Pudong, Lujiazui new icon - The Shanghai World Financial Center will be complete in 3 years, in time for the 2008 Beijing Olympic! The world will soon witness the birth of Shanghai World Financial Center, a tower pf Power, a dynamic and new, mixed-use 101 story development that soars 492m into the sky! In a city that believes - “the taller the better”, I believe the tower will be a major tourist destination and landmark. It is said to be the part of the city’s ambitions to become a key International center once again.

The upper portion of the building will feature a large rectangular opening to symbolize China’s new window to the world. The structure features a 3 floor underground parking, sophisticated retail space, elegant conference center, office units, five-star luxury hotel and finally observation and exhibition areas at the upper level of the building. the observatory atop the building will be the highest outdoor observation deck in the world. It would be cool if some nice restaurants fill the top portion.

The man behind the project, a Japanese real estate Developer - Minoru Mori from Mori Building Company, one of the largest privately held property developers in Japan knew he has to aim higher to make his new mark. When Minoru was young, he dreamed of becoming a novelist before he follow his father, a professor at Yokohama City University, into the property business. He then developed a facination with the ideas of Le Corbusier, one of my favourite Architect, and championed Le Corbusier’s notion of “Vertical Garden City” (Taller buildings and higher population density reduced commuting time and freed space for parks and civis amenities.)

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