Is it possible for a building to stand as a testament to both destruction and enduring hope? That’s the story of the Flat Tower in Hiroshima.
Today we find ourselves before the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome. It is also known as the Flat Tower. This skeletal ruin stands as a powerful reminder of the atomic bombing that devastated Hiroshima. But it also stands as a symbol of the city’s resilience.
The Flat Tower was originally part of the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. In 1910, Hiroshima Prefecture decided to build a commercial exhibition hall. It would display and promote local products. The project was commissioned to Czech architect Jan Letzel. Construction began in 1914. It was located on the bank of the Motoyasu River in Sarugaku-cho.
Completed in 1915, it was a modern, three-story brick building. It was partially supported by reinforcing steel. The foundation covered 1023 square meters. The building stood 25 meters high. The exterior featured stone and mortar. A round tower was covered by an oval roof. It rose five stories high. This European-style building became a well-known sight in Hiroshima.
Local products were displayed and sold here. The building also served as a public exhibition hall and art gallery. Over time, its name changed. It was first called the Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition Hall. Later it was renamed the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. For 30 years, the building was a familiar landmark.
Then came August 6, 1945. At 8:15 a.m., a single atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. The building was nearly directly under the explosion. The name Atomic Bomb Dome emerged. It described the shape left at the top of the destroyed building.
The atomic bomb exploded 600 meters above and 160 meters southeast of the Flat Tower. The explosion exerted immense pressure. It reached 35 tons per square meter. Violent winds reached speeds of 440 meters per second. The building was engulfed in flames.
Interestingly, because the impact came almost from directly overhead, some of the outer walls and the steel dome itself were not completely destroyed. Tragically everyone inside died immediately. The building’s interior was completely consumed by fire.
After the bombing, the city recovered. A debate arose about whether to preserve or destroy the Atomic Bomb Dome. In 1966, the City Council resolved to preserve it. A fundraising campaign began. People from Hiroshima, Japan, and around the world donated 66 million yen. These funds were used for the first preservation project in 1967.
Cracks appeared in the walls. Corrosion affected the steel supports. In 1989, another preservation project was needed. Another fundraising campaign raised over 395 million yen. These funds were used for the second preservation project. The surplus funds were placed in an Atomic Bomb Dome Preservation Fund. Donations continue to this day.
The Atomic Bomb Dome became a common heritage of humanity in December 1996. The people of Hiroshima had demanded its preservation in perpetuity. It stands as a symbol of the horror of nuclear weapons. It embodies humankind’s pledge for peace.
Unlike other heritage buildings, the Flat Tower must remain in its state of destruction. This is vital to understanding its significance as a World Heritage Site. It serves as a reminder of the immense suffering. It symbolizes the struggle to rid the world of nuclear weapons and bring world peace. It’s a challenge. But this challenge protects the dome for future generations.
The Flat Tower remains a powerful symbol. It embodies both the tragedy of the atomic bombing and the hope for a future world free of nuclear weapons. As we stand here, let us reflect on the lessons of the past. Let us renew our commitment to peace.