Sep 18, 2013 12:45 PM

Gallery: A Skyscraper That Can Disappear Using High-Tech Camouflage

01
scrapefast
South Korea recently granted construction permits for the Infinity Tower, a proposed skyscraper that can disappear with the push of a button. *Image: GDS Architects*
02
Scraper111
The magic happens thanks to a high-tech facade. *Image: GDS Architects*

Scott
03
F:tower infinityemailout120612 to gdskti-INVISIBIL-RESOLUTI
16 weatherproof cameras positioned at 3 different levels on the building beam an image to 1500 LED strips on the opposite side. *Image: GDS Architects*
Scott
04
F:tower infinityemailout120612 to gdskti-INVISIBIL-RESOLUTI
The effect? From certain places on the ground, the tower would effectively disappear into the horizon. *Image: GDS Architects*

05
Scraper114
The interior lights and the glass facade would make it harder to disappear at night. *Image: GDS Architects*
06
ct-02-birds-eye-view
The tower's proposed for Incheon’s Cheongna district, about 20 miles west of Seoul. *Image: GDS Architects*

07
Scraper112
Though permits have been granted, tests still need to be conducted on the tech. *Image: GDS Architects*
08
Scraper113
And funding still needs to be secured. *Image: GDS Architects*

09
F:tower infinityemailout120612 to gdskti-INVISIBIL-RESOLUTI
A study of the optimal camera positions. *Image: GDS Architects*

Introducing the WIRED App

The app is the best way to read, watch, and listen to WIRED’s journalism.

WIRED Staff

Hackers Got Inside a Flock Camera. Its Data Shows How the System Really Works

A hacker collective pulled down a Flock camera and dumped its data. The files included thousands of videos and logs showing that the device captured 1.6 million images of 50,000 vehicles in 21 days.

Dhruv Mehrotra

The EU Bans Social Media For Under-13s

The bloc wants to curb Big Tech’s grip on children with its new EU KIDS ACTS, but age checks, parental oversight, and privacy concerns could make its plan difficult to implement.

Isabella Ward

I Made Robot Vacuums Clean Up Cherry Juice and Cheerios. These Won

My hands-on tests reveal which models can scrub stains, reach difficult corners, and navigate a chaotic home.

Nena Farrell

How Self-Driving Cars Might Change Crash Testing Forever

Lie down in a car, and you’re more likely to get seriously hurt in a crash. But a driverless future is forcing governments to revisit long-standing safety issues.

Aarian Marshall

Boox Just Announced the Palma 3 E-Reader

The e-paper device maker also launched two new color digital notebooks last night, the Note Air6 C and Mini C.

Nena Farrell

China Isn’t Buying Silicon Valley’s Call for an AI Slowdown

The US and China agree that advanced AI poses serious risks. But Beijing is deeply skeptical of a deal that prioritizes keeping US companies ahead.

Louise Matsakis

Why It Seems Like Great White Sharks Are Overrunning Maine

While a bunch of sharks cruising the Maine coast may seem ominous, it’s actually a sign of a conservation success story.

Molly Taft

It’s a Tablet! It’s a Laptop! It’s a 2-in-1—and Here’s What We Recommend

These portable computers balance tablet and laptop functionality, whether you want a screen that detaches or spins.

Luke Larsen

Polymarket’s Next Bet? It Can Also Be a Media Company

The legal battle over whether prediction markets are a form of gambling has overshadowed something else entirely: They’re already a new form of media.

Kate Knibbs