Shanghai In China, an architect had a luxury hotel built in an open-cast mine. The Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland is opened on 20th November 2018.
British architect Martin Jochman placed the 18-storey Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland in the huge mine left by the open-cast mine. UNESCO representative Michael Croft praised the project as a model for sustainable development.
Sixteen of the storeys are below ground level but look beyond the pit, where a lake was formed. Two of the floors are under water. “I have designed many different types of buildings in Britain, Europe, Dubai and elsewhere, but this was very different and almost became a life task,” said Jochman. “That’s why I say it’s probably the most important building I’ve ever designed.”
The project started in 2006 and the first works started in 2013. The construction was delayed due to problems with the earthquake conditions and the groundwater level, among other things. The hotel near Shanghai airport opened 20th November this year. Rooms cost between 3666 and 6000 yuan (466 and 763 euros).
Image Source: https://www.ihg.com/
