CN Tower ( Canadian National Tower)

The CN Tower is Canada’s most distinguishable landmark towering over the city of Toronto at a height of 553 m, making it among the top 10 tallest free-standing structures in the world. The CN Tower is an architectural masterpiece that hosts top tier attractions such as a revolving restaurant, stair climb, glass floor, edge walk and sky pod. Every year, approximately 1.5 million people visit the CN Tower to witness the astonishing views and experience the various attractions offered. The CN Tower instills a feeling of honor and amazement for Torontonians and tourists alike, however its inception was inspired by practicality.

 

The 1960s were home to a construction boom in Toronto, transforming a low-lying skyline in one with soaring skyscrapers. The newly builds caused major complications with communications for existing transmission towers, as they were not tall enough to transmit and receive clear signals, leading to extremely poor reception for Torontonians. Microwave receptors and an antenna were placed atop the CN Tower, resulting in the residents of Toronto enjoying the crystal-clear reception.

 

Construction commenced on February 6, 1973, which was started by removing over 56 metric tonnes of earth for the foundation. Once the foundation set, work began on the CN Tower’s concrete shaft by pouring concrete into a giant mold, a hexagonal core with three curved support arms. The mold moved upwards via hydraulic pumps, gradually decreasing in size to create the CN Tower’s gracefully curved support arms. The following summer, construction of the seven-story tower sphere was underway, which currently house the elegant rotating restaurant and various other attractions.

 

I decided to build this model because, as explained above, this tower has so much history and is a cornerstone of Canadian heritage. This tower is visible far beyond the Toronto city limits, on a clear day you could see the CN Tower from more than 50 km away depending on where you are. I also have some good friends whose grandparents helped build the CN Tower, so it is a building that is very close to my heart. I also believe that it would be a great set for any LEGO collector or anyone who enjoys and appreciates architecture. Building and designing curved structures with straight bricks is a challenge, given that the three support legs are ever so slightly curved, and the round seven-story sphere, this would be a set that challenges even the most experienced LEGO builders.

 

Stair Climb - A staircase of 1776 steps takes you from ground level to the main deck, and an additional 803 steps to the Sky Pod

Glass Floor - A 24 square meter glass floor that is 2.5 inches thick, giving tourists a straight down view at a height of 342 m.

Edge Walk - A hands-free walk atop 356 m above the ground. Participants are harnessed above a 1.5 meter ledge from which you can lean over.

Sky Pod - A separate observation deck at a height of 447 meters which allows visitors visibility for 160 m in all directions - in ideal conditions.