Designed by New York architects Frank Repas Architecture PLLC (FRA), this building that located in Shanghai, China, is one of the major new structures to Shanghai as the city prepares for EXPO 2010, the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal. The recently completed facility is a sprawling, distinctive, 635,000 sq ft ocean liner terminal and exhibition space sunk into a kilometer-long section of the new Shanghai Waterfront Park System, adjacent to the historic Bund district.

exterior building underground terminal of Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal

Mr. Repas says “With EXPO 2010 fast approaching, Shanghai has undertaken an impressive growth and development initiative that incorporates innovation and sustainability. The city is poised to become the 21st century’s global economic and cultural hub. With the influx of new visitors, the new cruise terminal is expected to receive more than 1.5 million visitors annually and is already playing host to high-profile events from fashion shows to global products launches. We are delighted to be able to contribute in a meaningful way to Shanghai’s exciting expansion.”

amazing architecture of Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal

FRA worked closely with Mr. He Bin Wu, General Manager of the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal Development Co., Ltd, in an attempt to achieve a balance between beauty and utility. Only 8,000 sq ft of the main terminal rises above ground, but floating above the park and the underground terminal is the unusual ‘single drop of water’. This 42,000 sq ft glass orb, constructed from individual panes of four-sided glass, enables the underground space to be flooded with natural light, despite its sunken position.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 at 6:31 pm and is filed under Architecture Design. Tags: china architecture, Expo 2010 Shanghai China, Frank Repas Architecture PLLC, Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, shanghai waterfront, Treaty of Nanking, underground terminal, Yangtze River Delta. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.