The Space Needle, located in Seattle's Lower Queen Anne neighborhood, was constructed for the 1962 World's Fair to symbolize the 'Age of Space.' Unlike temporary structures from other exhibitions, it was intended as a permanent addition to the cityscape. Its design emerged from a collaboration among Edward E. Carlson, who conceived it, and architect John Graham Jr., who modernized it with a revolving restaurant concept. The Needle's location, away from downtown skyscrapers, allows it to maintain its iconic stature amidst changing urban development.
Edward Carlson was a Seattle hotel executive and the chief organizer of the 1962 World's Fair... He came back with a crude, little sketch of a circle on top of a pole.
The Space Needle and the rest of the Seattle Center were always intended to be lasting fixtures. They became part of the urban fabric of the city.
Now, it's a mixed-use residential area at the foot of a hillside... had it been Downtown somewhere, the Space Needle would not have the prominence that it does to this day.
At the time, John Graham Jr. was a leading modernist... he had just recently designed a revolving restaurant in Hawaii.
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