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
| Feb 21, 2012
Three Goettsch leaders elevated to AIA College of Fellows
Honor recognizes significant contributions to architecture and society.
| Feb 21, 2012
Skanska welcomes Morrison and Viviano to Atlanta office
Morrison will serve as a vice president and Viviano will serve as senior director of business development for Georgia.
| Feb 21, 2012
PV America West conference showcases solar growth market
Solar industry gathers March 19-21, 2012 in San Jose to discuss technology, market development and policy.
| Feb 21, 2012
SMPS announces Build Business 2012 keynote speakers
National conference set for July 11–13 in San Francisco.
| Feb 20, 2012
Comment period for update to USGBC's LEED Green Building Program now open
This third draft of LEED has been refined to address technical stringency and rigor, measurement and performance tools, and an enhanced user experience.
| Feb 20, 2012
Sto Corp. announces new technical director for Canada
Edgar will have full responsibility of specifications, details, website technical content, testing and approvals, and will support the Canada sales team.
| Feb 20, 2012
GAF introduces web portal for architects and specifiers
The new portal offers a clean look with minimal clutter to make it easier to find the technical information and product data that architects need.
| Feb 20, 2012
All Steel names Breagy director of metro New York
Breagy is responsible for overseeing this region’s sales team while strategically coordinating the sales efforts of Allsteel dealers and representatives in the tri-state area.
| Feb 17, 2012
Tremco Inc. headquarters achieves LEED Gold certification
Changes were so extensive that the certification is for new construction and not for renovation; officially, the building is LEED-NC.