The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Building, otherwise known as the HSBC Building, is one of the most striking structures in Hong Kong. Designed by the English architect Lord Norman Foster, the building took 6 years to construct and was completed in 1985. It was then considered to be one of the most expensive structures in the world having cost approximately $668 million in US currency. Housing one of the headquarters of the bank, the tower was the third one to be constructed on the same site where the previous HSBC Building was demolished due to the growing needs of the bank.
The HSBC Building is a 47 storey structure that has 4 basement zones. Approximately 4500 tonnes of aluminium and 30000 tonnes of steel were used in the construction of the headquarters. Much of the material used for its construction was obtained from various other countries. Measuring upto 180 meters in height, the tower majestically borders the southern boundary of Statue Square in the heart of Hong Kong. The bank also benefits from a direct view of the tranquil waters of Victoria Harbour which is supposed to bring prosperity and wealth to the business according to Feng-Shui principles.
The HSBC Building has a unique architectural design. One of its most significant characteristics is the lack of an internal support structure. Another important feature is that natural light is the primary source of light for the Bank. Huge mirrors that are located at the top of the tower’s atrium reflect sunlight throughout the atrium and into the lower sections of the tower thus conserving energy. All of the structure’s flooring consists of lightweight mobile panels that were installed for facilitating the quick set up of office equipment. The bank’s headquarter is also renowned for housing large sculptures of lions that are considered to bring luck and good fortune to the business.
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