Shukhov Radio Tower

Vladimir Shukhov was the first engineer using metal lattice shells as hanging arch-shaped roof structures and hyperboloid towers. His first works using this structural type were built on 1896 at the All-Russia Exhibition. Later Shukhov used this structural type in many others buildings. On 1919 Shukhov made the first design for a hyperboloid radio tower on Moscow, its nine levels reached 350 meters, higher than Eiffel Tower. Due to the lack of steel during Civil War Shukhov made a less ambitious design composed by six hyperboloids and a height of 160 meters. The tower was constructed using a telescopic method without scaffolding and lifting cranes. Each hyperboloid section was assembled on the ground inside the tower and was lifted with the help of pulleys. Nowadays the tower is still in use, although it needs a complete restoration, so a foundation has been created to help the tower's conservation. The foundation is supported, among others personalities, by Norman Foster.