This year, more skyscrapers will fill the skylines of cities, mostly in Asia. Continuing on from previous years, cities, architects and the general public alike are favoring low-energy, sustainable buildings and showing a tendency to renovate existing buildings with reinforcements where possible.

Take a look at 2 of the tallest skyscrapers built in 2017, and some of the most exciting building projects coming scheduled for completion in 2018.

2017: Ping An Finance Center

The Ping An Finance Center is located in the city of Shenzhen, and is the second tallest building in China and fourth tallest building in the world. The entire structure measures 599.1 meters, or 1,965 feet, offering 119 floors of office and retail space.

Stainless steel keeps the Ping An Finance Center protected against the strong winds and salty climate of Shenzhen. (Source: Kohn Pedersen Fox)

The Ping An Finance Center is classified as a composite building, meaning both steel and concrete materials are used to make up the main structural parts of the skyscraper. This can apply to any of the following combinations – steel columns with concrete beam floors, steel structure with a concrete core, steel columns encased in concrete or a system of steel tubes filled with concrete. The exterior is outfitted with a sculpted stainless steel facade for maximum corrosion resistance to coastal climate.

2017: Lotte World Tower

Korea’s Lotte World Tower is the tallest building in Korea and the fifth tallest building in the world measuring 555.7 meters and 1,823 feet from the ground to the very top. Construction began in Seoul back in 2011 and took 7 years to complete. The 129-story building is made of a reinforced concrete core, concrete encased steel columns and steel floor spanning.

Seoul’s Lotte World Tower was built with 40,000 tons of steel. (Source: Arch Daily)

POSCO supplied the 40,000 tons of steel to build the Lotte World Tower, consisting of both regular and thermomechanical control processed (TMCP) steel. As part of POSCO’s solutions marketing, the company proposed using 120 mm thick high-performance grade steel (SM490TMC) instead of welding 40 mm and 80 mm thick plates together for better performance and cost efficiency. The steelmaker also proposed the use of a steel column flat plate structure and steel piping for enhanced shock, high-wind and fire resistance.

Lotte World Tower also features solar panels, wind turbines and water harvesting systems as part of a sustainable, eco-friendly design.

SEE ALSO: Steel Wonders of the World: POSCO Steel Builds the World

2018: Hanking Center Tower

The Hanking Center Tower scheduled for completion in March of 2018, will set a new world record as the tallest all-steel building in all of Asia. Most skyscrapers are made of a mixture of concrete and steel, but the Hanking Center Tower is composed of a unique, all-steel structural system. The main body is also detached from the core by about 9 meters, held together by a series of sky bridges and steel braces to allow the building flexibility to withstand seismic activity and maximum exposure to natural light.  

The Hanking Center Tower is the tallest all-steel building in Asia. (Source: Curbed)

At 350 meters, or 1,148 feet, the Hanking Center Tower will be classified as a super tall building when completed in west Shenzhen, China. The building underwent extensive seismic and wind tunnel tests for performance verification, and residents and visitors alike will be able to enjoy the sky gardens and spacious open spaces in the heart of the city.

2018: Salesforce Tower

San Francisco has a new tallest building with the opening of the Salesforce Tower in January of this year. Standing at 326.1 meters, or 1,070 feet, the skyscraper also made extensive use of steel for its columns and floor spanning and features a reinforced concrete core. The Salesforce Tower is also one of San Francisco’s most-expensive buildings at USD 1.1 billion.

The Salesforce Tower is the tallest building in San Francisco. (Source: Curbed)

Not only is the 65-story building San Francisco’s tallest building, it is the city’s first commercial building to use a water recycling system. The city government, Boston Properties and Salesforce teamed up to support blackwater reuse that will give tenants of the building access to recycled water. The skyscraper also has net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

2018: Comcast Technology Center

The 341.7 meters, or 1,121 feet tall Comcast Technology Center opened early this year, and stands as Philadelphia’s tallest skyscraper. The USD 1.6 billion building also has smart features, including a central plant that acts as the brain of the building, using artificial intelligence to learn human patterns.

The Comcast Technology Center is a green building with smart features. (Source: The Skyscraper Center)

The skyscraper can track the number of people inside, predict weather patterns and will only generate just enough energy required for any given time. The building also makes use of water running through all parts of the building to cool temperatures and has a special, silver coated glass which can repel heat from the sun. As such, the Comcast Technology Center is one of the most technologically advanced and green buildings in the U.S.

Continuing on from a strong year of construction in 2017, the new skyscrapers of 2018 and beyond will continue to strive for environmental sustainability, incorporate newer technologies and make extensive use of steel for cost efficiency and safety.

Korea

International Hub, Incheon International Airport (2014-2015)

Incheon International Airport (ICN), also known as the “Winged City,” is 32 miles from downtown Seoul. ICN is one of Asia’s main airport hubs and one of the twenty busiest airports worldwide by passengers and fourth by cargo (Airport Council International). The ICN terminal complex is one of Korea’s largest buildings, with 44 gates and 16 aircraft stands. The bulk of steel used for construction was supplied by POSCO. 

Tallest Building in Korea, Jamsil Lotte World Tower (2012-2015)

With 129 stories total (123 aboveground and six underground), POSCO supplied all 40,000 tons of steel required for the construction of Jamsil Lotte World Tower. Both regular and thermomechanical control processed (TMCP) steel were used in the construction. When complete, it will be the tallest building on the Korean peninsula and the fifth-tallest building in the world.

Knowing the importance of anti-shock capability and high-wind and fire resistance, POSCO worked with contracted partners to propose the use of extra thick plates, high-performance grade steel and 120 mm thick plates. The use of 120 mm thick high-performance grade steel (SM490TMC) is more cost efficient than welding 40 mm and 80 mm thick plates, which was the initial plan. POSCO’s construction proposal also incorporated steel column flat plate structure and steel piping. 

Longest Bridge in Korea, Yi Sun-sin Bridge (2012)

The Yi Sun-sin Bridge was opened in 2012, rising 270 m above sea level, and connects Gwangyang and Yeosu. It is the first suspension bridge to be made entirely from Korean state-of-the-art technology and equipment. Covering a distance of 2,260 m, it is the longest bridge in Korea and the fourth longest in the world, even surpassing the length of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The famous bridge is named for the Korean Admiral, Yi Sun-sin who built the world’s first armored, ironclad warship with iron spikes during the Joseon Dynasty. The ship itself has great significance in Korea’s history.

Sometimes recognized as the Lee Sun-shin Bridge, its official name is “Yi Sun-sin Bridge.” The bridge was an Outstanding Structure Award finalist in 2013. 

Chief Rail Station of Daegu, Dongdaegu Station (2014-2015)

Dongdaegu Station is now the primary rail station in Daegu, Korea, surpassing Daegu Station. Open in 1962, it services the high-speed KTX rail station, as well as the Seoul metro subway system. 

Global

POSCO’s steel is used globally mostly in the auto-manufacturing industry, but is also used in city infrastructure as well. POSCO provided steel used in the Vietnam Vam Cong Bridge (2015) in the Kuwait-Doha Link Bridge (2015).

The Vam Cong Bridge is a 2.97 km cable-stayed bridge across the Hau River in southern Vietnam. With a central span (the distance between towers) of 450 m, it has the second longest central span of all bridges in Vietnam. The Vam Cong Bridge is expected to become a regional landmark.

The Kuwait-Doha Link Bridge connects Kuwait and Qatar, and is made of two parts. POSCO supplied steel for the Doha Link, which connect the Shuwaikh Port with the Doha motorway. It is a marine bridge 13 km long.

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Steel and Skyscrapers: A Brief History

The history of skyscrapers dates back to the second half of the 19th century when steel became a cornerstone of the world’s industrial economy. Steel framing and steel reinforced concrete made “curtain-wall” architecture possible, which led to the world’s first skyscrapers. Steel further evolved the capabilities of skyscrapers, allowing them to reach new heights. From the humble beginnings of the first skyscraper, the Home Insurance Building, built in Chicago in 1895 and standing 42m, skyscrapers now reach extraordinary heights.

Here are the four tallest skyscrapers in four of the regions of the world today. 

Burj Khalifa, Dubai, Middle East

Rising to 829.8m over the gulf city of Dubai, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. Designed by Skidmore Owings and Merill (SOM), the Burj Khalifa used a bundled tube design and a composite of steel and concrete to reach its record height. The Burj Khalifa employed a bundled tube system which is a system of construction that uses an interconnected frame of steel tubes. Thirty-nine thousand tons of steel rebar was needed for the construction. The Burj Khalifa houses a mix of residential, corporate and retail space.

Shanghai Tower, Shanghai, Asia

Standing 632m, the 128-story Shanghai Tower is located in Shanghai’s financial district of Lujiazui, Pudong in China. Though currently still under construction, following its topping out in 2013, the Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and the second-tallest building in the world, surpassed only by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The Shanghai Tower is the tallest of a group of three adjacent supertall buildings in Pudong and is composed of three important design strategies, the asymmetry of the tower’s shape, its tapering profile and its rounded corners, all of which will allow it to withstand typhoon wind forces common in Shanghai. 

One World Trade Center, New York, North America

Designed by the same firm that designed the Burj Khalifa, the 104-story One World Trade Center reaches a height of 417m. Including the spire, its total height is 541m (1,776 ft.), a tribute to 1776, the year the U.S. won its independence. Surpassing the Willis Tower (formerly Sear’s Tower) in Chicago, the One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the U.S. The tower’s structure is designed around a strong, but lightweight, steel frame made of beams and columns. The lighter structures enabled savings in greenhouse gases and a 30 percent decrease in carbon emissions during construction. There are 70 elevators and nine escalators in the One World Trade Center. (Image: http://bit.ly/1DsqmBK)

The Shard, London, European Union

The Shard is a 72-story glass pyramid tower, rising above the city of London. It was completed in 2012, and stands 245m. The design uses an intelligent combination of steel and concrete. Steel structures were used from the ground floor to the 40th floor. From there to the 69th floor, concrete replaces the framing material, before the design reverts back to steel. Construction required 12,000 tons of steel.

As the world continues to grow and urbanize the ability to adapt building structures and materials will continue to evolve. Steel will continue to be essential in helping the world’s buildings reach new heights.

The infographic below shows how each of these four gravity-defying structures compare. See how each stack up in height and the amount of steel necessary to make each possible. (Image: http://bit.ly/1eUAFTc)

The mere mention of the city conjures up images such as towering skyscrapers, luxury hotels and mysterious desert dunes.

But compared to its neighboring emirates, this “Miracle in the Desert” has very few gas reserves. As such, Dubai began preparing for the post-oil era long before its onset. The large increases in oil prices after the Gulf War of 1990 encouraged the city to focus its efforts primarily on free trade and has since transformed into a global hub for trade and logistics.

Now, countries throughout the Middle East are looking to Dubai, which is considered the world’s most strikingly modern and prosperous city, as a model of success.

Seeing the potential of the region, POSCO opened its first office in the Middle East in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1975. Later, in 1998, the steel company opened the Dubai presence of its Singapore office, which was promoted as the Dubai office in 2006.

Currently, there are four employees working at this location who oversee POSCO activities in 19 countries: 14 in the Middle East and 5 in North Africa.

In response to changing marketing conditions, the Dubai office is working to increase the sales of products by focusing on reinforcing its solution-based marketing capabilities. It is also working hard to promote POSCO’s innovative solutions to its clients ordering construction projects, and is seeking to create new business opportunities with other Middle Eastern offices of POSCO affiliates.

To get an idea of where the future of POSCO is headed in terms of construction, it only makes sense to take a look at some of Dubai’s most impressive architectural projects of the past which used steel as a construction material. Here are three of them:

Burj Khalifa

Also known as the “Jewel of Dubai”, this 164-story building is the tallest free-standing structure in the world. The building took about five and a half years to build, and used over 31,400 metric tons of steel rebar. Laid end to end, this would stretch over a quarter of the way around the world!

The Burj Khalifa has since become a symbol of the wealth and progress embodied by the Persian Gulf city and currently houses a mix of residential spaces, corporate suites and the Armani Hotel Dubai, the world’s first hotel designed and developed by Giorgio Armani himself.

Princess Tower

(Image courtesy of Wikipedia)

Also a record-breaker, the Princess Tower is the world’s tallest residential tower at 414 meters and 107 floors. The building boasts 763 luxury apartments, including a number of penthouse apartments overlooking the Palm Jumeirah, a dramatic artificial archipelago that resembles a palm tree.

Yet the most impressive aspect of the Princess Tower is its grandiose exterior, which includes a decorative dome that sits atop the building like a giant crown. The dome, which was finished in February 2012, has a mast on the top of it, which weighs 110 tons and is made of aluminum and steel.

O-14

(Image courtesy of Archdaily)

O-14’s façade is an inventive merger of structure and solar shading that is based on a perforated exoskeleton that challenges the concept of an office building altogether. The 1,300 openings in the tower’s shell create a sensational show of natural light that allows for a unique and ever-changing interior space, and permits cool air to filter through the building, thus saving energy.

The outer concrete and steel skin of O-14 also play a fundamental role in supporting the inner tower with an array of linking beams. Eliminating the need of interior columns creates more floor space, and as such, more areas for rent.

Considering the fact that Dubai is seemingly always under construction, and in constant pursuit of breaking even more world records, it’s certain that the demand for steel and POSCO’s services will continue to increase.

1. CEO Ohjoon Kwon 

POSCO’s 8th CEO Ohjoon Kwon was officially inaugurated in March. CEO Kwon has shown a strong will to actualize POSCO’s vision, ‘POSCO the Great’ by enhancing steel competitiveness based on distinctive technological skills, wise decisions and concentration.

In pursuit of the group’s vision, CEO Kwon has been actively engaging in various activities. Visiting numerous global sites, he encouraged and applauded the accomplishments of all employees. Furthermore, as a member of the World Steel Association’s board of directors and an official member of the execution committee, CEO Kwon exchanged perspectives on the steel industry with leaders of fellow global steel companies. Through diverse opportunities of meetings, he has shown engaged and flexible communication with employees as well. Moreover, CEO Kwon visited client companies such as Hyundai Heavy Industries to inspect current status of solution marketing and announced POSCO’s new business strategy at an investor relations meeting for stakeholders and investors. Ever since his inauguration, CEO Kwon has been passionately leading toward ‘POSCO the Great’ by directly managing major topics of clients and investors.

More details are available here at Inauguration of Ohjoon Kwon and Vision for ‘POSCO the Great’ and POSCO the Great! CEO Ohjoon Kwon Speaks about POSCO’s Vision & Direction

2. Creative Economy
POSCO’s mutual growth activities for 2014 Creative Economy evolved in many different forms. Fostering venture business through ‘Idea Market Place’, POSCO took the lead of the creative economy in Korea. Especially, POSCO Partner’s Day event provided a platform for companies to share cases of mutual developments. Also at the event, POSCO announced the mutual growth vision, ‘Win-win for the Great’, inspired by ‘POSCO the Great’, to promote both POSCO group and SMBs to expand further in the future. As a result of POSCO’s contribution to creative economy, President Park Geun-hye visited No.3 FINEX plant and Pohang Creative Economy Innovation Center to encourage the notable performance. Officially opening in 2015, the Creative Economy Innovation Center is expected to promote POSCO’s creative economy activities and add more to revitalization movement for creative economy.

3. Solution Marketing

The key point of solution marketing lies in clients. By combining technology and marketing, POSCO has strengthened its competency by offering new and distinctive values to POSCO’s clients. With Steel Solution Center’s operation, POSCO provided preemptive actions to the clients and focused on the sales of strategic products such as marine and energy steel material. Moreover, the launch of Technical Service Centers has created opportunities to provide various solutions to clients more closely. Furthermore, other examples of successful solution marketing include POSMAC, an ultra-corrosion resistant alloyed steel plate, high-manganese steel LNG storage tank and a concept car ‘EOLAB’ which received spotlight at 2014 Paris Motor Show. As a result to many efforts, POSCO’s Global EVI Forum in October, was lauded as POSCO’s distinctive client-oriented marketing festival. POSCO’s solution marketing to enhance client value will continue in 2015 as well.

More details are available here at 2014 POSCO Global EVI Forum.

4. POSTIM
POSCO’s POSTIM is an innovative model developed and applied to achieve the corporate vision of `POSCO the Great’. POSTIM, which stands for POSCO Total Innovation Methodology, is designed to improve the previous innovation system by integrating employees, affiliates, tasks and innovation. POSTIM consists of PWS, QSS+, and SWP activities. Each activity act as an engine for implementation to practice the management ideologies. In fact, on the 4th of December, the Innovation POSCO Festival 2014 took place for the purpose of looking back on the efforts and traces of innovation throughout the year.

More details are available here at POSTIM.

5. Financial Structure Reformation
The financial structure reformation is one of the innovation agendas suggested by CEO Kwon. In April, POSCO successfully won project financing for Australia’s Roy Hill Mine project. By this means, POSCO, holding 12.5% of the mine’s stake, will be provided with at least 11 million tons of high-quality iron ore every year for the following 27 years. Moreover, POSCO promoted to sell its LNG Terminal, Posfine and POSCO-Uruguay while signing a MOU with SeAH Group and sold specialty steel affiliate to SeAH Besteel. In addition, POSCO has secured financial liquidity by selling Vietnam’s Diamond Plaza (POSCO E&C) and Masan city’s Daewoo Department Store (Daewoo International). As shown, this year was a significant time period for POSCO, considering that POSCO pursues to secure its steel business competency by achieving financial solvency.

6. Working Process

Experiencing a series of innovation throughout the year, POSCO has stepped forward in working method as well.

[Applying ‘Project-based Working Process’]
The ‘Project-based Working Process’ identifies projects that will help to improve profitability and accomplish qualitative goals. Also, this work method puts heavy emphasis on creating outcomes.

[Specialist and PCP-oriented Project in Progress]
Specialists and PCPs are promoting projects by drawing issues from their vast array of knowledge and experiences.

[IP Project Counsel]
Last July, the IP Project Counsels were held simultaneously in Seoul, Pohang and Gwangyang to share the results for the first half and plans until the yearend. At the event, CEO Kwon monitored projects in process and provided his ideas to project managers.

[IP Project Special Reward System]
POSCO established the ‘IP project special reward system’ for employees to be encouraged to challenge themselves to take on new projects and concentrate on excellent performance. This system gives substantial rewards to teams or individuals with outstanding results.

More details are available here at Project-based Working Process and IP Project.

7. POSCO the Great!

POSCO has been named the world’s most competitive steelmaker for the 7th consecutive time during the past five years by World Steel Dynamics (WSD). Moreover, POSCO was selected as a global sustainable leading company in the SAM-Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (SAM-DJSI) and was named as the ‘Most Respected Companies in Korea’ by the Korean Management Association Consultants (KMAC). Also, in July, POSCO was named as the 177th world’s largest corporations by the Fortune’s global 500.We hope POSCO will continue to create further accomplishments in 2015!

More details are available here at World’s Most Competitive Steelmaker and Most Respected Companies in Korea.

8. Future Competency

In 2014, POSCO focused on preparations to attain future competency. Three FINEX plants have started operation since January and POSCO-Thailand’s CGL has started its construction in August. Also, POSCO has been building a large demo plant in South America as a prelude to the entry in the global market for world’s first lithium extraction technology, developed by POSCO. In November, Gwangyang Steelworks’ hot rolling plant No.4 was completed. Now indeed, high-quality steel production is capable purely with POSCO Family’s technical ability. This production system supplies 3.3 million tons per year. Lastly, POSCO-Krakatau which has initiated its iron-making in January, also appears to be making pleasant results. 2014 was surely a year of productive and diverse constructions. We expect for more remarkable activities in 2015!

More details are available here at POSCO’s Global Competency.

9. Safety
This year, safety has been a very important keyword to everyone in Korea. Through safety exercises like POSCO center fire drills, Pohang and Gwangyang group fire trainings, POSCO Family Safety and Disaster Prevention Resolution Conference, POSCO has been engaging in preemptive activities in safety to stress the importance. Also, POSCO has enhanced inspection in Seoul, Pohang and Gwangyang for sites that are prone to fatal accidents while conducting customized emergency response trainings to reduce risk factors beforehand. In addition, POSCO has created curriculum for safety professionals and conducted cross audits for each steelworks.

10. Pride
Establishing the world-class training process for technical professionals, POSCO has been striving to maintain as a company where employees hold pride in their hearts. In fact, through ‘Great Work Place’ activities, POSCO has been providing a working environment of flexible commuting time and improved work engagement. Also, POSCO has prepared a 5-level job competency level system to foster technical workforce while also selecting employees with professional knowledge and colleagues’ respects as ‘POSCO Master Craftsmen’ and providing exceptional rewards to them. Lastly, through ‘IP Concert’, which was held 19 times in Pohang, Gwangyang and Seoul, employees and executives shared new business philosophy and reinforced the pride in POSCO.

More details are available here at ‘The Great Company to Work At’.

11. POSCO Family News

[Daewoo International]
The hottest issue of 2014 Daewoo International would be about Myanmar Gas field. Starting in June 2013, the field has been enlarging supply ever since its first production which was approximately 500 million cubic feet. It now has become the main source of profits at Daewoo International.

[POSCO ICT]
In the smart energy sector, 2014 was a fruitful year for POSCO ICT. For instance, energy storage system ESS and energy efficiency system for factories and buildings have achieved outstanding outcomes. Including Building Energy Management System (BEMS), which is currently applied at POSCO ICT Pangyo office and Portable Emissions Measurement System (PEMS) at Gwangyang Steelworks’ oxygen plants, POSCO ICT’s various energy-related business will continue to advance in 2015.

[POSCO Energy]
‘Beyond Energy, Better Life’! Acquired by POSCO Energy, TONGYANG Power has marked its new start with the new name of POS Power. Thus, it is gaining many people’s expectations as they expand abroad into private development business. Furthermore, POSCO Energy has secured a license for 450MW power coal cogeneration plant which is the biggest in size in Mongolia. As a result, POSCO is now the largest shareholder of the fifth power plant business in Mongolia.

[POSCO E&C]
The Northeast Asia Trade Tower is a landmark in Songdo City and the tallest building existing in Korea. 305m in height and 68 floors in total, the building was under construction for approximately eight years. Besides its office and accommodation, the building features many additional facilities. In fact, Daewoo International will soon be joining the office space. Please look forward for POSCO E&C’s activities to become one of the top 10 global construction companies in 2020!

More details are available here at Northeast Asia Trade Tower.

Today, we took a look back on the keywords of 2014 in POSCO. Among the keywords above, we wonder which word stays in your memory the most. As a closure to 2014, we would like to thank you and all employees who trusted POSCO group for the sincere support!

Here, we list up the world’s top five famous fireworks festivals… plus an extra! For those stopping by Korea, we introduce you to “Pohang International Fireworks Festival”, held each year in POSCO’s own hometown.

But first, here’s the countdown.

Top 5 Fireworks Displays Around the World

#1 National Day (Singapore)

“Singapore Fireworks Celebrations” is an annual event held in Singapore as part of its National Day events. It features several local and foreign teams which launch many different fireworks displays. The teams put on shows over several nights, making this one of the longest-running annual fireworks events on the planet.

#2 Australia Day (Australia)

For visitors to Australia, this is a must-see event. On January 26, Australia’s national holiday is celebrated in style in Sydney’s Darling Harbour with a fireworks display that is said to stun.

#3 Malta International Fireworks (Malta)

 The cleanest, bluest ocean, clearest blue sky, and most impressive firework display around might just be at the tiny European island nation of Malta. Every year around the last week in April, Malta teams up with fireworks creators to produce this incredible spectacle. It’s too good to miss this if you are planning to stay in Malta during your summer holiday.

#4 New Year’s Eve Fireworks (Dubai, UAE)

When you think of Dubai, what comes to mind first? The world’s tallest building? Or something else? The fabulous Dubai New Year’s Eve fireworks show might end up your greatest impression of the desert nation, if you’re lucky enough to see it. In 2013, Dubai’s event broke the record for most fireworks set in a single show.

#5 Independence Day Fireworks (Washington D.C, USA)

As Independence Day is the holiday that commemorates the founding of the USA, it’s only fitting that some of the best fireworks displays there happens in the nation’s capital of Washington, D.C.

Introducing: Pohang International Fireworks Festival

Pohang International Fireworks Festival has been by POSCO held every year since year 2004 in celebration of ‘The 1st Pohang Citizens’ Day’ and commemoration of the citizens of Pohang city itself. In 2014, it was selected as an ‘Excellent Festival’ by Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, securing its name among Korea’s greatest cultural festivals. Let’s have a closer look!

New for 2014: International Firework Competition

From July 31 to August 3 of 2014, the 11th Pohang International Fireworks Festival showed off its newest addition, the ‘International Firework Competition’. The event presented fireworks from the world’s best teams and directors in a competitive format. The winner was determined through the scores of 100 judges from the audience. For an hour and 20 minutes, the competition’s beautiful lights painted unforgettable memories for the audience at Pohang’s Youngildae Beach.

Three Teams:

#1: Live N  Loud by HOWARD&Sons (Australia)

From Australia, ‘HOWARD&Sons’ is a family team that has created fireworks for four straight generations. This team opened the International Firework Competition with a performance following the theme of ”Live N Loud”, providing a show as thrilling as the front seat at a major concert.

#2: Bond, James Bond by Pyro2000 (UK)

The name is Bond, James Bond…in the sky! British team “Pyro 2000” performed a show based on the theme of the UK’s legendary national hero, 007. The performance was made up of cinematographic elements mimicking the tension and excitement that typify the Bond movies. We imagine the audience was thrilled by an unexpected feeling of deja-vu.

#3: The Winner! Return of Emotion by Surex (Poland)

Polish team Surex saved the best for last. They performed to the theme song “Return of Emotion” by Bartosz Chajdecki, an outstanding composer who exemplifies the new generation of Polish contemporary musicians. Following Surex’s experience in winning several competitions throughout the world, they counted 882 points and won again in Pohang, taking home the first prize of $10,000.

Incredible sights and the Grand Finale

Between competitions, a few extra performances took place. The first intermission performance was “Flame of Pohang”, where performers used the theme ‘fire’ to express a show that represented the warm heart of the citizens of Pohang. The team also used ethnic drums and trampolines as instruments.

The second intermission performance was called “Harmony of Lights of the World”. An emotionally charged, beautiful melody of world instruments made this performance more than touching.

Lastly, the Grand Finale was performed by Korea’s own Hanwha team. As shown in the title of the piece, “The Wind”, the gigantic fireworks expressed an optimistic message. The Hanwha team used a barge ship and to set an oval shaped fire they called ‘Tower Firework’. This was especially meaningful for the Korean members of the audience after 2014’s ferry disaster, as the entire country has searched for healing and a cure for the national mood. Through the fireworks, the team aimed to express a feeling of hope.

Revolutionary Features of Korea’s New Landmark, Northeast Asia Trade Tower

#1. 3-Dimensional Exterior Design Minimizes the Effect of Wind Load

POSCO Engineering & Construction, the construction arm of Korea’s top steelmaker POSCO, applied its most innovative and cutting-edge technology in the construction of NEAT Tower, the tallest building in Korea. To minimize the effect of wind load on the building, the tower was constructed under a 3-dimensional exterior design which features a trapezoid at the base which gradually transforms into a triangle at the top.

#2. Seismic Force Resisting System Utilizing Belt Truss and Outriggers

NEATT’ s main frame system consists of 27 perimeter columns, six corner mega columns, a core wall, and an outrigger/belt truss, all of which are systemically integrated. The core wall takes about 65% of the total gravity load and 70% of the total overturning moment due to wind load. The outrigger systems are installed on the 34^th and 65^th floors of NEATT and the structural design was performed in such a way that the axial load developed in columns due to the outrigger’s share of the overturning moment could also be resisted safely. The outrigger and belt system takes 30% of the overturning moment.

The core walls and columns of NEATT, an SRC structural building, were constructed with 12,841 tons of POSCO’s globally renowned high-strength reinforced concrete and SD40 reinforcing bars. The corner mega column was, for the first time in the construction of skyscrapers in Korea, built with 7,870 tons of SMC570TMC steel. The glass curtain wall enveloping the exterior was installed using low-emissivity glass. Low-emissivity (low-E) coatings are microscopically thin metal layers that are deposited on a window surface to help keep heat on the same side of the glass from which it originated. Glass with Low-E coatings reflect infrared light while allowing visible light, keeping the movement between interior and exterior heat to a minimum.

* Technical specifications of the Northeast Asia Trade Tower referenced from “NEATT Design of Structural System,” Dong Yang Structural Engineers Co., 2014.

#3. High Level Security and Anti-Disaster Measures

As the landmark building of Korea, Northeast Asia Trade Tower boasts high level security and anti-disaster measures. For example, it deployed global positioning system (GPS) sensors to help ensure the real-time measurement of vibration, displacement or deformation in the building caused by external factors, making it possible to preemptively identify any issues that could compromise the safety or structural integrity of the building. Additionally, the Seismic Force Resisting System can withstand magnitude 7-8 earthquakes.

In addition, the anti-disaster control center located on the first basement floor provides the ability to centrally monitor the power supply, lighting, CCTV system, access control and other utility services. The 30^th and 60^th floors each have a shelter that can accommodate up to 4,000 occupants safely and promptly in the event of an emergency, such as a fire. The building has 29 elevators operating at a speed of 420 meters per minute and capable of carrying users from the ground floor to the observatory on the 65^th floor within one minute.

< The anti-disaster control center located on the first basement floor provides the ability to centrally monitor the power supply, lighting, CCTV system, access control and other utility services. >

Going Green: A Striking Example of Sustainable Design

NEATT serves as a model of sustainable design strategies, carefully balancing energy conservation, increased indoor environmental quality, and occupant comfort. With a range of passive design strategies such as daylighting, natural ventilation and energy-efficient HVAC systems, the tower targets to achieve LEED^® Silver certification.

Like other buildings in New Songdo City, NEATT purchases district hot water from a new, highly efficient cogeneration facility located nearby. Hot water, used for heating and cooling via absorption chillers, is generated from waste heat recovered during the process of producing electricity. The building is estimated to reduce source-energy CO2 emissions by 6,000 tons per year when compared to a “standard” code-compliant office tower with on-site electric chillers and a natural-gas boiler plant.

Furthermore, the paint, carpets and wallpaper used in the construction of the building’s interior were of eco-friendly, non-toxic material in order to prevent the occurrence of Sick Building Syndrome.

* NEATT sustainability design features referenced from articles by ARUP and Built Expressions

<A Night View of the NEAT Tower and Songdo International Business District, Incheon>

The Northeast Asia Trade Tower is expected to boost the regional economy along with an increase in floating population, markets, employment and visitors from overseas once companies move into the building. Moreover, it appears to give momentum to draw more businesses to Songdo International Business District since clients of Daewoo International and other companies engaged in the related fields are expected to move into the building. We hope that NEAT tower will soon become Korea’s most well-known landmark in the days to come!