Shanghai IFC is a beacon of elegance in the city's international center

Shanghai, China

A central landmark in China’s most important financial and commercial district, Shanghai IFC features three sleek mixed-use towers surrounded by lush outdoor gardens and public gathering spaces. This sweeping complex is home to global financial institutions and multinational corporations, a premium hotel and residences, and a shopping and entertainment destination with the largest collection of luxury brands in the city. On the upper floors of the south tower, the iconic Ritz-Carlton Shanghai welcomes guests with panoramic views and Art Deco-inspired accommodations and event spaces.

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A gateway to a burgeoning global economic center

Shanghai IFC was designed to be a gateway to the city's future growth as a world leading metropolis. Since its opening, it has remained one of the most significant developments in Shanghai. The IFC complex was one of the first instances where coordinated planning and comprehensive design was applied to a mega-block site. Its mixed-use nature, and overall success, sets the benchmark for all large-scale complexes to follow in China.

The towers use low-E glass curtain walls for energy efficiency and include materials low in volatile organic compounds for high indoor air quality.

A striking presence among Shanghai’s landmarks

Reaching into the skyline, the trio of towers form a singular composition when viewed from the city’s historic riverfront promenade. The sculpted corners of each tower create crystal-like shafts that appear to gesture toward one another. Rated LEED Gold, nearly 80 percent of the office space is awash in natural light, creating an uplifting work environment while substantially reducing energy consumption. Abundant daylight pours into the underground shopping complex through skylights and glazed atriums at the park level.

A vibrant and welcoming public realm

Shanghai IFC enhanced the urban fabric of Lujiazui with its thoughtful site design and extensive landscape. At the base of the complex, an urban park awaits tenants and guests with extensive landscaping punctuated by water fountains, gardens, sitting areas, and open courts that effortlessly combine with its surroundings. Numerous public plazas are popular gathering places for visitors and nearby residents. The site offers a sophisticated blend of premium retail and restaurants in a four-level podium. A cinema complex, retail stores, and an 1,800-space car park are located below grade along with vital connections to the subway and adjoining sites through tunnels for pedestrians, expanding its economic and community impact in Shanghai. 

A four-level podium houses over 592,000 square feet of retail, dining, and support space for the hotels.
The creative planning, simple elegance of the design, and the unique approach to the twin tower gateway makes the Shanghai IFC the timeless centerpiece of the Lujiazui center.

More About the Project

Project Team

Principal Collaborators

  • Architect of Record: P&T Group
  • Structural Engineer: Maunsell Structural Consultants LTD
  • MEP: Parsons Brinckerhoff

Project Information

  • Location: Shanghai, Pudong Xinqu, China
  • Client: Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd.
  • Size: 3,300,000 sq. ft. / 310,000 sq. m.
  • Height: 853 ft. / 260 m. (North Tower); 820 ft. / 250 m. (South Tower)
  • Completion: 2011
  • Certification: LEED Gold
  • Firm Role: Design Architect

Awards

  • 2021, Merit Award for Architecture Significance, AIA Shanghai/Beijing
  • 2013, China Real Estate Awards, Annual City Award, China Business News
  • 2010, Highest Business Value Gold Award and Best Commercial Landmark, China Business News
  • Principal Project Photography: Tim Griffith