Winner 2021

Award for
Tall or Slender Structures

Project Description

A dramatic, undulating profile makes this 530m tall tower a new landmark in the area. The design is a synthesis of architectural, structural, and functional requirements. The primary structural innovation was the use of a system of “soft-braces”. These consist of variable sloped columns configured to optimise the structural performance for seismic events.

Judge’s comments

This 530m tall tower is a striking fusion of structural and architectural expression. It boasts an innovative structural system and excellent optimisation of form.

Working from the bottom up and from the core outward in a core-to-envelope approach, the team put in great efforts to mitigate all challenges. It is located in an area of high seismicity, but the structure utilises a sloping column system of ‘soft braces’ to significantly enhance the seismic performance of the building.

Wind tunnel studies informed and optimised the building aerodynamic shape and minimised wind loads.

A team approach, which included close collaboration with the client, and tight coordination with local architects, engineers and consultants sets the standard for successful large-scale, super tall engineering.

Project overview

Structural Designer

  • Skidmore, Owings & Merrill & ECADI

Client Name

  • New World China Land Limited Project Management Department

Location

  • Tianjin, China

Architect

  • SOM & Local Design Institute: ECADI

Principal Contractor

  • CSCEC, JANGHO and Netfortune

Key Contractors

  • Ronald Lu and Partners (International) Ltd. (RLP) – Executive Architect

    BMT – Wind Tunnel Testing 

    WSP (Asia) Limited – MEP Engineering

    Isometrix Lighting Design – Lighting Consultant 

    Arup – Facade Engineer

    Campbell Shillinglaw Lau Ltd – Acoustics Images: © 1 - ZHEN VISION, 2 - Seth Powers, 3 - CSCEC

Year Submitted

  • 2020