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Salt Lake City's Tower Breathes Clean Air
16 Jan
Summary
- Astra Tower, Utah's tallest, features a crown monitoring air quality.
- The skyscraper acts as a city-wide air purifier.
- Its façade lighting changes color based on pollution levels.
Salt Lake City's skyline is now defined by the new Astra Tower, a 451-foot residential skyscraper that has become Utah's tallest building. Its distinctive illuminated crown serves a dual purpose, acting as an architectural feature and a sophisticated real-time air quality monitor for the entire city. This innovative design directly addresses the valley's significant air pollution challenges.
The tower's crown lighting shifts colors based on the air quality index, utilizing sensors to translate EPA and NOAA data into visible signals. Beyond this civic display, Astra Tower integrates comprehensive sustainability strategies, including an efficient structural design focused on carbon reduction and resilience against seismic events. It features a central air intake with advanced filtration, effectively purifying outdoor air before distribution.
Internally, residents benefit from continuous air quality monitoring displayed on screens, complementing the exterior signals. The building's mechanical systems employ high-performance ventilation and heat recovery to optimize energy use and maintain indoor comfort. Astra Tower is envisioned as a vertical community prioritizing wellness and responsible environmental stewardship at every scale.
