Steel Structure: Ginkgo

On October 16, the landmark building of the Futian TOD project, constructed by Wuye Steel Structure, reached the steel structure topping for its 43 “Technology Trees.” These 40-meter-tall “Steel Trees” form a dense “forest,” creating a U-shaped urban space that provides shelter from the elements. The unique design is set to become a new urban landmark.

The design inspiration for the Futian TOD “Technology Trees” stems from Chengdu’s “city tree,” the ginkgo. The tree-like, atypical structure is entirely steel, utilizing a total of 13,000 tons of steel. The “Technology Tree” complex employs closely arranged umbrella-like roof units to expand the spatial configuration of Futian TOD, while elevated station roof units combined with vividly designed terrace podiums will offer a rich array of leisure and entertainment spaces for passengers and residents.

The main structure of the “Technology Tree” innovatively adopts a “tree-like atypical structure,” combining steel and membrane materials to create a unique “umbrella” shape.

As a complex spatial structure system, the “Technology Tree” features a 31.5-meter-high six-limbed flowering column serving as the umbrella handle. This is supported by 20-meter-long cantilevered steel beams forming the umbrella framework. Edge steel beams act as tension ring beams, collectively engaging the umbrella framework, ensuring that the independent cantilever structure maintains overall load stability. The surface of the umbrella handle includes flat, single-curved, double-curved, and grooved forms, without external decorative layers, relying on the inherent quality of the steel structure to meet aesthetic requirements, with structural precision controlled to millimeter-level standards.

During construction, the project team leveraged their extensive experience in atypical steel structures to address the unique shape, complex loads, significant installation challenges, and high precision requirements of the “Technology Tree.” They employed green construction technologies throughout the process, integrating digital modeling, virtual pre-assembly, automated welding robots, and comprehensive construction simulation techniques, from factory prefabrication to on-site assembly, successfully revealing the “Technology Tree’s” distinctive form a month ahead of schedule.

Moreover, the “Technology Tree” is designed to be a breathing structure. Its 34.14-meter-diameter “tree crown” collects rainwater, which is then channeled through integrated rainwater pipes within the umbrella handle, promoting a green and low-carbon platform environment.

In the future, this site will develop a green operational cycle guided by “carbon neutrality,” increasing investments in new energy infrastructure and integrating a green public transportation system featuring “rail + bus + pedestrian pathways.” The aim is to explore zero-carbon buildings, contributing to the establishment of a sustainable development zone with green advantages.