# Super-Tall Spaceship Structures The CTF Tianjin Tower by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill is Huge By Sarah Robson | Published 2012-05-22 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ctf-tianjin-tower-skidmore-owings-merrill References: [archiscene.net](http://www.archiscene.net/firms/som/ctf-tianjin-tower-skidmore-owings-merrill/) & [som](http://www.som.com/content.cfm/www_projects?sort_by=FW) The CTF Tianjin Tower by Skidmore, [Owings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikonstudio) and [Merrill](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/timber-bridge) is huge. This tower project begins construction on Tuesday May 22, and is to be built in Tianjin, China. The structure will come to an estimated 530 meters (or 1,250 feet), which is shockingly tall. Skidmore, Owings and Merrill ([SOM](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/287-building)) are architects based in Chicago, USA and have completed more projects of staggering height than anyone else in the world. The building will have various uses, as the base of the structure will be for retail, the top for offices, residences and a 5-star hotel. This integrated building will be multi-functional and will be constructed carefully to prevent any structural obstacles. The building will have a slight curve to it, and concrete on its exterior will create a "mega-column." This building resembles a spaceship, and is sure to stand out in Tianjin, China. Additional Photos: [Skyscraper Page](http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?p=5705575) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 27% | Activity: 34% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Super-tall Structures:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the construction industry to push the boundaries of skyscrapers and create even taller, more iconic structures. - **Integrated Multi-functional Buildings:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in architecture and urban planning to design buildings with multiple uses and optimized space utilization. - **Curved Mega-column Design:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in materials and construction techniques to develop curved mega-columns for unique and visually striking architectural designs. ### Who This Affects Most - **Construction:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the construction industry to develop new technologies and techniques for building super-tall structures. - **Architecture:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in architecture to integrate multiple functions into buildings and create innovative designs that redefine urban landscapes. - **Materials Engineering:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in materials engineering to develop new materials and construction techniques for curved mega-columns in architectural structures. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ski Resort Crystalline Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trojena-ski-resort.md) - [Staggered Tower Texan Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1550-on-the-green.md) - [Feminine Silhouette Tall Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/telus-sky-tower.md) - [Future Urban Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/astra-skyscraper.md) - [Greenery-Filled Skyscraper Terrarium](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terrarium-cheongdam.md) - [Textile-Inspired Skyscraper Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airside.md) - [Glass Facade Premium Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/henderson-office.md) - [Low-Carbon Biomimetic Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tonkin-liu.md) - [Precast Concrete Toronto Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tower-hill-development.md)