Wuhan, China
Developed by the Shanghai-based developer Greenland Group, Wuhan Greenland Center was originally planned to reach 636 meters. Due to aviation regulations, however, the tower has stopped construction at 500 meters. The tower is the tallest in Wuhan, the most populous city in Central China with an urban population of nearly 8 million.
Designed by the supertall specialist firm of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, Wuhan Greenland Center combines offices, luxury apartments and condominiums, a five-star hotel and a private penthouse club. The elongated, tapered tower has a tripod-shaped base with three ribs edged with a smooth, curved glass that rise the full height. These were originally meant to meet at the top to create an arched dome. With the height revision, the top of the building is currently in question. The vents at the base of the building and at regular intervals reduce the wind loads and the vortex action that builds up around supertall towers. The composite structural system by Thornton Tomasetti combines a concrete core with steel framing.