Construction is under way on the Greenland Tower Chengdu, a 468-meter-high crystalline skyscraper in Chengdu, China, designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture.
When built, it will be the tallest building in southwestern China, surpassing Chengdu's current tallest buildings by more than 200 meters.
The multi-faceted glass tower was inspired by “the unique ice mountain topography around Chengdu,” the firm said. Plans indicate that inset LED lighting on the edges of the faceted glass will give viewers the impression of a shimmering glacier. The tower will thereby act as a light sculpture for the city of Chengdu.
The project is set for completion in 2018. It is part of a larger complex comprised of the main tower, two smaller towers, and a six-story podium. Office, retail, and residential space will all be included in these buildings, according to Next Big Future.
"The architecture and structure marry perfectly," the firm said in a statement. "The design fully considers the structural requirements of supertall buildings in a high seismic zone, using a geometrical plan, a tapered form, and a high-performance damper bracing system to ensure the structure’s stability and efficiency."
Related Stories
Building Technology | Jun 1, 2021
Orro Announces Google Nest Integration for the Orro Switch
Orro, creators of the professional-grade top-of-the-line Orro Smart Living System, today announced the integration of Nest products to Orro. As a certified partner in Google’s Device Access program, this latest Orro integration allows homeowners to have seamless control and access to Nest thermostats and doorbells from any Orro Switch throughout the home – creating a single unified smart home system with advanced, intelligent ambient control.
High-rise Construction | May 27, 2021
The anti-high rise: Seattle's The Net by NBBJ
In this exclusive video interview for HorizonTV, Ryan Mullenix, Design Partner with NBBJ, talks with BD+C's John Caulfield about a new building in Seattle called The Net that promotes wellness and connectivity.
Digital Twin | May 24, 2021
Digital twin’s value propositions for the built environment, explained
Ernst & Young’s white paper makes its cases for the technology’s myriad benefits.
Senior Living Design | May 19, 2021
Senior living design: Post-COVID trends and innovations
Two senior living design experts discuss the latest trends and innovations in the senior living building sector.
Multifamily Housing | May 18, 2021
Multifamily housing sector sees near record proposal activity in early 2021
The multifamily sector led all housing submarkets, and was third among all 58 submarkets tracked by PSMJ in the first quarter of 2021.
Wood | May 14, 2021
What's next for mass timber design?
An architect who has worked on some of the nation's largest and most significant mass timber construction projects shares his thoughts on the latest design trends and innovations in mass timber.
Architects | May 10, 2021
Industry icon Art Gensler dead at 85
He was credited with creating a model for the modern, growth-oriented professional services organization.
Healthcare Facilities | Apr 30, 2021
Registration and waiting: Weak points and an enduring strength
Changing how patients register and wait for appointments will enhance the healthcare industry’s ability to respond to crises.
University Buildings | Apr 29, 2021
The Weekly Show, April 29, 2021: COVID-19's impact on campus planning, and bird management strategies
This week on The Weekly show, BD+C Senior Editor John Caulfield interviews a duo of industry experts on 1) how campus planning has changed during the pandemic and 2) managing bird infestations on construction sites and completed buildings.
Architects | Apr 22, 2021
SmithGroup enters partnership to support architecture programs at three Historically Black universities
The firm is providing instructors and mentors as part of a broader effort to expand the industry’s diversity.