2024 Skyscraper Competition
Honorable Mention

Lee Jun, Nam Ki Hun, Hwang Seo Hui
South Korea

As global concerns about the environment continue to mount, there’s an increasing urgency to address energy-related issues. The pressing need for sustainable energy sources is becoming more evident as we grapple with the consequences of our reliance on fossil fuels. While renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal offer promising alternatives, their intermittent nature and limitations in scalability still pose challenges in meeting our growing energy demands.

In light of these challenges, the quest for more reliable and efficient energy solutions has led to renewed interest in nuclear fusion technology. As the demand for energy continues to rise globally, particularly in advanced nations, nuclear fusion has emerged as a beacon of hope—a clean, high-capacity energy source that could potentially meet our energy needs without exacerbating resource depletion or greenhouse gas emissions.

Nuclear fusion, often referred to as the “artificial sun,” holds the key to unlocking virtually limitless energy from the fusion of light atomic nuclei. Unlike nuclear fission, which produces radioactive waste and poses safety concerns, fusion reactions generate minimal pollutants and harness the inherent energy of the universe. The promise of fusion energy lies not only in its cleanliness but also in its abundance of fuel sources. The extraction of lithium, abundant in seawater, offers a promising avenue for fueling fusion reactors sustainably for generations to come.

The realization of fusion energy as a viable alternative to fossil fuels represents a monumental leap forward in our pursuit of a sustainable future. With its potential to revolutionize the global energy landscape, fusion power has become the focal point of ambitious research and development efforts worldwide. Governments, research institutions, and private companies are investing heavily in the development of fusion technologies, recognizing the transformative impact it could have on society and the environment.

In our vision for the future, the integration of fusion energy into our built environment plays a central role. The concept of the Eternal Energy Tower embodies this vision—a testament to human ingenuity and our commitment to harnessing the power of the sun on Earth. From the extraction of lithium to the generation of fusion energy, every aspect of the tower’s design and operation is meticulously planned to maximize efficiency and sustainability.

As visitors ascend to the top floor of the tower, they are greeted by the sight of the artificial sun—a marvel of modern engineering and scientific achievement. Here, within the confines of our own creation, we witness the fusion of atoms, the release of boundless energy, and the promise of a brighter future for generations to come. The lower sections of the tower house the intricate machinery of lithium extraction facilities, seamlessly integrated into the building’s design to ensure a continuous supply of fuel for the fusion process.

In essence, the Eternal Energy Tower stands as a symbol of hope and progress—a beacon of light in a world facing the challenges of climate change and energy insecurity. It serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to steward the planet and embrace innovative solutions that pave the way towards a sustainable future. With fusion energy at its core, the tower represents not just a building, but a vision—a vision of a world powered by the eternal energy of the sun.