The Shanghai World Financial Center is a skyscraper located in the Pudong district of Shanghai, China. It is one of the tallest buildings in the world, and it has become an iconic landmark of the city. Here are some interesting facts about the Shanghai World Financial Center:
Height: The Shanghai World Financial Center is 492 meters (1,614 feet) tall, making it the third tallest building in China and the ninth tallest building in the world as of 2021.
Design: The building was designed by the American architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates. It has a trapezoidal shape with a square aperture at the top, which creates a distinctive skyline profile.
Observation deck: The Shanghai World Financial Center has an observation deck on the 100th floor, which is open to the public. The observation deck offers panoramic views of the city and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Shanghai.
Skybridge: The building also features a skybridge on the 55th floor, which connects the two towers of the building. The skybridge is 50 meters (164 feet) long and is one of the highest bridges in the world.
Wind engineering: Due to the building’s height and location in an area prone to high winds, wind engineering was a major consideration during its design and construction. The building features a tuned mass damper, which helps to reduce the building’s sway in high winds.
LEED certification: The Shanghai World Financial Center was awarded LEED Gold certification in 2011, which recognizes the building’s environmentally sustainable design and construction.
Construction: The construction of the Shanghai World Financial Center began in 1997 and was completed in 2008. The building’s construction was delayed several times due to various factors, including financial difficulties and the SARS outbreak in 2003.
Tenant: The Shanghai World Financial Center is primarily used for office space, and it is home to several multinational corporations and financial institutions. The building’s anchor tenant is the Shanghai World Financial Center Observatory Co., Ltd.
Cultural significance: The Shanghai World Financial Center has become an iconic landmark of Shanghai and is often featured in films, television shows, and other media. The building has also been the subject of controversy, with some critics arguing that its construction has contributed to the displacement of local residents and the destruction of historic neighborhoods.
In conclusion, the Shanghai World Financial Center is an impressive and iconic building that has become a symbol of modern China. Its unique design, observation deck, skybridge, and environmentally sustainable features make it a popular tourist attraction and a source of pride for the people of Shanghai.