructures that complement the Dashbash Canyon project and are expected to be completed in the next 3-4 years.
