Lego Architecture Seattle Space Needle (21003) [2/20] Architecture engineering and construction

Viewed as the predominate symbol of Seattle’s skyline,

the Seattle Space Needle was originally built to be

the centerpiece of the futuristic 1962 World’s Fair.

Originally sketched by Edward E. Carlson, the futuristic

concept has given the Seattle Space Needle its sleek

“frozen in time” ying saucer appearance.

The theme of the 1962 World’s Fair was unmistakably

about futurism and American optimism, and was

appropriately named, “The Century 21 Exposition.” The

Needle was specically designed to embrace the

“Race into Space” or now more commonly referred to

as the “Space Age.” In keeping with the 21st Century

theme, even the nal coats of paint were dubbed

Astronaut White for the supporting legs, Orbital Olive

for the core, Re-entry Red for the halo and Galaxy

Gold for the sunburst and pagoda roof. A separate

unique elevated monorail transport was an added

feature attraction to further enhance its futuristic alien

spaceship counterpart, the Seattle Space Needle.

Due to the 12 month condensed construction schedule,

the Seattle Space Needle’s legs and observation pod

were prefabricated in several sections and then

quickly erected and secured in place. To offset the

“top heavy” loading, the Space Needle’s center of

gravity was lowered all the way down to ground level

by means of anchoring the three legs to an oversized

solid concrete slab 30 feet thick, thus matching the

entire weight of the exposed structure above.

Architecture, Engineering and Construction

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