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Suzhou Zhongnan Center
Suzhou
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Height
729.0 m / 2,392 ft
Floors
137
Official Name
The current legal building name.
Suzhou Zhongnan Center
Other Names
Other names the building has commonly been known as, including former names, common informal names, local names, etc.
Century Plaza South Tower, Suzhou Hungnam Centre, Jin Ji Tower
Name of Complex
A complex is a group of buildings which are designed and built as pieces of a greater development.
Type
CTBUH collects data on two major types of tall structures: 'Buildings' and 'Telecommunications / Observation Towers.' A 'Building' is a structure where at least 50% of the height is occupied by usable floor area. A 'Telecommunications / Observation Tower' is a structure where less than 50% of the structure's height is occupied by usable floor area. Only 'Buildings' are eligible for the CTBUH 'Tallest Buildings' lists.
Building
Status
Completed
Architecturally Topped Out
Structurally Topped Out
Under Construction
Proposed
On Hold
Never Completed
Vision
Competition Entry
Canceled
Proposed Renovation
Under Renovation
Renovated
Under Demolition
Demolished
Never Completed
Country
The CTBUH follows the United Nations's definition of Country, and thus uses the lists and codes established by that organization.
City
The CTBUH follows the United Nations's definition of City, and thus uses the lists and codes established by that organization.
Address
Function
A single-function tall building is defined as one where 85% or more of its usable floor area is dedicated to a single usage. Thus a building with 90% office floor area would be said to be an "office" building, irrespective of other minor functions it may also contain.
A mixed-use tall building contains two or more functions (or uses), where each of the functions occupy a significant proportion of the tower's total space. Support areas such as car parks and mechanical plant space do not constitute mixed-use functions. Functions are denoted on CTBUH "Tallest Building" lists in descending order, e.g., "hotel/office" indicates hotel function above office function.
A mixed-use tall building contains two or more functions (or uses), where each of the functions occupy a significant proportion of the tower's total space. Support areas such as car parks and mechanical plant space do not constitute mixed-use functions. Functions are denoted on CTBUH "Tallest Building" lists in descending order, e.g., "hotel/office" indicates hotel function above office function.
hotel / residential / office
Structural Material
Steel
Both the main vertical/lateral structural elements and the floor spanning systems are constructed from steel. Note that a building of steel construction with a floor system of concrete planks or concrete slab on top of steel beams is still considered a “steel” structure as the concrete elements are not acting as the primary structure.
Reinforced Concrete
Both the main vertical/lateral structural elements and the floor spanning systems are constructed from concrete which has been cast in place and utilizes steel reinforcement bars.
Precast Concrete
Both the main vertical/lateral structural elements and the floor spanning system are constructed from steel reinforced concrete which has been precast as individual components and assembled together on-site.
Mixed-Structure
Utilizes distinct systems (e.g. steel, concrete, timber), one on top of the other. For example, a steel/concrete indicates a steel structural system located on top of a concrete structural system, with the opposite true of concrete/steel.
Composite
A combination of materials (e.g. steel, concrete, timber) are used together in the main structural elements. Examples include buildings which utilize: steel columns with a floor system of reinforced concrete beams; a steel frame system with a concrete core; concrete-encased steel columns; concrete-filled steel tubes; etc. Where known, the CTBUH database breaks out the materials used in a composite building’s core, columns, and floor spanning separately.
Both the main vertical/lateral structural elements and the floor spanning systems are constructed from steel. Note that a building of steel construction with a floor system of concrete planks or concrete slab on top of steel beams is still considered a “steel” structure as the concrete elements are not acting as the primary structure.
Reinforced Concrete
Both the main vertical/lateral structural elements and the floor spanning systems are constructed from concrete which has been cast in place and utilizes steel reinforcement bars.
Precast Concrete
Both the main vertical/lateral structural elements and the floor spanning system are constructed from steel reinforced concrete which has been precast as individual components and assembled together on-site.
Mixed-Structure
Utilizes distinct systems (e.g. steel, concrete, timber), one on top of the other. For example, a steel/concrete indicates a steel structural system located on top of a concrete structural system, with the opposite true of concrete/steel.
Composite
A combination of materials (e.g. steel, concrete, timber) are used together in the main structural elements. Examples include buildings which utilize: steel columns with a floor system of reinforced concrete beams; a steel frame system with a concrete core; concrete-encased steel columns; concrete-filled steel tubes; etc. Where known, the CTBUH database breaks out the materials used in a composite building’s core, columns, and floor spanning separately.
composite
Height
Architectural
Height is measured from the level of the lowest, significant, open-air, pedestrian entrance to the architectural top of the building, including spires, but not including antennae, signage, flag poles or other functional-technical equipment. This measurement is the most widely utilized and is employed to define the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) rankings of the "World's Tallest Buildings."
729.0 m / 2,392 ft
To Tip
Height is measured from the level of the lowest, significant, open-air, pedestrian entrance to the highest point of the building, irrespective of material or function of the highest element (i.e., including antennae, flagpoles, signage and other functional-technical equipment).
729.0 m / 2,392 ft
Occupied
Height is measured from the level of the lowest, significant, open-air, pedestrian entrance to the highest occupied floor within the building.
592.8 m / 1,945 ft
Observatory
592.8 m / 1,945 ft
Floors Above Ground
The number of floors above ground should include the ground floor level and be the number of main floors above ground, including any significant mezzanine floors and major mechanical plant floors. Mechanical mezzanines should not be included if they have a significantly smaller floor area than the major floors below. Similarly, mechanical penthouses or plant rooms protruding above the general roof area should not be counted. Note: CTBUH floor counts may differ from published accounts, as it is common in some regions of the world for certain floor levels not to be included (e.g., the level 4, 14, 24, etc. in Hong Kong).
137
Floors Below Ground
The number of floors below ground should include all major floors located below the ground floor level.
5
# of Apartments
Number of Apartments refers to the total number of residential units (including both rental units and condominiums) contained within a particular building.
706
# of Hotel Rooms
Number of Hotel Rooms refers to the total number of hotel rooms contained within a particular building.
276
# of Parking Spaces
Number of Parking Spaces refers to the total number of car parking spaces contained within a particular building.
1500
# of Elevators
Number of Elevators refers to the total number of elevator cars (not shafts) contained within a particular building (including public, private and freight elevators).
93
Top Elevator Speed
Top Elevator Speed refers to the top speed capable of being achieved by an elevator within a particular building, measured in meters per second.
18 m/s
Tower GFA
Tower GFA refers to the total gross floor area within the tower footprint, not including adjoining podiums, connected buildings or other towers within the development.
500,000 m² / 5,381,955 ft²
Construction Schedule
2011
Proposed
2014
Construction Start
Architect
Design
Usually involved in the front end design, with a "typical" condition being that of a leadership role through either Schematic Design or Design Development, and then a monitoring role through the CD and CA phases.
Architect of Record
Usually takes on the balance of the architectural effort not executed by the "Design Architect," typically responsible for the construction documents, conforming to local codes, etc. May often be referred to as "Executive," "Associate," or "Local" Architect, however, for consistency CTBUH uses the term "Architect of Record" exclusively.
Structural Engineer
Design
The Design Engineer is usually involved in the front end design, typically taking the leadership role in the Schematic Design and Design Development, and then a monitoring role through the CD and CA phases.
Engineer of Record
The Engineer of Record takes the balance of the engineering effort not executed by the “Design Engineer,” typically responsible for construction documents, conforming to local codes, etc.
Other Consultant
Other Consultant refers to other organizations which provided significant consultation services for a building project (e.g. wind consultants, environmental consultants, fire and life safety consultants, etc).
Other Consultant refers to other organizations which provided significant consultation services for a building project (e.g. wind consultants, environmental consultants, fire and life safety consultants, etc).
Façade
These are firms that consult on the design of a building's façade. May often be referred to as "Cladding," "Envelope," "Exterior Wall," or "Curtain Wall" Consultant, however, for consistency CTBUH uses the term "Façade Consultant" exclusively.
Façade Maintenance
Lighting
Property Management
Vertical Transportation
You must be a CTBUH Member to view this resource.
Developer
Zhongnan Group
Architect
Design
Usually involved in the front end design, with a "typical" condition being that of a leadership role through either Schematic Design or Design Development, and then a monitoring role through the CD and CA phases.
Architect of Record
Usually takes on the balance of the architectural effort not executed by the "Design Architect," typically responsible for the construction documents, conforming to local codes, etc. May often be referred to as "Executive," "Associate," or "Local" Architect, however, for consistency CTBUH uses the term "Architect of Record" exclusively.
Structural Engineer
Design
The Design Engineer is usually involved in the front end design, typically taking the leadership role in the Schematic Design and Design Development, and then a monitoring role through the CD and CA phases.
Engineer of Record
The Engineer of Record takes the balance of the engineering effort not executed by the “Design Engineer,” typically responsible for construction documents, conforming to local codes, etc.
Peer Review
The Peer Review Engineer traditionally comments on the information produced by another party, and to render second opinions, but not to initiate what the design looks like from the start.
Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Co., Ltd.
MEP Engineer
Design
The Design Engineer is usually involved in the front end design, typically taking the leadership role in the Schematic Design and Design Development, and then a monitoring role through the CD and CA phases.
Parsons Brinckerhoff Consultants Private Limited
Peer Review
The Peer Review Engineer traditionally comments on the information produced by another party, and to render second opinions, but not to initiate what the design looks like from the start.
China Team Engineering Consultants Ltd.
Main Contractor
The main contractor is the supervisory contractor of all construction work on a project, management of sub-contractors and vendors, etc. May be referred to as "Construction Manager," however, for consistency CTBUH uses the term "Main Contractor" exclusively.
The main contractor is the supervisory contractor of all construction work on a project, management of sub-contractors and vendors, etc. May be referred to as "Construction Manager," however, for consistency CTBUH uses the term "Main Contractor" exclusively.
China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Co., Ltd.; Jiangsu Zhongnan Construction Group Co., Ltd.
Other Consultant
Other Consultant refers to other organizations which provided significant consultation services for a building project (e.g. wind consultants, environmental consultants, fire and life safety consultants, etc).
Other Consultant refers to other organizations which provided significant consultation services for a building project (e.g. wind consultants, environmental consultants, fire and life safety consultants, etc).
Façade
These are firms that consult on the design of a building's façade. May often be referred to as "Cladding," "Envelope," "Exterior Wall," or "Curtain Wall" Consultant, however, for consistency CTBUH uses the term "Façade Consultant" exclusively.
Façade Maintenance
Interiors
DDA International Hotel Consulting
Lighting
Property Management
Sustainability
Environmental Market Solutions, Inc.
Vertical Transportation
Edgett Williams Consulting Group Inc.; Parsons Brinckerhoff Consultants Private Limited
CTBUH Initiatives
Vertical Transportation: Ascent & Acceleration
12 September 2017 - CTBUH Research
Top Company Rankings: The World’s 100 Tallest Buildings
13 October 2016 - CTBUH Research
Videos
17 October 2016 | Suzhou
Mega Size Mixed-Use Projects: Redefining Vertical Urbanism
Monday October 17, 2016. Shenzhen, China. Dennis Poon of Thornton Tomasetti, presents at the 2016 China Conference Session 4c: Structural & Geotechnic Engineering. As the...
Research
16 September 2014
Analysis of Pile Foundations and Load Tests
Jiangbin Wu, Weidong Wang, Yuting Huang, Xiangjun Wang & Shubo Nie, East China Architectural Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd.
This chapter describes the pile design and the static loading tests of the megatall Suzhou Zhongnan Center tower and its deep basement. Large-diameter and super-long...
About Suzhou Zhongnan Center
At 729 meters, the Suzhou Zhongnan Center is positioned to be the tallest building in China, and the third tallest in the world when it is completed in 2020. On a site to the west of Lake Jinji, close to the “pants-like” Gate to the East, the tower will dominate the skyline of Shanghai’s sister city of Suzhou. The development of this tower coincides with the rise of the city itself. With a growing population of more than 10 million, the city’s canals, gardens, and emerging technology and financial districts are transforming it into a world-class city that accommodates residents and tourists alike. The tower will incorporate hotel, residential, and office uses, some of which will be dedicated to SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) spaces, very small business environments that cater to firms of one to four people
The design of the tower was inspired by Jiangnan culture, referencing its pointed pagodas and local artesian wells. At the base, the podium lifts upward to resemble a flying lantern, establishing a public plaza at ground level. As one enters the tower and moves inward, the interior geometry alters to indicate a transition from public to private space. The isolated podium attaches to the tower via a translucent façade, lit by fritted glass along the exterior. Unlike other buildings designed at this height, the tower is four-sided and features a consistently smooth facade. The consistent appearance is only broken by the louver systems at mechanical floors.
The tower gently tapers as it rises, forming a pointed crown that caps the precipice. In addition to providing an aesthetically appealing terminus for the tower’s form, the crown also plays a critical role in the building’s structural performance. In a remarkable feat of engineering, it will contain both a 750-ton tuned mass damper (TMD) and a tuned sloshing damper (TSD). The tuned sloshing damper serves a double purpose as a container for emergency sprinkler water.
Videos
17 October 2016 | Suzhou
Mega Size Mixed-Use Projects: Redefining Vertical Urbanism
Monday October 17, 2016. Shenzhen, China. Dennis Poon of Thornton Tomasetti, presents at the 2016 China Conference Session 4c: Structural & Geotechnic Engineering. As the...
18 September 2014 | Suzhou
2014 Shanghai International Conference - Zhongnan Tower Room, Session 5 - Q & A
2014 Shanghai International Conference Zhongnan Tower Room, Session 5 Questions & Answers session with speakers Xiaomei Lee & Frederick Liu, Gensler, Kam Chuen (Vincent) Tse...
18 September 2014 | Suzhou
Analysis of Pile Foundations and Loading Test of Suzhou Zhongnan Center
The Zhongnan Center is located on soft soil deposits in Suzhou, China and is currently under construction. This presentation describes the pile design and the...
18 September 2014 | Suzhou
Design for Sustainability in Super High Rise Buildings
Over recent years, green building technology has developed at a rapid pace. The key objective of this presentation is to explore the way towards sustainable...
18 September 2014 | Suzhou
Foundation Pit Support Design and Environment Protection Measure of Suzhou Zhongnan Center
The Suzhou Zhongnan Center excavation site is very large, very deep, and has complex surrounding environmental conditions. Hydrogeological conditions and other unfavorable factors have brought...
18 September 2014 | Suzhou
Structural Design Challenges of Zhongnan Center
This presentation will give an overview of the following solutions used to address the structural challenges of the Zhongnan Center: a foundation to support the...
18 September 2014 | Suzhou
The MEP Design Challenges of a Mega Tall Building in China – the Suzhou Zhongnan Center
Design challenges from MEP perspective for the Zhongnan Center arise from the need for a safe, reliable, high tech, green, sustainable, user-friendly building. The devised...
18 September 2014 | Suzhou
Zhongnan Center Elevator System and Elevator Evacuation Design
Because super high-rise buildings are a very recent phenomenon, there are no specific building codes written for them. For any building over 50 stories, direct...
17 September 2014 | Suzhou
2014 Shanghai International Conference - Opening Plenary - Q & A
2014 Shanghai International Conference Opening Plenary Questions & Answers session with speakers Antony Wood, CTBUH Executive Director / IIT / Tongji University, Jianping Gu, Shanghai...
17 September 2014 | Suzhou
2014 Shanghai International Conference - Zhongnan Tower Room, Session 2 - Q & A
2014 Shanghai International Conference Zhongnan Tower Room, Session 2 Questions & Answers session with speakers Jiemin Ding, TJAD, Weiguo Chen, Zhongnan Group, and Guangjing Sha,...
Research
16 September 2014
Analysis of Pile Foundations and Load Tests
This chapter describes the pile design and the static loading tests of the megatall Suzhou Zhongnan Center tower and its deep basement. Large-diameter and super-long...
16 September 2014
Belt Truss Stiffness Analysis and Optimization
Megastructures have come into widespread use in supertall buildings in recent decades, due to their high efficiency in satisfying diversified building performance requirements. Belt trusses...
16 September 2014
Comparative Study of Zhongnan Center Under Earthquake and Wind
A comparative study of seismic action and wind loading was conducted for the structural design of the Suzhou Zhongnan Center. The analysis parameters, design methodology...
16 September 2014
Core Structural Design and Optimization
Due to its excellent lateral stiffness and space flexibility, the megaframe-core wall structure is widely applied in supertall buildings. The efficiency of the central service...
16 September 2014
Design and Environmental Protection Measures During Excavation
The total foundation pit area of the Suzhou Zhongnan Center is 26,260 square meters and is divided into two areas: one area consists of five...
16 September 2014
Design Challenges of the 3 Tallest Buildings in North/ East/ South China
This paper describes the MEP and VTS design challenges of the tallest buildings in three major cities in China; namely, Beijing, Suzhou and Guangzhou. The...
16 September 2014
Design for Vertical Habitation
This chapter describes the main principles behind the architectural design of the building. Its architectural expression and functional organization achieve not only iconic landmark status,...
16 September 2014
Designing a Megatall for Lateral Stability and Settlement
As a megatall building, Suzhou Zhongnan Center will need an efficient lateral system to withstand high wind and seismic loads. A unique “Core-Outrigger-Megaframe” lateral system...
16 September 2014
Elevator Systems and Elevator Evacuation Design
Because supertall and megatall buildings are a very recent phenomenon, there are no specific building codes written for them. For any building over 50 stories,...
16 September 2014
High-Performance Floor System Design
The floor system is important part of a supertall building structure. It not only supports the vertical load, but also connects the lateral-load resisting system...
CTBUH Initiatives
Filter by
12 September 2017
Vertical Transportation: Ascent & Acceleration
CTBUH partnered with Guinness World Records to identify the commercial building with the fastest elevator speeds and longest vertical runs.
13 October 2016
Top Company Rankings: The World’s 100 Tallest Buildings
The Council is pleased to announce the Top Company Rankings for numerous disciplines as derived from the list of projects appearing in 100 of the World’s Tallest Buildings.
21 September 2014
Suzhou Regional Tour Report
The tour started at Suzhou Zhongnan Center and continued to one of the two International Fortune Plaza towers, which had just had its topping-out ceremony the day prior.
13 March 2014
Whirlwind Tour Stirs Up More Interest in Shanghai Conference
On a second intensive journey inside six months, Executive Director Antony Wood traveled to China to make additional connections and develop further support.
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