PING AN FINANCE CENTER: TECHNICAL REVIEW AND SPECIFICATIONS

The Ping An Finance Center (PAFC) stands as the tallest building in Shenzhen and the second-tallest in China. Rising 599.1 meters (1,965 feet) above the Futian District, this megatall skyscraper serves as the headquarters of Ping An Insurance and a physical anchor for the Pearl River Deltas rapid economic development.

This technical review analyzes the towers advanced stainless steel façade system, its aerodynamic pyramidal geometry, and the structural engineering required to support a 600-meter vertical cantilever.

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND FACADE ENGINEERING

Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), the Ping An Finance Center is defined by its stone and glass materiality, a departure from the all-glass aesthetic common in modern supertalls. The tower features the largest stainless steel façade in the world, utilizing approximately 1,700 tons of 316L linen-finished stainless steel.

This material choice was driven by Shenzhen's coastal climate. The high salt content in the atmosphere required a material with superior corrosion resistance. Additionally, the textured stainless steel reflects the changing colors of the sky while reducing light pollution and solar glare. The towers form is a tapered prism, with four main faces that narrow toward the peak. These facades are sheathed in "chevron" shaped stone verticals that extend from the base to the crown, emphasizing verticality and acting as lightning rods.

AERODYNAMICS AND WIND ENGINEERING

The tapered form is a direct response to wind engineering requirements. By gradually reducing the width of the building as it ascends, the wind load is significantly reduced. The faceted corners are designed to disrupt airflow and mitigate vortex shedding.

Wind tunnel testing indicated that the tapered geometry reduced wind loads by 35 percent compared to a rectangular extrusion. This reduction allowed for a leaner structural system, saving thousands of tons of steel and concrete.

STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS

The structural system of the Ping An Finance Center is a "mega-frame" utilizing a core-and-outrigger topology. The primary lateral resistance is provided by a high-stiffness reinforced concrete core and eight perimeter super-columns.

These super-columns are massive composite structures (concrete-filled steel tubes). They are connected to the core by outrigger trusses located at seven mechanical refuge floors. This connection engages the perimeter columns in resisting the overturning moments caused by wind and seismic forces, effectively maximizing the buildings structural width. The tower is capped with a stiffened steel crown structure that ties the columns together at the peak.

FOUNDATION AND GEOTECHNICAL SYSTEMS

Located in an area with complex geological conditions, the tower sits on a massive foundation designed to transfer loads through soft soil layers to the bedrock below. The foundation consists of a 4.5-meter thick reinforced concrete mat.

This mat is supported by 24 massive bored piles, each with a diameter of 2.5 meters, extending into the rock strata. The close proximity of the high-speed rail line (Futian Station) required precise vibration monitoring and excavation techniques to prevent ground movement that could disrupt the transit infrastructure.

VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION

The vertical transportation system, supplied by Otis, is designed to move thousands of employees efficiently. The tower is equipped with 33 double-deck elevators, which increase the handling capacity of the shafts without consuming valuable floor area.

These elevators travel at speeds of up to 10 meters per second. The system utilizes a destination dispatch algorithm to group passengers by floor, reducing wait times and energy consumption. The elevators are also equipped with regenerative drives, which capture energy generated during braking and feed it back into the buildings electrical grid.

SUSTAINABILITY (LEED GOLD)

The Ping An Finance Center has achieved LEED Gold certification. The stainless steel façade, combined with high-performance Low-E glazing, significantly reduces solar heat gain. The chevrons act as self-shading devices, blocking direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day.

The building utilizes an ice-storage cooling system. Chillers run at night when electricity rates are lower to freeze water in storage tanks. During the day, the ice melts to provide cooling for the air conditioning system, reducing the peak load on the citys power grid.

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

Official Name: Ping An Finance Center
Chinese Name: Ping An Guoji Jinrong Zhongxin
Location: Futian District, Shenzhen, China
Architect: Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF)
Structural Engineer: Thornton Tomasetti
Completion Year: 2017
Architectural Height: 599.1 meters (1,965 feet)
Floor Count: 115
Facade Material: Stainless Steel (Type 316L) and Glass
Elevator Supplier: Otis
Primary Function: Office, Retail, Observation

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why was the spire removed?
The original design included a 60-meter spire that would have brought the total height to 660 meters. However, it was removed during construction due to aviation safety concerns regarding flight paths from the nearby Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport.

Is it the tallest building in China?
No. It is the second-tallest building in China, surpassed by the Shanghai Tower (632 meters).

Can the public visit the top?
Yes, the Free Sky observation deck is located on the 116th floor, approximately 541 meters above the ground. It offers 360-degree views of Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

Why is the building made of stainless steel?
Stainless steel was chosen for its durability against Shenzhen's salty, humid coastal air. It is highly resistant to corrosion and maintains its appearance without frequent maintenance, unlike painted aluminum or standard steel.