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
| Jun 15, 2012
Beck Group/Atlanta wins AGC Build Georgia Award
Site-specific safety plan, BIM analysis and third-party structural review contributed to successful implementation.
| Jun 15, 2012
Baldwin joins Charlotte office of Perkins Eastman as principal
Experience in healthcare planning and design to expand national healthcare practice in South and Mid-Atlantic.
| Jun 15, 2012
InPro’s bio-content becomes Cradle-to-Cradle CertifiedCM Silver
Two main components of G2 Blend formula now C2C Certified Silver.
| Jun 14, 2012
A. Eugene Kohn Watercolor Exhibition a showcase of KPF artwork in NYC
Kohn's watercolors have previously been displayed at the Guggenheim Museum in a show for the works of well-known architects.
| Jun 14, 2012
Gilbane names two new executive vice presidents
Dennis Cornick and Thomas Laird join Gilbane's executive team, expanding the company's leadership to drive business goals.
| Jun 14, 2012
Viscardi joins LEO A DALY as VP, corporate director of aviation programs
Viscardi will be responsible for providing the vision and strategy for growing the firm’s aviation practice, identifying and establishing new clients, as well as maintaining existing client relationships.
| Jun 14, 2012
Sustainability consultant’s keynote highlights the evolution of LEED green building in Spain
Sustainability planning, green building and water efficiency consultant, Jerry Yudelson keynoted the celebration of Spain’s first LEED Platinum Municipal Green Building.
| Jun 13, 2012
Thornton Tomasetti founding principals receive CTBUH Fazlur R. Khan Lifetime Achievement Medal
This is the first time the CTBUH Board of Trustees has awarded the prize to two individuals jointly.
| Jun 13, 2012
Free webinar on Designing and Building Green Schools scheduled for June 20
USGBC Center for Green Schools and other experts to present practical tips.
| Jun 13, 2012
GAF’s Roving Truck promotion coming to your town soon
Professional roofing contractors or builders/remodelers in the U.S. can enter to win a Ford F-150 truck.
