China’s boundless future is reflected in the Shanghai Tower, a stunning representation of our present. The Shanghai Tower stands tall as China’s tallest building. It also holds the title of the world’s third-tallest building by architectural height.
This megatall skyscraper is located in Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai. The Shanghai Tower reaches a height of 632 meters. That is 2,073 feet.
The Shanghai Tower is owned by Yeti Construction and Development. This consortium includes Shanghai Chengtou Corp. It also includes Shanghai Lujiazui Finance & Trade Zone Development Co. and Shanghai Construction Group.
Construction began on November 29, 2008. The tower topped out on August 4, 2013. The exterior was completed in the summer of 2015. The Shanghai Tower officially opened in February 2015.
The Shanghai Tower’s design incorporates high energy efficiency. It features nine separate zones. These zones are divided between office, retail, and leisure use.
The tower boasts the world’s highest observation deck. It is located on the 121st floor at 562 meters. That is 1,844 feet. It surpasses the Burj Khalifa’s observation deck.
The J Hotel Shanghai Tower opened on the 120th floor in 2021. It is the world’s highest luxury hotel.
Planning models from 1993 showed plans for three supertall skyscrapers. The Jin Mao Tower was the first. The Shanghai World Financial Center was the second. The Shanghai Tower completes this group.
The Shanghai Tower had an estimated construction cost of US$2.4 billion. A repetitive slip-forming process was used. This built the tower’s core floor by floor.
The Shanghai Tower represents a new way of defining cities. It incorporates sustainability and high-performance design. It also weaves the building into Shanghai’s urban fabric.
The Shanghai Tower’s crown structure passed the 600-meter mark in January 2014. Interior construction was completed in late 2014.
The Shanghai Tower faced leasing issues initially. This was due to fire department permits. By December 2022, office space occupancy reached 80%. Commercial space occupancy reached 98%.
The American architectural firm Gensler designed the Shanghai Tower. Shanghainese architect Jun Xia led the design team.
The Shanghai Tower takes the form of nine cylindrical buildings. They are stacked atop each other. They total 128 floors. An inner layer of glass encloses all the floors.
Nine indoor zones provide public space for visitors. Each zone has its own atrium. These atriums feature gardens, cafes, restaurants, and retail space. They also provide panoramic city views.
The Shanghai Tower can accommodate 16,000 people daily. The J Hotel Shanghai Tower is located between the 84th and 110th floors. It is operated by Jin Jiang International Hotels.
The Shanghai Tower incorporates a museum. Sub-levels provide parking for 1,800 vehicles.
The Shanghai Tower’s vertical transportation system was designed by Edgett Williams Consulting Group. The office floors are served via four sky lobbies. Each lobby is served by double-deck shuttle elevators.
Mitsubishi Electric constructed the Shanghai Tower’s elevator system. The elevators include high-speed models. These can travel 1,080 meters per minute. That is 64.8 kilometers per hour.
The Shanghai Tower comprises numerous green architecture components. It received certifications for its sustainable design. The building catches rainwater for internal use. It reuses a portion of its wastewater.
The design of the Shanghai Tower’s glass facade reduces wind loads. This reduced the amount of construction materials needed. The tower uses 25% less structural steel. Constructors saved an estimated US$58 million.
The Shanghai Tower stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability. It redefines the role of tall buildings. It contributes to the completeness of the city skyline. The Shanghai Tower’s blend of design and technology sets a new standard.