Adding Charm to Chengdu’s Panda Tower Landmark
Today, more than half of the world's population lives in cities, and to a certain extent, we have ushered in an urban era. In this new era, China takes "all for the people" as the basic principle and fundamental position. Thus, humanity is connected closely with the image and quality of the city, and has become one of the core yardsticks for evaluating whether the city "adheres to the people-centered approach to development". The construction of city-level influential facilities helps to increase the well-being of citizens, adds captivating charm to the city, and even becomes the city's landmark, which enhances the influence and popularity of the city.
Sichuan is home to China's national treasure, the giant panda. There is a research base for giant panda breeding in its capital, Chengdu. The expansion area of the base stands a majestic building - the Panda Tower, with an occupied area of 4785m2 and a height of 69.8 meters, which looks like the "spring bamboo shoots breaking through the ground".
Its design is inspired by the panda's favorite food - bamboo shoots. Up on the tower, we can have a fair view of the whole park. The building was designed by UDG. Atelier Alpha (UDG. Studio Zero), and is an architectural design that combines nature and technology. It will become a new cultural landmark for Chengdu, integrating sightseeing, exhibition and tourism.
Composites Help Buildings Display the Beauty of Technology and Nature
The main body of the Panda Tower is a steel structure, and the "steel shootshells" are made of 720 curved steel components of different shapes. Inside the tower, there are 81 high-altitude viewing platforms, which, when viewed from below, look like 81 golden "hibiscus petals" stacked on top of each other in beautiful blossom, symbolizing the blossoming of hibiscus flowers, which is the flower of the city of Chengdu.
In order to maximize the simulation of "spring bamboo shoots" and "hibiscus petals", how to choose the right building materials, meet the safety requirements at the same time, fit the more complex hyperbolic profile, effectively reduce the splicing gaps, so as to present a perfect overall effect is one of the keys to the success of the project.
Composite materials are characterized by light weight, high strength, good durability and high freedom of modeling. Flame-retardant grade composite materials are favored by designers in the fields of architecture, rail transportation and entertainment facilities. On the hibiscus petals of Panda Tower, AOC LILANS flame retardant solution, with its excellent comprehensive performance, helps present the technology and natural beauty of the building.
AOCAOC’s Outstanding Flame Retardant Solutions
AOC has been leading the development of flame retardant resins and flame retardant gelcoat by integrating the technology and experience of more than 50 years in America, Europe and China. In the selection of materials for the Panda Tower, AOC fully communicated with Marvy Bose Steel Products Co. Ltd. and recommended a solution based on Synolite 8175-W-1, a flame retardant resin, and fiber composite according to the design requirements.
Synolite 8175-W-1 is a halogen-free, additive-type unsaturated polyester resin with excellent flame-retardant properties, which meets the flame-retardant rating in the standard for evaluating the combustion performance of building materials. Fiber-reinforced composites based on it have the lightweight and high-strength properties which is unique for FRP materials. It can effectively reducing the risk of fire and providing better safety for visitors and staff.
Veneer panels made from Synolite 8175-W-1 in combination with fibers provide good weather resistance and an attractive appearance, adding a unique charm to the building.
The design of Panda Tower is undoubtedly a combination and embodiment of the high level of architectural skills and material technology. In the future, AOC will follow the trend of the times, embrace green and low-carbon concepts, and develop more innovative technologies and products to provide more comprehensive and effective solutions for the safety and development of the construction industry.
