Bank of China Tower

When arriving in Hong Kong, the first thing you will notice is all the tall buildings. From every angle, the city is dotted with buildings of all sizes. Taking time to experience the activity of this city is one of the exciting aspects of visiting it. As you walk the streets, you will find shops, restaurants, bars, business districts, dance clubs, hotels, and many, many buildings. Over the years, Hong Kong has become a cultural and economic giant.

Today, you will be amazed at the growth of Hong Kong and the modern day buildings that are seen everywhere. However, one that stands out not just in size and beauty but relevance as well is the Bank of China Tower. Standing 1,205 feet tall, this building boasts 72 floors. The construction of the Bank of China Tower ended in 1990 and since that time, major companies from around the world have taken up residence.

In all, it took construction workers 15 years to complete this one tower. Interestingly, the silver, reflective glass is designed with a special glaze using a low maintenance dry gasket system. Then on the curtain wall, the design was actually assembled off-site in a factory. With this, top quality assurance was put into place so that each piece of the frame assembly could be closely monitored, all 10,000 pieces.

Another fascinating fact about the Bank of China Tower is that the mega-structural steelwork is expressed externally by using naturally anodized panels, each forming a part of the curtain wall. Of this building, literally every aspect was found to be a major challenge. For instance, moving the material to a height never before achieved outside the United States was difficult, and glazing the 25mm thick pattern cut lights was difficult, and so on. Workers will tell you that the planning and development was a major feat that had to be laid out carefully.

Even with all the challenges, the Bank of China Tower is the first composite mega-structure space frame high-rise building, making it one of the world’s tallest buildings. The goal of the design was to create something that would represent the aspirations of the Chinese people while still being a symbol of the British Colony. Originally, the plans were to use an X-shaped cross brace but since the “X” in China is the symbol of death, that plan was quickly changed, using diamond shapes instead.

Additionally, the designer wanted the Bank of China Tower to be a symbol of the bamboo plant, which stands for hope and revitalization. Therefore, the sectioned trunk of the building is inspired by bamboo growth patterns. Then the four, triangular shafts forming the building eliminate the need for very many internal vertical supports, a real innovative design. Because of that, the Bank of China Tower uses less steel than what would typically be needed for a building of its size.


Last Updated: 10/19/2006 3:14:00 PM

The Riches of Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a city in China consisting of lights and action, a big city with 14 million people milling about trying to make their way through the crowds. However, Hong Kong is also an efficient and peaceful city with
... continue >>

Lantau Island
Although Hong Kong is a city of massive skyscrapers, lights, and activity from the millions of people that live and visit there, it is also a place of magnificent mountains, specifically to the south toward Lantau
... continue >>

Tuen Ng - Dragon Boat Festival
Today’s Hong Kong is a place of happiness, color, warm-hearted people, and festivals. Celebrating life, the people enjoy a number of celebrations, the top one being Tuen Ng, or the Dragon Boat Festival. This particular
... continue >>