Filter by
20
Global
Height rank
Height rank
Suzhou IFS
Suzhou
- CTBUH Drawing
- Facts
-
Metrics
You must be a CTBUH Member to view this resource.
Height
1
To Tip:
Height is measured from the level of the lowest, significant, open-air, pedestrian entrance to the highest point of the building, irrespective of material or function of the highest element (i.e., including antennae, flagpoles, signage and other functional-technical equipment).
450 m
/ 1,476 ft
2
Architectural:
Height is measured from the level of the lowest, significant, open-air, pedestrian entrance to the architectural top of the building, including spires, but not including antennae, signage, flag poles or other functional-technical equipment. This measurement is the most widely utilized and is employed to define the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) rankings of the "World's Tallest Buildings."
450 m
/ 1,476 ft
3
Occupied:
Height is measured from the level of the lowest, significant, open-air, pedestrian entrance to the highest occupied floor within the building.
399.1 m / 1,309 ft
1
2
3
Floors
Above Ground
The number of floors above ground should include the ground floor level and be the number of main floors above ground, including any significant mezzanine floors and major mechanical plant floors. Mechanical mezzanines should not be included if they have a significantly smaller floor area than the major floors below. Similarly, mechanical penthouses or plant rooms protruding above the general roof area should not be counted. Note: CTBUH floor counts may differ from published accounts, as it is common in some regions of the world for certain floor levels not to be included (e.g., the level 4, 14, 24, etc. in Hong Kong).
95
Below Ground
The number of floors below ground should include all major floors located below the ground floor level.
5
Height
450 m
/ 1,476 ft
Floors
95
Official Name
The current legal building name.
Suzhou IFS
Other Names
Other names the building has commonly been known as, including former names, common informal names,
local names, etc.
Niccolo Suzhou, The Wharf IFS, The Wharf Suzhou, Suzhou International Finance Square, Suzhou Supertower
Type
CTBUH collects data on two major types of tall structures: 'Buildings' and 'Telecommunications /
Observation Towers.' A 'Building' is a structure where at least 50% of the height is occupied by usable
floor area. A 'Telecommunications / Observation Tower' is a structure where less than 50% of the
structure's height is occupied by usable floor area. Only 'Buildings' are eligible for the CTBUH
'Tallest Buildings' lists.
Building
Status
Completed
Architecturally Topped Out
Structurally Topped Out
Under Construction
Proposed
On Hold
Never Completed
Vision
Competition Entry
Canceled
Proposed Renovation
Under Renovation
Renovated
Under Demolition
Demolished
Completed
Completion
2019
Country
The CTBUH follows the United Nations's definition of Country, and thus
uses the lists and codes established by that organization.
City
The CTBUH follows the United Nations's definition of City, and thus uses the
lists and codes established by that organization.
Address
Function
A single-function tall building is defined as one where 85% or more of its usable floor area is
dedicated to a single usage. Thus a building with 90% office floor area would be said to be an
"office" building, irrespective of other minor functions it may also contain.
A mixed-use tall building contains two or more functions (or uses), where each of the functions occupy a significant proportion of the tower's total space. Support areas such as car parks and mechanical plant space do not constitute mixed-use functions. Functions are denoted on CTBUH "Tallest Building" lists in descending order, e.g., "hotel/office" indicates hotel function above office function.
A mixed-use tall building contains two or more functions (or uses), where each of the functions occupy a significant proportion of the tower's total space. Support areas such as car parks and mechanical plant space do not constitute mixed-use functions. Functions are denoted on CTBUH "Tallest Building" lists in descending order, e.g., "hotel/office" indicates hotel function above office function.
Hotel / Office / Serviced Apartments
Structural Material
All-Steel
Both the main vertical/lateral structural elements and the floor spanning systems are constructed from steel. Note that a building of steel construction with a floor system of concrete planks or concrete slab on top of steel beams is still considered an “all-steel” structure as the concrete elements are not acting as the primary structure.
All-Concrete
Both the main vertical/lateral structural elements and the floor spanning systems are constructed from concrete which has been cast in place and utilizes steel reinforcement bars and/or steel reinforced concrete which has been precast as individual components and assembled together on-site.
All-Timber
Both the main vertical/lateral structural elements and the floor spanning systems are constructed from timber. An all-timber structure may include the use of localized non-timber connections between timber elements. Note that a building of timber construction with a floor system of concrete planks or concrete slab on top of timber beams is still considered an “all-timber” structure as the concrete elements are not acting as the primary structure.
Mixed-Structure
Utilizes distinct systems (e.g. all-steel, all-concrete, all-timber), one on top of the other. For example, a Steel Over Concrete indicates an all-steel structural system located on top of an all-concrete structural system, with the opposite true of Concrete Over Steel.
Composite
A combination of materials (e.g. steel, concrete, timber) are used together in the main structural elements. Examples include buildings which utilize: steel columns with a floor system of reinforced concrete beams; a steel frame system with a concrete core; concrete-encased steel columns; concrete-filled steel tubes; etc. Where known, the CTBUH database breaks out the materials used within a composite building’s primary structural elements.
Both the main vertical/lateral structural elements and the floor spanning systems are constructed from steel. Note that a building of steel construction with a floor system of concrete planks or concrete slab on top of steel beams is still considered an “all-steel” structure as the concrete elements are not acting as the primary structure.
All-Concrete
Both the main vertical/lateral structural elements and the floor spanning systems are constructed from concrete which has been cast in place and utilizes steel reinforcement bars and/or steel reinforced concrete which has been precast as individual components and assembled together on-site.
All-Timber
Both the main vertical/lateral structural elements and the floor spanning systems are constructed from timber. An all-timber structure may include the use of localized non-timber connections between timber elements. Note that a building of timber construction with a floor system of concrete planks or concrete slab on top of timber beams is still considered an “all-timber” structure as the concrete elements are not acting as the primary structure.
Mixed-Structure
Utilizes distinct systems (e.g. all-steel, all-concrete, all-timber), one on top of the other. For example, a Steel Over Concrete indicates an all-steel structural system located on top of an all-concrete structural system, with the opposite true of Concrete Over Steel.
Composite
A combination of materials (e.g. steel, concrete, timber) are used together in the main structural elements. Examples include buildings which utilize: steel columns with a floor system of reinforced concrete beams; a steel frame system with a concrete core; concrete-encased steel columns; concrete-filled steel tubes; etc. Where known, the CTBUH database breaks out the materials used within a composite building’s primary structural elements.
Concrete-Steel Composite
Energy Label
LEED Gold (Targeted)
Height
Architectural
Height is measured from the level of the lowest, significant, open-air, pedestrian entrance to
the architectural top of the building, including spires, but not including antennae, signage,
flag poles or other functional-technical equipment. This measurement is the most widely utilized
and is employed to define the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) rankings of
the "World's Tallest Buildings."
450 m / 1,476 ft
To Tip
Height is measured from the level of the lowest, significant, open-air, pedestrian entrance to
the highest point of the building, irrespective of material or function of the highest element
(i.e., including antennae, flagpoles, signage and other functional-technical equipment).
450 m
/ 1,476 ft
Occupied
Height is measured from the level of the lowest, significant, open-air, pedestrian entrance to
the highest occupied floor within the building.
399.1 m
/ 1,309 ft
Floors Above Ground
The number of floors above ground should include the ground floor level and be the number of main
floors above ground, including any significant mezzanine floors and major mechanical plant floors.
Mechanical mezzanines should not be included if they have a significantly smaller floor area than
the major floors below. Similarly, mechanical penthouses or plant rooms protruding above the general
roof area should not be counted. Note: CTBUH floor counts may differ from published accounts, as it
is common in some regions of the world for certain floor levels not to be included (e.g., the level
4, 14, 24, etc. in Hong Kong).
95
Floors Below Ground
The number of floors below ground should include all major floors located below the ground floor
level.
5
# of Apartments
Number of Apartments refers to the total number of residential units (including both rental units
and condominiums) contained within a particular building.
470
# of Hotel Rooms
Number of Hotel Rooms refers to the total number of hotel rooms contained within a particular
building.
224
# of Parking Spaces
Number of Parking Spaces refers to the total number of car parking spaces contained within a
particular building.
1300
# of Elevators
Number of Elevators refers to the total number of elevator cars (not shafts) contained within a
particular building (including public, private and freight elevators).
62
Top Elevator Speed
Top Elevator Speed refers to the top speed capable of being achieved by an elevator within a
particular building, measured in meters per second.
10 m/s
Tower GFA
Tower GFA refers to the total gross floor area within the tower footprint, not including adjoining
podiums, connected buildings or other towers within the development.
310,000 m² / 3,336,812 ft²
Rankings
-
By function
You must be a CTBUH Member to view this resource.
-
By material
You must be a CTBUH Member to view this resource.
#
20
Tallest in the World
#
15
Tallest in
Asia
#
10
Tallest in
China
#
1
Tallest in
Suzhou
Construction Schedule
2010
Proposed
2012
Construction Start
2019
Completed
Architect
Design
Usually involved in the front end design, with a "typical" condition being that of a leadership role through either Schematic Design or Design Development, and then a monitoring role through the CD and CA phases.
Architect of Record
Usually takes on the balance of the architectural effort not executed by the "Design Architect," typically responsible for the construction documents, conforming to local codes, etc. May often be referred to as "Executive," "Associate," or "Local" Architect, however, for consistency CTBUH uses the term "Architect of Record" exclusively.
Structural Engineer
Design
The Design Engineer is usually involved in the front end design, typically taking the leadership role in the Schematic Design and Design Development, and then a monitoring role through the CD and CA phases.
MEP Engineer
Design
The Design Engineer is usually involved in the front end design, typically taking the leadership role in the Schematic Design and Design Development, and then a monitoring role through the CD and CA phases.
Engineer of Record
The Engineer of Record takes the balance of the engineering effort not executed by the “Design Engineer,” typically responsible for construction documents, conforming to local codes, etc.
Contractor
Main Contractor
The main contractor is the supervisory contractor of all construction work on a project, management of sub-contractors and vendors, etc. May be referred to as "Construction Manager," however, for consistency CTBUH uses the term "Main Contractor" exclusively.
Other Consultant
Other Consultant refers to other organizations which provided significant consultation services for a building project (e.g. wind consultants, environmental consultants, fire and life safety consultants, etc).
Other Consultant refers to other organizations which provided significant consultation services for a building project (e.g. wind consultants, environmental consultants, fire and life safety consultants, etc).
Damping
Façade
These are firms that consult on the design of a building's façade. May often be referred to as "Cladding," "Envelope," "Exterior Wall," or "Curtain Wall" Consultant, however, for consistency CTBUH uses the term "Façade Consultant" exclusively.
Façade Maintenance
Lighting
Quantity Surveyor
Wind
Material Supplier
Material Supplier refers to organizations which supplied significant systems/materials for a building project (e.g. elevator suppliers, facade suppliers, etc).
Material Supplier refers to organizations which supplied significant systems/materials for a building project (e.g. elevator suppliers, facade suppliers, etc).
Cladding
Elevator
Paint/Coating
You must be a CTBUH Member to view this resource.
Owner
Wharf China Development Limited
Developer
Suzhou Gao Long Property Development Co., Ltd.
Architect
Design
Usually involved in the front end design, with a "typical" condition being that of a leadership role through either Schematic Design or Design Development, and then a monitoring role through the CD and CA phases.
Architect of Record
Usually takes on the balance of the architectural effort not executed by the "Design Architect," typically responsible for the construction documents, conforming to local codes, etc. May often be referred to as "Executive," "Associate," or "Local" Architect, however, for consistency CTBUH uses the term "Architect of Record" exclusively.
East China Architectural Design & Research Institute; Wong Tung & Partners
Structural Engineer
Design
The Design Engineer is usually involved in the front end design, typically taking the leadership role in the Schematic Design and Design Development, and then a monitoring role through the CD and CA phases.
MEP Engineer
Design
The Design Engineer is usually involved in the front end design, typically taking the leadership role in the Schematic Design and Design Development, and then a monitoring role through the CD and CA phases.
Engineer of Record
The Engineer of Record takes the balance of the engineering effort not executed by the “Design Engineer,” typically responsible for construction documents, conforming to local codes, etc.
Project Manager
The CTBUH lists a project manager when a specific firm has been commissioned to oversee this aspect of a tall building’s design/construction. When the project management efforts are handled by the developer, main contract, or architect, this field will be omitted.
The CTBUH lists a project manager when a specific firm has been commissioned to oversee this aspect of a tall building’s design/construction. When the project management efforts are handled by the developer, main contract, or architect, this field will be omitted.
Suzhou Gao Long Property Development Co., Ltd.
Contractor
Main Contractor
The main contractor is the supervisory contractor of all construction work on a project, management of sub-contractors and vendors, etc. May be referred to as "Construction Manager," however, for consistency CTBUH uses the term "Main Contractor" exclusively.
Other Consultant
Other Consultant refers to other organizations which provided significant consultation services for a building project (e.g. wind consultants, environmental consultants, fire and life safety consultants, etc).
Other Consultant refers to other organizations which provided significant consultation services for a building project (e.g. wind consultants, environmental consultants, fire and life safety consultants, etc).
Damping
Façade
These are firms that consult on the design of a building's façade. May often be referred to as "Cladding," "Envelope," "Exterior Wall," or "Curtain Wall" Consultant, however, for consistency CTBUH uses the term "Façade Consultant" exclusively.
Façade Maintenance
Lighting
Marketing
Niccolo Hotels
Quantity Surveyor
Wind
Material Supplier
Material Supplier refers to organizations which supplied significant systems/materials for a building project (e.g. elevator suppliers, facade suppliers, etc).
Material Supplier refers to organizations which supplied significant systems/materials for a building project (e.g. elevator suppliers, facade suppliers, etc).
Ceiling
Armstrong Ceiling Solutions
Cladding
Elevator
Paint/Coating
Steel
China Construction Steel Structure Corporation
CTBUH Awards & Distinctions
Best Tall Building 400 meters and above 2021 Award of Excellence
2021 CTBUH Awards
CTBUH Initiatives
CTBUH Study Examines Tallest Buildings with Dampers
22 August 2018 - CTBUH Research
CTBUH Signboard Unveiled at Suzhou IFS
20 June 2018 - Event
Videos
17 September 2014 | Suzhou
Design Challenges of the 3 Tallest Buildings in North/ East/ South China
This presentation describes the MEP and VTS design challenges of the tallest buildings in three major cities in China; namely, Beijing, Suzhou and Guangzhou. The...
Research
20 March 2020
Interactive Study on The Tallest 20 in 2020: Then and Now
CTBUH Research
This research paper undertakes a review of the 2012 report by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, “Tallest 20 in 2020: Entering the...
About Suzhou IFS
Suzhou IFS aims to be a landmark on the city’s skyline in both form and function, drawing upon modern design practices to belay the area’s historical repertoire. Conceived as a mixed-use high-rise, the tower will incorporate a number of disparate programs, embodying a modern 21st century presence that is symbolically tied to the city’s identity.
Suzhou has long been a center of trade in China, and the building’s design pays tribute to this achievement. The tower’s form is reminiscent of a fish, a symbol of prosperity and a nod to the role that water has played in the city’s history and identity—the city is surrounded by lakes and canals, causing it to become known as “Venice of the East.” As such, the tower is designed to interact with the surrounding bodies of water. The tower gestures towards Jinji Lake and opens out towards the water.
Soaring upwards, the curved “tail” of the fish subtly transitions from the scale of the lake and surrounding buildings to the top of the tower. More than an architectural embellishment, the flared base maximizes views of the water for the serviced apartments within and considerably lengthens its street frontage. At night, the tower cladding is articulated with glowing LEDs. These lights activate in a staggered timing that causes the building to shimmer in the evening skyline, much like the nearby lake.
The tower form and orientation, together with the articulation of the west façade, diminishes much of the heat and glare, while bringing more natural daylight to the internal spaces. The tower cladding is a high-performance glazing that significantly mitigates solar loading.
CTBUH Awards & Distinctions
Best Tall Building 400 meters and above 2021 Award of Excellence
2021 CTBUH Awards
Research
20 March 2020
Interactive Study on The Tallest 20 in 2020: Then and Now
CTBUH Research
This research paper undertakes a review of the 2012 report by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, “Tallest 20 in 2020: Entering the...
20 March 2020
Tall + Urban Innovation 2020: Dominant Trends
CTBUH Research
Providing a global overview of tall building development, design and construction, the CTBUH Awards Program and related Tall + Urban Innovation Conference annually survey projects,...
01 September 2015
The New Structural Design Process of Supertall Buildings in China
Bao Lianjin, Chen Jianxing, Qian Peng, et al., ECADI
By the end of 2014, the number of completed and under-construction supertall buildings above 250 meters in China reached 90 and 129, respectively. China has...
16 September 2014
Design Challenges of the 3 Tallest Buildings in North/ East/ South China
Kam Chuen (Vincent) Tse, Lung Wai (Herbert) Lam, Sheung Lai (Eddie) Leung & Leung Wing (Daniel) Ho, Parsons Brinckerhoff
This paper describes the MEP and VTS design challenges of the tallest buildings in three major cities in China; namely, Beijing, Suzhou and Guangzhou. The...
CTBUH Initiatives
22 August 2018
CTBUH Study Examines Tallest Buildings with Dampers
CTBUH has released a Tall Buildings in Numbers (TBIN) interactive data study on the world's tallest buildings with dampers.
20 June 2018
CTBUH Signboard Unveiled at Suzhou IFS
Suzhou IFS recently installed a CTBUH Signboard, recognizing the building as the eighth tallest building in mainland China and the tallest building in the Jiangsu province.
13 October 2016
Top Company Rankings: The World’s 100 Tallest Buildings
The Council is pleased to announce the Top Company Rankings for numerous disciplines as derived from the list of projects appearing in 100 of the World’s Tallest Buildings.
Subscribe below to receive periodic updates from CTBUH on the latest Tall Building and Urban news and CTBUH initiatives, including our monthly newsletter. Fields with a red asterisk (*) next to them are required.
View our privacy policy