Broad Group's modular skyscraper aspirations reach 220 storeys, world's tallest building planned

Zhang Yue, Chairman of China-based Broad Group, claims to have sparked a construction revolution. Known for constructing a 57-storey tower in just 19 days, Zhang’s next goal is even more ambitious: building the world’s tallest skyscraper using modular construction.

Located on the outskirts of Changsha, Mini Sky City stands at 204m and was built at a remarkable pace of three storeys per day and was built using modular construction.
Zhang’s modular construction methods are underpinned by assembling factory-made stainless steel prefabricated modules onsite.

“Humans have experienced revolutions in industry, agriculture, transportation, and information, but not yet in buildings,” states the Broad Group handbook. According to the handbook, Zhang believes that modular construction is the next revolution.

Watch Broad Group’s modular-constructed 57-storey Mini Sky City being assembled

Mini Sky City was assembled from thousands of factory-made steel modules. Zhang now plans to apply this technique to construct Sky City, a proposed 220-storey skyscraper that would surpass the height of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai by 10m. Zhang is confident that Sky City could be completed in just seven months – four for the foundations and three for the tower.

Zhang’s vision extends beyond just building Sky City. He aims to reimagine urban environments, with a goal for Broad Group to produce a third of the world’s buildings, all modular, steel, and environmentally friendly. “The biggest problem we face in the world right now isn’t terrorism or world war. It’s climate change,” Zhang says. “Our buildings are holistically solving society’s problems.”

Zhang’s journey into construction began in response to the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, which killed 90,000 people. The disaster highlighted the need for safer buildings. Zhang, who had made his fortune in air conditioning, saw an opportunity to create a new, cost-effective steel structure. He founded Broad Sustainable Building (BSB) and, in 2010, unveiled a six-storey building constructed in a single day at the Shanghai Expo. Since then, BSB has completed over 30 buildings, including a 30-storey hotel in 15 days.

Watch Broad Group’s modular-constructed 10-storey residential building in China constructed in a day

Critics question the safety and practicality of such rapid construction. However, Zhang emphasises the meticulous planning involved. “When you’re building modular towers, you have to make sure every single detail is right before you begin,” he says.

Despite the challenges, Zhang argues that modular construction, with its speed, safety, and cost advantages, can transform urban living and address climate change. “We’ll build it. And in a couple of years, we’re going to be booming,” he asserts. Zhang’s ambition for Sky City confirms his belief that modular construction is the future of building.

Source: BBC

See: http://en.broad.com/