It is pretty incredible, Ryan B.. I do wonder how long it took to prefab all the parts, but regardless, the actual construction/assembly in such a short period of time is remarkable.
That is the first thing that came to my mind was how much time was saved by using the prefab modules. Just like you said though, even taking that into consideration it was still amazing.
Dory have you tried to do business with the Chinese b4? They can be very dishonest and untrustworthy when doing business with foreigners. It's the wild wild east over there for sure. There are some interesting books out about huge US companies getting screwed when trying to expand in China.
Zachary Construction built the Hilton Palacio del Rio on the San Antonio River Walk in a similar fashion in 1968. It differs in that the first 4 stories and the core were constructed with conventional techniques. Then, the remaining 17 floors (of 21 total) were placed as prefabricated, individual turn-key rooms over the course of 41 days. So, not quite as fast and tall as the new Chinese hotel, 44 years later, but I'd say the U.S. can be plenty competitive when it needs to be.
Building the modules in a factory is likely much more efficient that the same work on site. You're inside so weather is not a issue. You're always on the ground or near it. You can use specialized jigs for assembly. Big, stationary machines for cutting. Did you catch the tile laying at waist height? That beats hands and knees.
I wonder if the crane tower is part of the structure or if it's somehow extracted after the building is finished.
I wonder if the crane tower is part of the structure or if it's somehow extracted after the building is finished.
I know in Japan in ultra high density building areas they leave the cranes on top of the buildings in many cases. It doesn't look like there is a need for that on the subject site.