Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai, China

Height (Architectural): 421 mHeight (Occupied): 348 mFloors: 88Observation Decks: 340.1 m

The construction of the Jin Mao Tower started in 1994 and was completed in 1999. At that moment the tower was the "forth" in the world after the Willis Tower (comp. 1974, Chicago), destroyed in 2001 World Trade Center (comp. 1971, New York) and Petronas Twin Towers (comp.1998, Kuala Lumpur). In Shanghai the Jin Mao was "the first" until 2008, when Shanghai World Financial Center completed. The name of the tower literally means "Golden Prosperity Building".

Inspired by Chinese tiered architecture, the building despite its enormous height looks very much graceful, gently stepping back to create a rhythmic pattern as it rises. The tower proportions revolve around the figure 8, which associates with prosperity in China. The 88 floors are divided into 16 segments, each of which is 1/8 shorter than the 16-storey base. The tower is built around an octagon-shaped concrete core surrounded by 8 exterior composite "super" columns and 8 exterior steel columns. The tower address is also lucky; 88 Century Avenue. Jin Mao has 3 entrances: 2 for offices and one for 5-star Grand Hyatt Shanghai hotel, which occupies upper floors with fascinating atrium and two first floors for banquette and conference facilities.

Architectural and structural design along with MEP engineering was made by Chicago based eminent Skidmore Owings & Merrill. The structure of the building is composite, from reinforced concrete and steel elements. Because of poor conditions of a base ground, the foundations was laid on 1,062 high-capacity steel piles drove 83.5 m deep into the ground. The building employs an advanced system of wind and earthquake resistance which fortify it against winds of up to 200 km/h and earthquakes of up to 7 on the Richter scale. The curtain wall facade made of glass, aluminum, stainless steel and granite.

The 88th floor of Jin Mao houses the Skywalk, an indoor observation deck for more than 1000 visitors. In addition to the panoramic views of city, the deck offers a topside view of the hotel grand atrium below. Levels 89-93 in the building spire are mechanical floors and not accessible to the public.