Bank of China Tower — Attraction in Hong Kong

The Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, is one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable skyscrapers in the world. Completed in 1990, the building’s striking geometric form rises 72 stories and reaches a height of 367.4 meters (1,205 feet), making it one of the tallest structures in Asia at the time of its completion. The tower’s bold, angular design is a departure from the more traditional rectilinear forms typically associated with commercial high-rises, and it has since become a symbol of modern Hong Kong.

The building's structure is based on the form of a bamboo plant, which is a traditional Chinese symbol representing resilience, growth, and prosperity. This metaphor is carried through in the way the tower’s triangular prisms appear to "grow" as they rise, each segment layered above the last, creating a sense of lightness and upward momentum. The architectural innovation extends to its structural system, as it is one of the first skyscrapers to employ a fully diagrid structure. This allows the building to support itself with an exoskeleton, eliminating the need for interior columns and creating wide-open office spaces within.

The exterior is clad in reflective glass and polished stainless steel, giving the tower a shimmering quality that interacts beautifully with the changing light and weather conditions of Hong Kong. The triangular segments are outlined by crisp white lines that trace the tower’s faceted profile, accentuating its angular silhouette. At night, the building becomes a spectacle, with lights illuminating the geometric edges, creating a luminous, crystalline appearance against the skyline.

Pei’s design also incorporates elements of Feng Shui, a traditional Chinese philosophy of spatial harmony and balance. The sharp angles of the building were a topic of controversy initially, as they were thought to bring negative energy, or "Sha Qi," into the surrounding area. In response, Pei included strategically placed architectural features, like a canopy at the base, to soften the building’s perceived harshness and mitigate its impact on the surrounding environment.

Internally, the Bank of China Tower is designed to support large open office spaces, an uncommon feature for skyscrapers of its time. This flexibility is achieved through the innovative exoskeletal frame, allowing for versatile use of the interior layout without the interruption of structural columns. The tower’s efficient use of space and its powerful visual statement of strength and elegance underscore its standing as a masterpiece of modern architecture, blending structural innovation with cultural symbolism.

The Bank of China Tower stands as a proud, resilient landmark in Hong Kong’s skyline—a testament to the interplay of tradition and modernity, strength and elegance, making it not only a functional space but also a powerful...

FROM WIKI -

The building was designed by Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei and L.C Pei of I.M Pei and Partners. At a height of 315 m (1,033.5 ft), reaching 367.4 m (1,205.4 ft) high including a 52.4 m (172 ft) spire,5] the building is the fourth tallest skyscraper in Hong Kong, after International Commerce Centre, Two International Finance Centre and Central Plaza. It was the tallest building in Hong Kong and Asia from 1989 to 1992, and it was the first supertall skyscraper outside the United States, the first to break the 305 m (1,000 ft) mark. It was surpassed by Central Plaza on the same island in 1992.

Construction began on 18 April 1985 on the former site of Murray House, and was completed five years later in 1990. Sporting a steel-column design, the building is accessible from the MTR's Central station. The building lies between Cotton Tree Drive and Garden Road.

The 6,700 m2 (72,000 sq ft) site on which the building is constructed was formerly the location of Murray House. After its brick-by-brick relocation to Stanley, the site was sold by the Government for "only HK$1 billion" in August 1982 amidst growing concern over the future of Hong Kong in the run-up to the transfer of sovereignty.

The tower was built by Japanese contractor Kumagai Gumi. Superstructure work began in May 1986.[7] The tower is a steel-frame structure.

Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect I. M. Pei, the building is 315.0 m (1,033.5 ft) high with two masts reaching 367.4 m (1,205.4 ft) high. The 72-storey building is located near Central MTR station. This was the tallest building in Hong Kong and Asia from 1990 to 1992, the first building outside the United States to break the 305 m (1,000 ft) mark, and the first composite space frame high-rise building. That also means it was the tallest outside the United States from its completion year, 1990. It is now the fourth tallest skyscraper in Hong Kong, after International Commerce Centre, Two International Finance Centre and Central Plaza.

A small observation deck on the 43rd floor of the building was once open to the public,[9] but is now closed.[10

The whole structure is supported by the four steel columns at the corners of the building, with the triangular frameworks transferring the weight of the structure onto these four columns. It is covered with glass curtain walls.

Massing model showing the shape of the Bank of China Tower. The labels correspond to the number of 'X' shapes on each outward...

from wiki: The Bank of China Tower (BOC Tower) is a skyscraper located in Central, Hong Kong. The tower houses the headquarters of the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited. One of the most recognisable landmarks in Hong Kong, the building is notable for its distinct shape and design, consisting of triangular frameworks covered by glass curtain walls.

The building was designed by Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei and L.C Pei of I.M Pei and Partners. At a height of 315 m (1,033.5 ft), reaching 367.4 m (1,205.4 ft) high including a 52.4 m (172 ft) spire, the building is the fourth tallest skyscraper in Hong Kong, after International Commerce Centre, Two International Finance Centre and Central Plaza. It was the tallest building in Hong Kong and Asia from 1989 to 1992, and it was the first supertall skyscraper outside the United States, the first to break the 305 m (1,000 ft) mark. It was surpassed by Central Plaza on the same island in 1992.

according to locals (older generation of course) the fengshui of this building was specially designed to be super auspicious and propitious. very unique phenomenon in Hong Kong...