Shanghai, my beloved city, has once again astounded the world with its latest architectural marvel. The newly completed East China Electric Power Design Institute building, with a staggering investment of 1.08 billion yuan, boasts a colossal open-air spiral staircase that stands approximately 80 meters tall and traverses the entire structure.
Although its bold and unique design has earned it the playful nickname “Giant Rotating Potato Tower,” it is undeniably stunning and photogenic, allowing visitors to capture breathtaking shots from various angles and lighting conditions.
Located on Wuning Road in the Putuo District, the East China Electric Power Design Institute was designed by the renowned Italian architectural firm Giovanni Polazzi.
The building breaks free from the constraints of traditional office architecture, presenting a refreshingly innovative main structure and exterior form that captivates the eye.
The office building features a double-sided facade, with an inner glass enclosure and an outer layer of matte, metallic-textured copper enamel grille panels, fully embracing an industrial aesthetic.
However, the true showstopper is the colossal open-air spiral staircase embedded within the building’s core. Rising to a height of around 80 meters, this staircase connects all floors and serves as the soul of the building’s space, reminiscent of the Vessel at Manhattan’s Hudson Yards, designed by Heatherwick Studio.
The striking contrast between the copper-red giant steel frame and the exposed concrete creates a unique architectural beauty.
The entire structure of the “Giant Spiral” is constructed almost entirely of weathering steel, a special alloy that naturally forms a dense rust layer when exposed to outdoor elements. This “rust skin” acts as a protective layer, eliminating the need for paint coverage.
The spiral staircase presents different light and shadow effects and visual impressions from various angles and lighting conditions.
When viewed from the side of the building, the protruding curved walkways appear as mysterious floating coils, exuding a futuristic vibe that makes for incredible photographs.
Although the staircase’s bold and unique design has earned it nicknames such as “Shanghai Grilled Wheat Gluten” and “Giant Rotating Potato Tower,” it is undeniable that its creation showcases the diversity and possibilities of Shanghai’s architecture.
Despite being open for only a short time, the building has already attracted waves of trendsetters eager to check in, and it is poised to quickly become another wildly popular landmark in Shanghai.
📍: 409 Wuning Road, Putuo District
