The Shanghai United Bank Tower will stand out among the towers in the Pudong New Area. The concept for the design is based on a square plan that shifts slightly as it rises, to generate a very unique and dynamic image. The underlying design concept is based on the geometric principles of a square rotating within a square.
The podium is set behind the tower, so the tower faces the large open space at the center of the Lujiazui Financial Area. The podium is clad in stone and glass while the framework of the tower is made of granite to emphasize the strength of the building and the Bank it represents. The panels within the frames are warm gray glass, which make up the primary facade of the building.
The main entry brings you into a large open square within the podium. This space is a grand hall, and can be used as an exhibition space and display area, and is nearly 24 meters high with a large overhead skylight. There are shops and service areas along the two sides of this large space and it also leads into the lobby of the tower, which will be controlled for security.
The fifty story tower becomes more slender as it rises, and as the floor areas decrease. This is in response to the program of uses the bank has established.
Sydness Architects was invited to design the building as part of a design competition that included a small group of architects from around the world.
for image credit.
