I actually like this
design protocol for a couple of reasons. First the entire outside
perimeter can be condominium frontage and the entire interior
perimeter can also provide a frontage on the interior space and the
internal climate. Second, the interior space is huge and can even
contain condo tower type 'pillars' that provide hard points for an
enclosing roof that could also be partially retractable as a possibly
climate controlled space inside the structure that becomes a senior
attraction in itself.
What this does allow is
an underlying retail complex, along with ample destination
hospitality venues and we get an all weather refugia for those who
wish to escape the external climate.
Smaller structures simply
do not work well enough for this concept to work. Such a large
structure also needs to be linked directly into urban train system to
move enough people easily.
Such structures could be
well received in areas with difficult winters.
World's largest
building opens in China
by Staff Writers
Beijing, Beijing Shi (AFP) July 13, 2013
Boasting its own
artificial sun and a floor area three times that of the Pentagon, the
"world's largest building" has opened in southwest China to
mixed reviews from its first visitors.
The towering 100-metre
(330-foot) high New Century Global Centre, which is said to to be big
enough to hold 20 Sydney Opera Houses, recently opened its doors
Chengdu.
The complex, which
Chinese officials say is the world's largest standalone structure,
is 500 metres long by 400 metres wide, offering 1.7 million square
metres of floor space.
But the first wave of
visitors were divided over the attractions of the the structure,
which houses 400,000 square metres of shopping space, offices,
conference rooms, a university complex, two commercial centres, two
five star hotels, and an IMAX cinema.
"It lacks
creativity," said one visitor on Sina Weibo, China's version of
Twitter.
Another visitor poked
fun at its name.
"Why is
everything in Chengdu called 'global'," the poster said.
However, some Internet
users were impressed with the complex, which opened on June 28.
"It will become
the new landmark of Chengdu," said one poster.
The Global Centre has
a marine theme, with fountains, a huge water park and an artificial
beach, accented by the undulating roof, meant to resemble a wave.
The centrepiece is a
5,000 square metre artificial beach, which includes a rafting
course and a "seafront" promenade, complete with parasols
and seafood outlets that can accommodate 6,000 people. nc/mtp
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