Fast facts
Challenge• To deliver a customized, space-efficient, high-speed solution for a high-profile landmark site on an extremely tight schedule
Solution• Customized design and installation of special high-speed KONE DoubleDeck elevators for both passenger and service use• Intensive collaboration with the customer to optimize the flow of people in the building
International Finance Center• Completed: Tower 1 in 2009, Tower 2 scheduled for completion in 2011• 3 buildings: 260, 250 and 85 meters high• Architect: Pelli Clarke, Pelli Architects• Developer: Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP)
KONE Solutions• 83 KONE MiniSpace™ elevators• 16 KONE MonoSpace® elevators• 4 KONE DoubleDeck elevators• KONE Care™ Maintenance Service
The sky’s the limit
Located in the Lujiazui financial district in Pudong, the Shanghai IFC is a striking complex of three ultra-modern buildings, the tallest of which measures 260 meters. This mixed-use commercial development will host offices, two high-end hotels and one of the most exclusive shopping malls in the city.
The Shanghai IFC is a landmark project not only for the city of Shanghai, but also for the developer, Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP). Winning this high-profile contract in mainland China was a major break for the Hong Kongbased company – and an important test of its capabilities.
Going the extra mileOnly the best international players and suppliers were used. KONE’s global support system was a critical success factor in the project. Commitment and support came from all areas – quality, service, flexibility and after-sales. KONE was chosen for its ability to communicate with the technical consultants involved in the project and go the extra mile for the customer.
Numerous traffic analyses were conducted to help the customer optimize the flow of people in the building. KONE catered to all special requests, delivering an energy-efficient, high-speed 8 m/s solution with a compact, space-saving hoisting machine. The design of the elevator car interior was also tailored to the customer’s specifications.
Conquering challengesA milestone project in many respects, the Shanghai IFC is the first building in China equipped with KONE DoubleDeck elevators. Two floors are served simultaneously, which triples traffic handling capacity during rush hours.
Already a technical challenge, the project was also demanding in its schedule. A task that would normally take five months had to be completed in two. KONE nevertheless delivered ahead of the target date.
According to SHKP, the KONE team responded promptly and efficiently to any complications at the site.
The IFC project is yet another example of KONE’s solid project management procedures and experience in serving the world’s high-rise markets.