Guangzhou International Financial Center (GZIFC) is one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world. Its graceful silhouette in the style of modernism rises above the business center of the city, reflected in the waters of the Yellow River. The lower floors of the building are leased for offices, on the upper floors there is a hotel complex with a viewing and helipads.
Description
Guangzhou International Financial Center in China is located along the central axis of the New City, 500 meters from the Pearl River embankment. With a height of 437.51 m, GZIFC is one of the twenty tallest skyscrapers in the world. The total area of the premises is more than 448,000 m 2 .
The building was built as part of the economic development program of the city. The 103-story building at the time of construction became the largest mega-tower and the largest international business complex in Guangzhou.
The construction of the facility began in 2006 and ended in 2010. The project management from the development of the drawings to the actual implementation was entrusted to the architectural company Wilkinson Eyre Architects. The plans are planned to build near the East Tower.
High records
A photo of the International Financial Center in Guangzhou circled the global tabloids in 2010 as the largest skyscraper in South China. GZIFC, reaching 1,439 feet, remains the tallest building in the world with a helipad on the roof. Only the Beijing International Trade Tower, rising to the sky by 1083 feet (330 m), is competition for him.
By the way, both structures are higher than the previous US Bank Tower record holder in Los Angeles, which held the palm from 1989 to 2010, whose roof with a helipad rises to 1018 feet (310.3 m). At the end of 2016, the center’s tower was the second highest in the city, sixth in the PRC, 11th on the Asian continent and 15th in the world.
Design features
Guangzhou International Financial Center is the world's first mega-tower supported by diagonally arranged columns. Each of them is made of steel pipes filled with reinforced concrete. The design is so strong that it can withstand not only fires, explosions, strong winds, but also external attacks from several directions. The entire structure of the building is monitored by electronic systems, notifying of the slightest structural damage. This makes it easier to find problem areas and begin immediate repairs.
In addition to the main West Tower, the Guangzhou International Financial Center includes a 28-story commercial and administrative block connected to the main building by a 4-level underground passage.
On the outside, the skyscraper is surrounded by a unique glass wall (the largest in the world), called the Double glazed Low-E curtain wall. The design has a reinforced laminated glass surface. Two levels of waterproof systems are built into the enclosure to withstand heavy rainfall.
Transparent double-glazed windows Low-E provide additional noise reduction, improve energy efficiency in lighting and air conditioning. Thanks to the “crystalline” tower, GZIFC is easily recognizable at a distance and is an absolute landmark of the city.
Offices
Two-thirds of the main tower of the Guangzhou International Financial Center is occupied by offices. They are located from the 1st to the 66th floor and comply with the world standard A-class. Tenants are provided with highly efficient, safe, comfortable, spacious (ceiling height - 3-4.5 m) and environmentally friendly workrooms. The 13.5-meter high-tech lobby is located on the ground floor. The tower is pierced by 71 elevators, including 4 through expressways.
All offices are provided:
- intelligent management system;
- dual-channel three-channel power supplies;
- high speed fiber optic networks;
- fire extinguishing and warning systems;
- A-class air conditioning units;
- ventilation system, providing an influx of a large amount of fresh air.
The upper floors are reserved for technical needs. There is equipment for building maintenance, air conditioning systems, domestic premises.
Hotel
From the 67th to the 100th floor, the tower houses the Guangzhou Four Seasons Hotel - the highest in the Four Seasons international chain. A total of 330 luxury apartments are equipped, including:
- 235 standard rooms;
- 53 Executive Suites
- 28 double one-room numbers;
- 12 double two-room apartments;
- 1 royal suite;
- 1 presidential suite.
The suites have an area of more than 60 m 2 and boast fantastic views of the Pearl River and the city. The observation platforms of the Guangzhou International Financial Center are at the 99th and 100th marks.
There are two hotel lobbies on the 1st and 70th floors of the main tower. Four high-speed OTIS shuttle lifts deliver customers to the 70th floor in a minute. Guangzhou Four Seasons has a SPA, an indoor panoramic pool, a gym and a beauty salon on the 69th floor, as well as a relaxation room, a bar and various themed restaurants (including haute cuisine) on 71, 72, 99 and 100 floors.
In addition, the luxurious hotel complex provides fully equipped balconies to contemplate the surroundings, a business center, large and small conference rooms. The pride of the hotel is a transparent glass staircase connecting 99 and 100 floors. There is a helipad on the roof.
Interior design shows a harmonious combination of both Chinese and Western art projects. The rooms seemed to be painted with the brush of an artist who masterfully owns the technique of light, shadow and perspective. The rooms are designed in such a way as to easily change the arrangement of furniture and appliances depending on the mood of the customers.
How to get to Guangzhou International Financial Center
Despite the large territory of the metropolis, finding GZIFC is not difficult. The tower is located in the New City (Pearl River New City), whose skyscrapers are visible for many kilometers. You can navigate along the Yellow River.
If you drive a rented car or taxi, you just need to know the address of the object - Zhujiang New Town, Zhujiang Xi Road, No. 5. GPS-navigator (or analog) will greatly facilitate the search and tell you the best route taking into account traffic jams. The journey from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport and Nansha Marine Passenger Terminal will take approximately the same time - 45 minutes.
Perhaps someone will find it convenient to use the subway. A green metro line leads from Nansha Port to the city center. At Chebei South Station, transfer to the Pink Line and head west to Pearl River New Town Station. An orange subway line leads from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport directly to the same station.