Ping An Finance Centre
The Ping An Finance Centre was completed in March 2017, becoming the fourth tallest building in the world.
Measuring 599 m (1,965 ft), with 115-storeys, the tower is the tallest in Shenszhen and the second tallest in China. It was built to serve as the headquarters of Ping An Insurance.
Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates the tower contains state-of-the-art office space above an 11-storey, publically-accessible podium with a multi-storey atrium. The top two storeys contain an observation deck.
Described as having the form of a ‘taught steel cable’, the top of the tower tapers to a prism. Eight composite mega-columns further emphasise the building’s form, anchored to the composite concrete core using steel outriggers. These mega-columns help streamline the structure by extruding beyond the envelope, improving both structural and wind performance. Baseline wind loads are estimated to be reduced by 35% as a result of this design solution.
The tower’s stainless steel façade is the largest in the world to-date, consisting of 1,700 tons of 316L steel, chosen for its corrosion-resistant properties. This is intended to maintain the Centre’s external appearance despite the high salt content of Shenzhen’s coastal atmosphere.
Construction work began in August 2009 and was topped out in April 2015. The original design included a 60 m antenna which would have taken the total height of the building to more than the Shanghai Tower, making it the second tallest in the world. However, in February 2015 this was dropped from the design due to the possible obstruction of flight paths.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Nominations sought for CIOB awards
Celebrating construction excellence in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
EPC consultation in context: NCM, SAP, SBEM and HEM
One week to respond to the consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings framework.
CIAT Celebrates 60 years of Architectural Technology
Find out more #CIAT60 social media takeover.
The BPF urges Chancellor for additional BSR resources
To remove barriers and bottlenecks which delay projects.
Flexibility over requirements to boost apprentice numbers
English, maths and minimumun duration requirements reduced for a 10,000 gain.
A long term view on European heating markets
BSRIA HVAC 2032 Study.
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February
Update on the future of Grenfell Tower
Deputy Prime Minister decides for it be carefully taken down to the ground.
Ending decades of frustration, misinformation and distrust.
Essential tools in managing historically significant landscapes.
Classroom electrician courses a 'waste of money'
Say experts from the Electrical Contractors’ Association.
Wellbeing in Buildings TG 10/2025
BSRIA topic guide updates.
With brief background and WELL v2™.
From studies, to books to a new project, with founder Emma Walshaw.
Who, or What Does the Building Safety Act Apply To?
From compliance to competence in brief.