Olson Kundig began its creative existence in 1966 with the architect Jim Olson, whose work at that time centered on explorations of the relationship between dwellings and the landscapes they inhabit. Over the five decades of its existence, the firm has grown and broadened its expertise far beyond the residences for which it is still best known. The geographical scope of the work has grown to cover more than 15 countries on five continents. The firm is led by 14 principal/owners who are supported by a team of over 250 in both Seattle and New York.

"Now you can learn about and enjoy the big redo at ground level. Just published is the lavishly illustrated book “New Heights: Transforming Seattle’s Iconic Space Needle” (192 pages, Images Publishing Group). It was written and assembled by Olson Kundig, the Seattle-based international design firm that shepherded the $100 million project." - The Seattle Times

• 13 FOREWORD by Jeff Wright14 INTRODUCTION by the Wright family24 THE PROCESS OF SUBTRACTION by Alan Maskin28 FUTURE PAST The History of a Historic Icon becomes the Inspiration for a Re-design36 FOUND OBJECT The Building We Inherited50 THE DESIGN INVESTIGATION Hypothesis Testing and Subtraction66 THAT’S WHERE MY DAD LIVES by Blair Payson82 PROTOTYPING Understanding the unique conditions of a landmark tower96 SITE PREPARATION Preparing for Construction Project 500 Feet in the Air110 ADDITION New Features for a Historic Tower152 THE PUBLIC ENCOUNTER The Finished Project186 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS190 CREDITS

Olson Kundig began its creative existence in 1966 with the architect Jim Olson, whose work at that time centered on explorations of the relationship between dwellings and the landscapes they inhabit. Over the five decades of its existence, the firm has grown and broadened its expertise far beyond the residences for which it is still best known. The geographical scope of the work has grown to cover more than 15 countries on five continents. The firm is led by 14 principal/owners who are supported by a team of over 250 in both Seattle and New York.

"Now you can learn about and enjoy the big redo at ground level. Just published is the lavishly illustrated book “New Heights: Transforming Seattle’s Iconic Space Needle” (192 pages, Images Publishing Group). It was written and assembled by Olson Kundig, the Seattle-based international design firm that shepherded the $100 million project." - The Seattle Times

• 13 FOREWORD by Jeff Wright14 INTRODUCTION by the Wright family24 THE PROCESS OF SUBTRACTION by Alan Maskin28 FUTURE PAST The History of a Historic Icon becomes the Inspiration for a Re-design36 FOUND OBJECT The Building We Inherited50 THE DESIGN INVESTIGATION Hypothesis Testing and Subtraction66 THAT’S WHERE MY DAD LIVES by Blair Payson82 PROTOTYPING Understanding the unique conditions of a landmark tower96 SITE PREPARATION Preparing for Construction Project 500 Feet in the Air110 ADDITION New Features for a Historic Tower152 THE PUBLIC ENCOUNTER The Finished Project186 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS190 CREDITS