A striking new observatory tower rises from the edge of China's largest mangrove forest, offering visitors and researchers an unprecedented vantage point over one of Asia's most critical wetland ecosystems. The Lunar Tower, designed by the South China University of Technology Architectural Design and Research Institute, stands 33.5 meters tall within the Hainan Dongzhaigang National Nature Reserve, providing panoramic views of the Qiongzhou Strait while maintaining minimal environmental impact. This cylindrical structure represents a new paradigm in ecological architecture, balancing human access with wildlife preservation in a delicate coastal environment.
The Hainan Dongzhaigang Reserve protects the most extensive continuous mangrove forest in China, spanning over 3,000 hectares and supporting more than 150 bird species, including numerous migratory populations that depend on these wetlands for survival. Mangrove ecosystems serve as crucial buffers against storm surges and coastal erosion while sequestering carbon at rates significantly higher than terrestrial forests. The tower's placement near the estuary was carefully selected to avoid disturbing nesting sites and feeding grounds, with environmental impact studies conducted over two years before construction began in 2023.
SCUT's design philosophy emphasizes structural simplicity and material efficiency to reduce the building's footprint on the sensitive wetland terrain. The tower's cylindrical form, measuring just twelve meters in diameter, concentrates vertical circulation within a compact core while the perforated aluminum facade mimics the elliptical shape and filtering function of mangrove leaves. This outer skin serves multiple purposes: it ventilates the interior stairwell, reduces wind loads on the structure, and creates a visual screen that helps the tower blend with the surrounding forest canopy. The low-reflective white aluminum panels were specifically chosen to minimize light pollution and prevent disorienting glare for birds and other wildlife.
Engineering the tower required innovative solutions to withstand the region's frequent typhoons while maintaining an aesthetic of lightness and transparency. Eighteen vertical steel pipe columns form the primary structural system, connected by ring beams and spiral stair ribs that distribute lateral forces throughout the height of the tower. The lower sections contain reinforced concrete fill to anchor the structure against extreme wind events, while the upper portions remain open to reduce mass and wind resistance. Visitors ascend through this exposed framework via a spiral staircase that pauses at three observation platforms positioned at 12, 24, and 27 meters, each offering distinct perspectives on the mangrove canopy and tidal channels below.
The tower's lighting design demonstrates exceptional sensitivity to its avian neighbors, with illumination carefully calibrated to protect migratory flight paths during nighttime hours. After sunset, the circular upper aperture emits a soft glow reminiscent of moonlight, giving the structure its poetic name while avoiding the harsh brightness that could disrupt bird navigation. Interior lights are shielded and dimmed, while subtle exterior illumination highlights the tower's geometry without creating light trespass into critical habitat areas. This approach reflects SCUT's broader commitment to designing buildings that respond to natural cycles rather than imposing artificial rhythms on ecological systems.
Researchers utilize the tower for monitoring water quality, bird populations, and climate change impacts on the mangrove ecosystem, while guided public tours educate visitors about wetland conservation. The project has attracted international attention from architects and environmentalists as a model for sustainable tourism infrastructure in protected areas. As China continues expanding its national park system, the Lunar Tower offers a template for how observation facilities can enhance scientific understanding and public appreciation of natural landscapes without compromising the very ecosystems they showcase.
