Remember Tom Cruise scaling buildings with impossible ease? The Bank of Shanghai Headquarters played a supporting role in that very drama. It served as a backdrop for Mission Impossible III.
The Bank of Shanghai Headquarters is more than just a pretty face. It is located in Pudong New Area. This is Shanghai’s modern district. The building stands 252 metres tall with 46 floors. It was completed in 2005.
Kenzo Tange Associates designed the Bank of Shanghai Headquarters. The building echoes the Art Deco facades along the Bund. The Bund waterfront sits across the Huangpu River. The Bank of Shanghai Headquarters is a postmodern skyscraper.
Kenzo Tange was a famous Japanese architect. He designed the Olympic arenas for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Tange also designed the 1970 World’s Fair in Tokyo. The Bank of Shanghai Headquarters was one of his last projects. He passed away shortly after its opening.
Inside, the Bank of Shanghai Headquarters features an advanced ventilation system. D+H ventilation solution ensures healthy indoor air. 1,200 KA Series drives power the system. These drives have a 600 mm stroke. They can withstand strong winds. This creates a pleasant atmosphere on all 46 floors.
The Bank of Shanghai itself has a rich history. It was founded on December 29 1995. This happened as the Shanghai City Cooperative Bank. Ninety-eight City Cooperative Credit Unions of Shanghai merged. The Joint Union of the Shanghai City Cooperative Credit Unions joined them. The bank changed its name to Bank of Shanghai in 1998.
The Bank of Shanghai received investments from major players. These included the International Finance Corporation. The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation also invested. The Shanghai Commercial Bank of Hong Kong also invested.
HSBC Hong Kong sold its 8.0% stake in 2013. Banco Santander purchased it. The Bank of Shanghai is a major financial institution. It plays a significant role in Shanghai’s economy.
The Bank of Shanghai Headquarters is not just a building. It represents Shanghai’s blend of finance and modern architecture. It reflects the city’s ambition. From its role in Mission Impossible III to its advanced design the Bank of Shanghai Headquarters stands as a testament to Shanghai’s dynamic spirit. Take a moment to appreciate its presence. It’s a symbol of Shanghai’s past, present and future.