The Shanghai Tower is the worlds second tallest building. It is 2073 feet tall with a total of 128 stories. It not only has the highest observation deck in the world (floor 121) but also the fastest elevators (46 mph). Work began on the tower in November 2008 and was not completed until September 2015. In total the building cost $2.4 Billion and was designed for high energy efficiency.
How It Works:
The tower features a twisting triangular form with a facade that curves 120 degrees from its base. Its structural system consists of a 90-by-90-foot concrete core connected to a system of outriggers and super columns supported on 1,079 concrete and steel bore piles driven deep into ground. This allows for effective wind and seismic resistance. Because of the curved shape the wind load decreased 24%, which resulted in a lighter structure and reduced material cost. The building achieved LEED Platinum for renewable energy because it houses 270 wind turbines.
Pros:
- Energy Efficient
- Breaks Many Records
- Allows For Comfortable Living
Cons:
- Expensive
- Time Consuming
In the future this building will be used for the standard to which buildings should be made. Its excellent efficiency system will be used in other buildings and its unique design will inspire designers to think differently.
Works Cited
“Shanghai Tower.” Thornton Tomasetti, www.thorntontomasetti.com/projects/shanghai_tower/.
“Shanghai Tower.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 14 Mar. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shanghai_Tower.
