Shanghai Tower is a 632-meter tall skyscraper located in the Pudong district of Shanghai, China. It is the tallest building in China and the second-tallest in the world. The tower was designed by Gensler and developed by the Shanghai Tower Construction & Development Co. Ltd. Construction began in November 2008 and the tower was completed in August 2015.
Architecture
The tower is composed of nine cylindrical buildings stacked atop one another, with each floor separating slightly from the one below it. This shape is intended to reduce the wind load on the building, allowing for a more efficient structure. The exterior of the tower is composed of a double-layer of glass curtain walls that are designed to reduce the amount of energy used for heating and cooling.
Features
Shanghai Tower has a number of features, including:
- A sky lobby on the 121st floor
- A 5-star hotel on the upper floors
- Retail and office space
- Observation decks on the 118th and 119th floors
- A revolving restaurant on the 118th floor
- An art gallery on the 119th floor
Structure
The tower is composed of nine cylindrical buildings stacked atop one another, with each floor separating slightly from the one below it. This shape is intended to reduce the wind load on the building, allowing for a more efficient structure. The exterior of the tower is composed of a double-layer of glass curtain walls that are designed to reduce the amount of energy used for heating and cooling.
Foundation
The foundation of the tower is composed of a reinforced concrete mat that is 10 meters thick. The mat is supported by more than 200 steel piles driven into the bedrock below.
Exterior
The exterior of the tower is composed of a double-layer of glass curtain walls that are designed to reduce the amount of energy used for heating and cooling. The exterior also features a system of automated louvers that can be adjusted to control the amount of sunlight entering the building.
Interior
The interior of the tower is divided into three zones: the public zone, the office zone, and the hotel zone. The public zone includes the lobby, the observation decks, and the retail space. The office zone is located on the lower floors and consists of office space and conference rooms. The hotel zone is located on the upper floors and consists of a 5-star hotel.
Conclusion
Shanghai Tower is an impressive feat of engineering and design. The unique shape of the tower reduces wind load and helps to conserve energy. The tower also features a number of features, including a sky lobby, retail space, office space, observation decks, a revolving restaurant, and a 5-star hotel. The foundation, exterior, and interior of the tower are all designed to maximize efficiency and create a unique experience for visitors.