Union Building, Renaissance Revival bank building in Huangpu District, China
The Union Building is a six-story commercial structure with Renaissance Revival architecture located at 261 Sichuan Middle Road in Shanghai's Huangpu District. Its facade displays ornamental columns, decorative friezes, and a grand entrance.
Built in 1916, the structure was a technological milestone as Shanghai's first steel-frame building, marking a turning point in the city's construction methods. Materials were sourced from Germany, influencing how future buildings would be designed and constructed.
The building shows how European design ideas shaped Shanghai in the early 1900s as international business brought new styles to the city. You can see in the details how architects mixed Western forms with local building methods.
The building is conveniently located near public transportation stations and welcomes visitors interested in historical architecture. Take time to observe the exterior details and structural features to appreciate the craftsmanship.
The building was among the first in Shanghai to use a modern steel-frame construction, making it possible to build taller and more complex structures. This technical innovation fundamentally changed how architects approached construction in the following decades.
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