Shanghai Tower Skyscraper

[piginapoke]

This beauty of a skyscraper is long overdue for a model.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/21/Shanghai_Center_Dragon.jpg/250px-Shanghai_Center_Dragon.jpg

The real thing will be complete in 2014 and at 632 metres tall will be the 2nd tallest buildling in the world.

It's inspiration is said to be the image of a dragon's tooth. What it is is a difficult model to make as the outer glass surround has a twist around the structure leading to an irregular top.

There's been talk about making a model on skyscrapercity.com, but nothing as yet to show for it. The normal scale for these types of models is 1:1700 which equates to just over 14" model.

Watch this space......

[Art Deco]

This is going to be one eye-catching skyscraper! That part of Shanghai, Liujiazui, is already crowded with futuristic towers, the twisting Shanghai Center will be the new crowning jewel.

I agree that this would make a great - and challenging - model subject. I think to do this structure really successfully, you would need to capture the feel of glass, either by coating the model in a glossy finish, or cladding it with printed photo paper.

[looker]

This was mentioned a while back and I looked at the geometry of the building. I reckon that because the overall surfaces of the outer shell of the building are both curved and twisted they are not developable at model size. Whilst not a problem when you're putting those surfaces together at full size from relatively small flat or single degree curvature components it all becomes a bit daunting at 1:1700. I'd be interested to see it solved at model size.

[Lex]

There is always the option to divide the surface following the glass seams on the real thing - it's only a natural thing to do.

[piginapoke]

Lex, as a first try, separating the glass into panels connected to each horizontal support should make things easier. That will be my first approach. Thanks.
For the glass, I plan to use overhead projector transparent 'paper', with suitable texture printed on it.

[Lex]

Would be a great effect if done right, I am eager to see the progress

[piginapoke]

Here's an interesting reference image that I will be coming back to time and time again no doubt.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ffTXmGHjaq8/Stfypt6iLTI/AAAAAAAAAPE/cSt9aEhC9dk/s640/Shanghai+Tower+7.jpg

[Thomas Meek]

Hi, piginapoke;

I think your Shanghai Tower skyscraper is an exciting project and I wish you the best success with it.

You probably know of the Turning Torso building in Malmo, Sweden, but if not, perhaps this may be of help.

Bygg din egen Torsomodell! - Bostad - Sydsvenskan - Nyheter dygnet runt (http://www.sydsvenskan.se/bostad/article94856.ece)

Thomas

(another Kate Bush fan)