Exploring The Lakhta Center Structural Engineering Marvel: Complex Floor Plan Of The Tallest Building in Europe
The Lakhta Center is a recently completed skyscraper located in St. Petersburg, Russia. Standing at 462m tall and 85 stories high, the building is now considered to be the tallest tower in Europe, easily surpassing its closest rival, Moscow’s Federation Tower which stands at 373m. In this article, we explore the complex floor plan behind this mammoth project and how it was created by architect Philipp Nikandrov.
The Lakhta Center hosts a variety of activities ranging from business offices to entertainment facilities and includes an artificial beach and a winter garden. It has become one of the most iconic buildings in all of Russia and it’s definitely worth exploring if you’re ever in the area. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best things to do at the Lakhta Center as well as some interesting facts about this remarkable building. So read on to learn more! From the structural engineering design to the construction of five buildings that make up the structure, get ready to be impressed by this architectural feat!
Introduction to the Tallest Building in Europe – Lakhta Center
The Lakhta Center is the tallest building in Europe, measuring 462 meters (1,516 feet) tall. It is located in St. Petersburg, Russia, and comprises offices, apartments, a hotel, a convention center, and a public observatory. The complex floor plan of the Lakhta Center includes a total of 79 floors, with each floor having its own unique purpose and function.
The Lakhta Center was designed by the British architectural firm Tony Kettle Partnership and engineered by Arup Group. Construction of the skyscraper began in 2012 and was completed in 2018.
Lakhta Center facts
Lakhta Center is the tallest building in Russia and Europe, with a height of 462 meters (1,516 feet). It is located in St. Petersburg, on the northern tip of the Neva River. The building has 87 floors and is mixed-use, with offices, retail space, a public observatory, and an apartment complex.
The construction of the Lakhta Center started in 2012 and was completed in 2018. The total cost of the project was estimated to be $2.1 billion. The architects of the project were Tony Kettle of London-based firm lead8 and Yuri Grigoryan of Russian firm Gorproject.
Lakhta Center has received numerous awards, including the Emporis Skyscraper Award for “Best Tall Building Worldwide” in 2019 and the Leadenhall Building Award for “Outstanding Tall Building” in 2019.
Lakhta Center Restaurants
The project includes a number of restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines from around the world. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a formal dining experience, Lakhta Center has something to suit your needs. The project also includes residential towers, a shopping mall, an ice arena, and a public park. Here are some of the best restaurants in Lakhta Center:
1. Novikov Restaurant & Bar: This contemporary Russian restaurant serves up traditional dishes with a modern twist. The menu features both meat and vegetarian options, making it a great option for groups with different dietary preferences.
2. White Rabbit: This Michelin-starred restaurant offers Russian cuisine with an international flair. The menu features both classic and modern dishes, all prepared using the highest quality ingredients.
3. Sakhalin: This seafood restaurant specializes in dishes from Russia’s Far East region. The menu features a wide variety of seafood, including crab, salmon, and tuna.
4. Gastronomika: This casual dining spot offers Russian comfort food at its finest. The menu features hearty soups, stews, and pies that are sure to fill you up after a long day of exploring Lakhta Center.
5. Chaikhana Tea House: This relaxing tea house is the perfect place to take a break from sightseeing. The menu features a wide selection of teas, as well as light snacks such as sandwiches and pastries.
Architectural Design and Construction of the Building
The Lakhta Center is a skyscraper in the city of St. Petersburg, Russia the second-tallest in the world after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
The building’s most distinctive feature is its exterior “mega frame” composed of steel and glass panels. This mega frame provides support for the structure while also allowing natural light to enter the building.
The interior of the Lakhta Center is just as impressive as its exterior. The atrium is one of the largest in the world, measuring over 100 meters (328 feet) tall. The atrium features a series of escalators and elevators that allow visitors to move between floors without having to wait for an elevator.
The Lakhta Center is more than just a feat of engineering; it’s also a work of art. The building’s design incorporates many elements of Russian culture, including traditional motifs and colors. The result is a truly unique structure that is sure to impress anyone who sees it.
The Lakhta Center is being built on a man-made island in the Gulf of Finland and will include a number of sustainable features, such as a rainwater harvesting system and energy-efficient lighting. Upon completion, the Lakhta Center will be one of the most iconic buildings in Saint Petersburg and will provide its occupants with stunning views of the cityscape.
Floor Plan Overview
The ground floor of the Lakhta Center is devoted to retail space and public amenities. The first floor houses the lobby and reception area for the office tenants. The second floor contains leasable office space. Floors 3-12 are also leasable office space, with each floor containing approximately 10,000 square meters (107,639 square feet) of space.
The 13th floor is home to the Lakhta Center’s convention center. The convention center features a large auditorium, meeting rooms, and exhibition space. The 14th floor contains a sky lobby and an outdoor terrace. Floors 15-37 are leasable office spaces, with each floor containing approximately 5,000 square meters (53,819 square feet) of space.
The 38th floor is home to the Lakhta Center’s observation deck. The observation deck offers panoramic views of Saint Petersburg and the Gulf of Finland. The 39th floor contains a restaurant and bar. Floors 40-62 are leasable office spaces, with each floor containing approximately 2,500 square meters.
Lakhta Center Inside
The inside of Lakhta center is just as impressive as the outside. The atrium is one of the largest in the world, and the views from the top are simply breathtaking. There are also a number of museums and galleries inside Lakhta center, which are definitely worth a visit. Overall, Lakhta center is an incredible place that should not be missed if you are visiting St. Petersburg.
The Five Buildings Making Up Lakhta Center
1. The Main Tower
2. The Radio and TV Tower
3. The Lakhta Center Concert Hall
4. The Lakhta Center Exhibition Hall
5. The Lakhta Center Business Center
Structural Engineering Aspects of the Building
Lakhta Center is the tallest building in Europe, and its complex floor plan is a structural engineering marvel. The building has 86 floors, and each floor is a different shape. The shape of each floor is dictated by the function of that floor. For example, the lower floors are rectangular in shape to maximize office space, while the upper floors are more triangular in shape to minimize wind resistance.
The structural engineering aspects of the building are fascinating. The building was designed to be extremely stable in the event of an earthquake or high winds. The foundation of the building is over two meters thick and extends 100 meters into the ground. The steel frame of the building is also very strong and reinforced with concrete.
The exterior of the building is covered in a special type of glass that is able to reflect light and reduce heat transfer. This helps to keep the interior of the building cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Overall, Lakhta Center is an amazing feat of engineering. Its complex floor plan is a testament to the skill of the engineers who designed it.
Advantages of Using Steel for the Structure
When it comes to constructing the tallest building in Europe, steel was the obvious choice for the structure. Steel has a number of advantages that made it the perfect material for this project. Firstly, steel is extremely strong and durable, meaning that it can support the weight of the Lakhta Center without any problems. Secondly, steel is very easy to work with, meaning that the construction process was much simpler than if another material had been used. Finally, steel is very fire-resistant, meaning that the risk of a fire damaging the structure was greatly reduced.
Challenges Faced During The Design and Construction Phase
The Lakhta Center is a complex structure, and its construction presented many challenges. The most significant challenge was the building’s height. At 462 meters, it is the tallest building in Europe, and its height required special engineering solutions. Another challenge was the location of the building. It is situated on a narrow strip of land between the Gulf of Finland and the Neva River, with little room for construction equipment or materials. This made construction difficult and expensive. The building’s unique shape also posed challenges. Its tapered design means that the upper floors are smaller than the lower floors, which required careful planning to ensure that all the necessary space could be accommodated.
Despite these challenges, the Lakhta Center was successfully completed and opened to the public in October 2019. It is now an iconic landmark in Saint Petersburg and a testament to the skill of its engineers and builders.
Conclusion
The Lakhta Center is an incredible feat of engineering and design. Its complex floor plan, featuring four distinct towers connected by sky bridges, has enabled the building to become Europe’s tallest structure. By exploring the intricate details of its structural engineering, we can gain a greater appreciation for the level of creativity and skill that went into creating this architectural marvel. The Lakhta Center stands as proof that with innovative minds and careful planning, anything is possible!