Wednesday, March 21, 2012

China makes a mark in the green building industry with tallest Shanghai Tower


The construction and architecture industry in China has seen a recent boom but, the country has been time and again criticized for its reliance on non-green technologies and building processes.
China’s tallest skyscraper, Shanghai Tower, may be changing that notion. Along with this, the green influence infiltrating the Chinese construction industry is evident
The Shanghai Centre was designed by Gensler Architects with sustainable consultants Aurecon. At a massive 632 metres tall, it makes sense from both an environmental and an economic standpoint to ensure the building is as efficient as possible.
One key element of the tower is its ‘intelligent skin.’ In a unique design, the building’s façade is completely transparent and bioclimatic.
The skin’s clever, multi-functional design helps the site overcome a number of major challenges.
Its unique spiral form reduces wind loads and captures rainwater, the latter of which is then used in the building’s air conditioning and central heating. It also acts as a buffer, with the double skin glass form of the façade offering additional insulation and solar gain control.
Between the spiraling external façade and the internal circular wall is a 12-storey garden atrium. The building has been rated with a Chinese 3 Star Green Star Green Building Rating and has numerous technologically-driven green features to run as an environmentally responsible structure.
This includes the inclusion and use of a tri-generation plant, rooftop wind turbines, a greywater recycling system and water deluge system.
When taken as a whole, these design, function and green building elements create a building that is aesthetically one-of-a-kind and that promises to serve as a benchmark for further architecture and construction ventures in Asia.

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