![Tower of Spiral by Doarchi](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/12/tower-of-spiral-DOARCHI-architecture-photo-schran-_dezeen_2364_hero_b-852x479.jpg)
Spiral lookout tower gives views of the mountains in Shenzhen
A spiral staircase twists 810 degrees to form a viewpoint designed by architecture studio Doarchi to look out over the mountains close to Shenzhen.
Called Tower of Spiral, the stairs wrap around a small pool used for irrigation for nearby fields.
![Tower of Spiral by Doarchi](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/12/tower-of-spiral-DOARCHI-architecture-photo-schran-_dezeen_2364_col_11-852x568.jpg)
Surrounded by grass, sunflower fields and the mountains in the distance, the base of the tower is accessed via a winding paved path.
Visitors can ascend 15 metres via a twisting set of shallow steps, ending in a lookout point surrounded by a low parapet.
![Tower of Spiral by Doarchi](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/12/tower-of-spiral-DOARCHI-architecture-photo-schran-_dezeen_2364_col_4-852x568.jpg)
Tower of Spiral's core is formed by the spiral steps that twist 810 degrees, supported by steel columns,
Doarchi encased the structure in a concertina-like steel shell, the upper sections covered with PTFE film and the lower with tensioned metal mesh.
![Tower of Spiral by Doarchi](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/12/tower-of-spiral-DOARCHI-architecture-photo-schran-_dezeen_2364_col_13-852x575.jpg)
As visitors move up this ramp, they are provided with a variety of lines-of-sight out across the surrounding landscape.
These views are visible through the metal mesh that lines the lower portion of the spiral's form.
![Tower of Spiral by Doarchi](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/12/tower-of-spiral-DOARCHI-architecture-photo-schran-_dezeen_2364_col_7-852x568.jpg)
The top of the tower has been left open to the elements, allowing light and rain to enter down past the staircase and into the pool area.
Looking inwards gives a view down to this irrigation pool, which reflects both the sky above as well as the forms of visitors moving up the ramp.
![Tower of Spiral by Doarchi](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/12/tower-of-spiral-DOARCHI-architecture-photo-schran-_dezeen_2364_col_14-852x568.jpg)
White stone has been used to create a heavy base for the tower, in contrast to the the light-weight frame of the stair's shell.
Around the edge of the spiral, LED strip lights have been fitted.
![Tower of Spiral by Doarchi](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/12/tower-of-spiral-DOARCHI-architecture-photo-schran-_dezeen_2364_col_3-852x568.jpg)
Due to the translucent nature of the tower's coating, this creates a lantern-like effect at night.
"We need a natural place to clear up the melancholy mood in busy urban life," said the practice.
"We have created a straightforward and simple ascending space, so that people can observe and feel nature in different latitudes. Tourists, the tower and the earth are integrated here."
![Tower of Spiral by Doarchi](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/12/tower-of-spiral-DOARCHI-architecture-photo-schran-_dezeen_2364_col_5-852x568.jpg)
Lookout towers have provided many firms with the opportunity to experiment with form and material.
In Scotland, Icosis Architects also used a spiral stair to create an observation point for stargazing, and in a vineyard in Tasmania Cumulus Studio arranged a series of shipping containers into a lookout tower.
See more examples of spiral architecture. Photos are by Schran.
Project credits:
Clients: OCT Group-Guangming Modern Farming
Architecture firm: Doarchi
Lead architects: Penn Ding,Oliver Li
Design team: Jiajia Tang,Zhiyuan Liu
Engineering: Jianbo Miao,Tong Chen, Dacang Li
Collaborators: IMBOX