‘CTF tianjin tower’ by SOM, tianjin, china all images courtesy of SOM

ground has recently been broken in tianjin, china for the ‘CTF tianjin tower’, a 96-storey building designed by international practice SOM. concealed with curving glass curtain wall, eight inclined columns form the undulating profile’s main structural framework. these elements collectively strengthen the stiffness of the tower, resolving the gravity-induced loads and lateral forces generated by seismic events. multi-storey wind vents expressed within the facade along with an aerodynamic shape will reduce vortex shedding caused by the increasing wind impact at higher elevations.

cumulatively measuring 4.2 million square feet, the project meets LEED gold standards with optimized daylighting, high performance envelope and landscaped green areas. the internal program includes offices, 300 apartments and a 350-room 5-star hotel within the arching top at the 1,730 foot-high zenith. prior testing of 18 different schemes within a wind tunnel has led to a design with the least movement and quiet interior in comparison to other implemented skyscrapers.

SOM: CTF tianjin tower section