The Earthquake-proof Depthscraper

Design for a subterranean skyscraper from Everyday Science and Mechanics in 1931. The inversion of the tower prototype looks quite cramped at the lower levels.

Take a look at this design for a subterranean tower from Everyday Science and Mechanics in 1931. The structure was designed by Japanese engineers in response to earthquake concerns, so the building claims to be ‘earthquake-proof’. Technical aspects aside, questions abound regarding the experience of living or working in such a structure. There is a curious inversion of the tower concept here. In a typical tower, the structure is surrounded by light and air on all sides. Here, a central, inward-facing cylindrical shaft provides daylight. This would no doubt create feelings of confinement and oppression at the lower levels. In addition, in order to exit the building in the event of lift failure, one needs to climb up many flights of stairs, rather than climb down in a typical tower. This seems dangerous for individuals who cannot ascend so many stairs on their own.

Furthermore, without the light, air and views afforded to a typical tower, it seems difficult to imagine these spaces would be in demand. This would reduce the spaces throughout the building to lower rents, which most likely wouldn’t support the massive costs of building a structure like this. Still, gotta give credit to the designers for thinking out-of-the-box on this one.

Check out other unbuilt designs here.


Source: "Depthscrapers" Defy Earthquakes." Everyday Science and Mechanics, November 1931, 646, 708.