SHANGHAI TOWER: TECHNICAL REVIEW AND SPECIFICATIONS

The Shanghai Tower stands as the tallest building in China and the third-tallest structure in the world. Rising 632 meters (2,073 feet) above the financial district of Lujiazui, this megatall skyscraper represents a paradigmatic shift in high-rise design, moving away from simple extrusion toward a complex, aerodynamic form that responds directly to wind forces and sustainable performance requirements.

This technical review analyzes the towers twisting geometry, its specialized soft-soil foundation system, and the world-record engineering behind its vertical transportation and damping systems.

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND AERODYNAMICS

Designed by Gensler, the Shanghai Tower is organized into nine vertical zones stacked on top of one another. Each zone features a separate sky lobby and atrium, effectively creating a "vertical city" where tenants can access amenities without descending to the ground floor.

The defining architectural feature is the 120-degree twist of the outer façade as it rises from base to crown. This rotation is not merely aesthetic; it is a calculated aerodynamic strategy. Wind tunnel testing revealed that this specific twisting geometry reduces wind loads on the building by 24%. By confusing the wind and preventing the organization of vortex shedding, the structural steel requirement was reduced by approximately $58 million compared to a traditional rectangular tower.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING AND FOUNDATION

The structural system is a "mega-frame" composed of three primary elements: a 30-meter square reinforced concrete core, eight super-columns located on the perimeter, and a series of outrigger trusses that connect the two.

Constructing a 600-meter tower on the soft, alluvial soil of the Yangtze River Delta presented a massive geotechnical challenge. The tower does not rest on bedrock, which is too deep to be practical in Shanghai. Instead, it utilizes a massive mat foundation, 6 meters thick, supported by 955 friction piles. These piles are driven up to 86 meters (282 feet) into the clay and sand layers, relying on skin friction to support the buildings 850,000-tonne weight. To prevent differential settlement between the core and the perimeter, engineers utilized concrete "fin walls" in the basement levels to distribute loads more evenly.

EDDY CURRENT TUNED MASS DAMPER

Most supertall skyscrapers use mechanical tuned mass dampers (TMD) involving heavy blocks of concrete or steel moving on hydraulic pistons. The Shanghai Tower, however, employs an advanced Eddy Current TMD.

Located on the 125th and 126th floors, this 1,000-tonne damper utilizes a magnetic system rather than friction-based mechanics. It consists of a heavy pendulum suspended above a copper plate. Permanent magnets on the pendulum induce eddy currents in the copper plate, generating a magnetic field that creates resistance and dissipates the kinetic energy of the swaying building. This system is virtually maintenance-free and reduces sway acceleration by up to 45% during typhoon conditions.

VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION

The Shanghai Tower is serviced by a record-breaking vertical transportation system supplied by Mitsubishi Electric. It features the worlds fastest elevators (at the time of installation), with a maximum speed of 20.5 meters per second (45.8 mph).

The building houses 106 elevators, including high-capacity double-deck units. The ultra-high-speed shuttle elevators utilize aerodynamic shrouds to reduce wind noise and active roller guides to dampen vibration. To manage the extreme pressure changes during rapid ascent and descent, the elevator cars are hermetically sealed and pressurized, preventing ear popping and discomfort for passengers.

SUSTAINABILITY AND DOUBLE-SKIN FACADE (LEED PLATINUM)

The Shanghai Tower is one of the most sustainable supertall buildings in the world, achieving LEED Platinum certification. The key to its performance is the "double-skin" façade. The tower has two glass curtain walls: an inner skin that encloses the office space and an outer skin that forms the twisting shape.

The space between these two skins creates a thermal buffer zone (atrium). In the winter, this zone acts as a greenhouse, trapping solar heat to warm the building. In the summer, vents in the outer skin open to allow heat to escape. This system significantly reduces the load on the HVAC plant. Additionally, the tower features 270 wind turbines built into the crown, which generate power for the exterior lighting, and a geothermal system that utilizes the constant temperature of the soil to assist in heating and cooling.

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

Official Name: Shanghai Tower
Chinese Name: Shanghai Zhongxin Dasha
Location: Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai, China
Architect: Gensler
Structural Engineer: Thornton Tomasetti
Completion Year: 2015
Architectural Height: 632 meters (2,073 feet)
Floor Count: 128
Elevator Speed: 20.5 m/s (Top Speed)
Damping System: 1,000-tonne Eddy Current TMD
Primary Function: Office, Hotel (J Hotel), Observation

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is the Shanghai Tower taller than the Burj Khalifa?
No. The Burj Khalifa is 828 meters tall, while the Shanghai Tower is 632 meters tall. However, the Shanghai Tower has the highest occupied floor in the world, as the top of the Burj Khalifa is largely an unoccupied spire.

Why is the building twisted?
The 120-degree twist is designed to reduce wind loads. By disrupting the wind flow, it prevents the formation of organized vortices (vortex shedding) that would cause the building to sway excessively during typhoons.

What is the "double skin"?
The building has two layers of glass. The inner layer wraps the offices, and the outer layer creates the building's shape. The space in between is used for sky gardens and acts as an insulating layer to save energy.

Can you visit the top?
Yes, the "Top of Shanghai" observation deck is located on the 118th floor. It offers a 360-degree view of the city and is accessed by the world's fastest elevators.