Shanghai World Financial Centre – A Striking Skyscraper

A soaring skyscraper dominating the skyline of Pudong in the centre of Lujiazui Finance & Trade Zone in Shanghai, China, the Shanghai World Financial Centre (SWFC) features 101 floors. A multipurpose structure consisting of hotels, offices, observation decks, conference rooms and shopping malls, SWFC soars to a height of over 490 metres. Embodying the original “Vertical Garden City” concept of the famous Mori Building, the skyscraper consists of ample office space featuring advanced specifications and other functionalities that a world-class international financial centre requires.

The imposing building’s most distinctive feature is undoubtedly its design. With an aperture at the peak, the structure has two tuned mass dampers just below its observation floors so as to reduce the stress caused by earthquakes and windstorms. The three observation decks of the SWFC are located at heights of 423 metres, 439 metres and 474 metres. Following the events of 9/11, the building was redesigned to include two external elevators and 12 fireproof refuge areas, making it possible for the building to withstand a plane crash.
The structure boasting the world’s highest observatory, comprehensive conference facilities, and elegant retail spaces, is a hub for communication and exchange of cultures. Since the availability of various cafes and restaurants is essential for any business affair to be successful, SWFC with its wide ranging facilities presents convenience for the lifestyle of the executive.

Visitors to the structure can delight in the spectacular views of the cityscape including the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Huangpu River and many symbolic landmarks in Shanghai. The open skylighted ceiling of its sightseeing hall proves the ingenuity in design. It can even be opened in good weather, transforming the hall into sort of a flyover in the air.
Considered to be the best skyscraper completed in 2008, Shanghai World Financial Centre is popularly recognized as an innovative structural design and at times is described as “nothing short of genius”.

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