Taipei 101 has been the world's tallest building since
2004.
Height Antenna/Spire 509.2 m (1,670.60 ft) Roof 449.2 m (1,473.75 ft) Top
floor 439.2 m (1,440.94 ft)
Technical details Floor count 101 Floor area 412,500 m˛ (4,440,100 sq ft)
Elevator count 61, including double-deck shuttles and 2 high speed
observatory elevators) Cost US$1,758,000,000
Location of Taipei 101's largest tuned mass damper.
Taipei 101 (traditional Chinese: 臺北101 or 台北101; simplified Chinese:
台北101; pinyin: Táiběi Yīlíngyī; Wade-Giles: T'ai-pei I-ling-i) is a
101-floor landmark skyscraper located in Taipei, Taiwan. The building,
designed by C.Y. Lee & Partners and constructed from May 1995 to March
2005 primarily by the South Korean multinational Samsung Engineering &
Construction[3] and supported by the KTRT Joint Venture, is one of the
world's tallest completed skyscrapers. Taipei 101 received the Emporis
Skyscraper Award in 2004. It has been hailed as one of the Seven New
Wonders of the World (Newsweek magazine, 2006) and Seven Wonders of
Engineering (Discovery Channel, 2005).
The building stands as an icon of Taipei and Taiwan as a whole.
Its postmodern style combines tradition and modernity in ways that make
it Asian and international both at once. Its safety features enable it
to withstand typhoons and earthquakes. A multi-level shopping mall
adjoining the tower houses hundreds of fashionable stores, restaurants
and clubs. Fireworks launched from Taipei 101 feature prominently in
international New Year's Eve broadcasts, and the landmark appears
frequently in films, television shows, print publications, anime media,
games, and other elements of popular culture.
The name of the tower reflects its location in Taipei's 101
business district and its floor count. (See also "Symbolism" below.) The
number is pronounced in English simply as One Oh One and in Mandarin by
the equivalent.
Taipei 101 is owned by the Taipei Financial Center Corporation
and managed by the International division of Urban Retail Properties
Corporation based in Chicago USA.[5] The name originally planned for the
building, Taipei World Financial Center, was derived from the name of
the owner. The original name in Chinese was literally, Taipei
International Financial Center (traditional Chinese: 臺北國際金融中心; pinyin:
Táiběi Guójě Jīnróng Zhōngxīn).
Taipei 101 was overtaken in height on July 21, 2007 by the Burj
Dubai in Dubai, UAE, upon the completion of that building's 141st
floor.[6] The title of "world's tallest building" still rests with
Taipei 101, though, as international architectural standards define a
"building" as a structure capable of being fully occupied. The Burj
Dubai is on course to claim the title once its construction is finished.
Features
Height
Height comparison of Taipei 101 with the Sears Tower, the
Petronas Towers, and the Empire State Building.Taipei 101 has 101
stories above ground and five underground. Upon its completion Taipei
101 claimed the official records for:
Ground to highest architectural structure (spire): 509.2 metres
(1,670.60 ft). Previously held by the Petronas Towers 452 m (1,483 ft).
Ground to roof: 449.2 m (1,473.75 ft). Formerly held by the Sears
Tower 442 m (1,450 ft). Ground to highest occupied floor: 439.2 m (1,440.94 ft). Formerly
held by the Sears Tower 412.4 m (1,353 ft). Fastest ascending elevator speed: 16.83 m (55.22 ft) (60.6 km/h,
37.7 mi/h). Largest countdown clock: On display every New Year's Eve.
The record for greatest height from ground to pinnacle remained
with the Sears Tower in Chicago (USA): 527 m (1,729 ft).
Taipei 101 was the first building in the world to break the
half-kilometer mark in height.[7] It was the first "world's tallest
building" to be constructed in the new millennium.
Taipei 101 displaced the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia, as the tallest building in the world by 57.2 m (188 ft).[8] It
also displaced the 85-story, 347.5 m (1,140 ft) Tuntex Sky Tower in
Kaohsiung as the tallest building in Taiwan and the 51-story, 244.2 m
(801 ft) Shin Kong Life Tower as the tallest building in Taipei.[9]
Taipei 101 endures a typhoon
The Burj Dubai, located in Dubai, UAE, overtook Taipei 101 in height
upon completion of its 141st floor on July 7 2007. The Burj Dubai is
expected to hold a number of world records by the time it opens in
mid-2009. Taipei 101 retains its official title until the Burj Dubai is
completed, however, as the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
does not officially recognize a structure as a "building" for record
purposes until it is functional--that is, until it is completed and can
be occupied.
Various sources, including the building's owners, give the height
of Taipei 101 as 508.0 m (1,667 ft), roof height and top floor height as
448.0 m (1,470 ft) and 438.0 m (1,437 ft). This lower figure is derived
by measuring from the top of a 1.2 m (4 ft) platform at the base. CTBUH
standards, though, include the height of the platform in calculating the
overall height, as it represents part of the man-made structure and is
above the level of the surrounding pavement.[10][11]
Construction
The main tuned mass damper atop Taipei 101Taipei 101 is designed
to withstand the typhoon winds and earthquake tremors common in its area
of the Asia-Pacific. Planners aimed for a structure that could withstand
gale winds of 60 m (197 ft) per second (216 km/h, 134 mi/h) and the
strongest earthquakes likely to occur in a 2,500 year cycle.[12]
Skyscrapers must be flexible in strong winds yet remain rigid
enough to prevent large sideways movement (lateral drift). Flexibility
prevents structural damage while resistance ensures comfort for the
occupants and protection of glass, curtain walls and other features.
Most designs achieve the necessary strength by enlarging critical
structural elements such as bracing. The extraordinary height of Taipei
101 combined with the demands of its environment called for additional
innovations on the part of engineers.
The design achieves both strength and flexibility for the tower
through the use of high-performance steel construction. Thirty-six
columns support Taipei 101, including eight "mega-columns" packed with
10,000-psi concrete.[13] Every eight floors, outrigger trusses connect
the columns in the building’s core to those on the exterior.
These features combine with the solidity of its foundation to
make Taipei 101 one of the most stable buildings ever constructed. The
foundation is reinforced by 380 piles driven 80 m (262 ft) into the
ground, extending as far as 30 m (98 ft) into the bedrock. Each pile is
1.5 m (5 ft) in diameter and can bear a load of 1100-1450 tons.[13] The
stability of the design became evident during construction when, on
March 31 2002, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake rocked Taipei. The tremor was
strong enough to topple two construction cranes from the 56th floor,
then the highest, and killed five people in the accident. An inspection
afterwards showed no structural damage to the building and construction
soon resumed.
Thornton-Tomasetti Engineers along with Evergreen Consulting
Engineering designed a 662 metric ton steel pendulum that serves as a
tuned mass damper. Suspended from the 92nd to the 88th floor, the
pendulum sways to offset movements in the building caused by strong
gusts. Its sphere, the largest damper sphere in the world, consists of
41 layered steel plates, each with a height of 125 mm (0.41 ft) being
welded together to form a 5.5 m (18 ft) diameter sphere.[14] Another two
tuned mass dampers, each weighing 4.5 tons, sit at the tip of the spire.
These prevent cumulative damage to the structure due to strong wind
loads.
Taipei 101's characteristic blue-green glass curtain walls are
double glazed, offer heat and UV protection, and can sustain impacts of
eight tons.[12]
Symbolism
Ruyi figure over a Taipei 101 entrance
Taipei 101, like all spire structures, participates in the symbolism of
the axis mundi: a world center where earth and sky meet and the four
compass directions join.
The height of 101 floors commemorates the renewal of time: the
new century that arrived as the tower was built (100+1) and all the new
years that follow (January 1 = 1-01). It symbolizes high ideals by going
one better on 100, a traditional number of perfection. It represents the
spot where the tower stands: 101 is the postal code of Taipei's
international business district. The number also evokes the binary
numeral system used in digital technology.[13]
The main tower features a series of eight segments of eight
floors each. In Chinese-speaking cultures the number eight is associated
with abundance, prosperity and good fortune. In cultures that observe a
seven-day week the number eight symbolizes a renewal of time (7+1). In
digital technology the number eight is associated with the byte, the
basic unit of information.
The repeated segments simultaneously recall the rhythms of an
Asian pagoda (a tower linking earth and sky, also evoked in the Petronas
Towers), a stalk of bamboo (an icon of learning and growth), and a stack
of ancient Chinese ingots or money boxes (a symbol of abundance). The
four discs mounted on each face of the building where the pedestal meets
the tower represent coins. The emblem placed over entrances shows three
gold coins of ancient design with central holes shaped to imply the
Arabic numerals 1-0-1.[13]
Curled ruyi figures appear throughout the structure as a design
motif. The ruyi, is an ancient symbol associated with heavenly clouds.
It connotes healing, protection and fulfilment. It appears in
celebrations of the attainment of new career heights.[15] Each ruyi
ornament on the exterior of the Taipei 101 tower stands at least 8 m (26
ft) tall. The sweeping curved roof of the adjoining mall culminates in a
colossal ruyi that shades pedestrians. Though the shape of each ruyi at
Taipei 101 is traditional, its metallic interpretation is plainly
modern.
At night the bright yellow gleam from its pinnacle casts Taipei
101 in the role of a candle or torch upholding the ideals of liberty and
welcome. Over the course of each week the tower's lights cycle through
the seven colours of the spectrum:[16]
Day Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Colour
The cycle connects the tower with the rich symbolism of rainbows,
traditionally seen as bridges linking earth to sky and earth's peoples
to one another.
A further connection with time appears in an adjoining park,
where a clock draws its energy entirely from the building's wind shear.
The circular shape of the clock is echoed in the shape of the park
itself.
Feng shui fountain outside Taipei 101 Taipei 101, like many of its neighbours, shows the influence of
feng shui philosophy. An example appears at the intersection of Songlian
Road and Hsinyi (Xinyi) Road, where a large fountain stands near the
tower's east entrance.[17] A ball at the top spins toward the tower. The
fountain may be viewed as a work of public art. Its stone and liquid
textures offer a contrast to the glass and metal of the building even as
its horizontal ridges repeat the building's rhythms. Yet, in feng shui
terms, the fountain serves a practical function, though, . A T
intersection near the entrance of a building drains positive energy, or
ch'i, from a building and its occupants. Flowing water placed at such a
spot can remedy the situation by generating a positive inward flow of
ch'i. At Taipei 101 a traditional predicament has been addressed with a
traditional solution--yet the result looks modern.
Taipei 101 merges ancient motifs and ideas with modern techniques
and materials. As a landmark it renews the symbolism of all tall towers
as cosmic centers. Its interplaying symbols convey images of optimism,
abundance, and awareness of the cycles of time.
Interior
Taipei 101 is the first record-setting skyscraper to be
constructed in the twenty-first century. Appropriately it exhibits a
number of technologically advanced features as it provides a center for
business and recreation.
The original 2004 fiber-optic and satellite Internet connections
enabled transfer speeds up to a gigabyte per second.
The doubledeck elevators built by Toshiba Elevator and Building
Systems Corporation (TELC) set a new record in 2004 with top ascending
speeds of 16.83 m (55.22 ft) per second (60.6 km/h, 37.7 mi/h). This
speed is 34.7 percent faster than the previous record holders of the
Yokohama Landmark Tower elevator, Yokohama, Japan, which speeds of 12.5
m (41 ft) per second (45.0 km/h, 28.0 mi/h). Taipei 101's elevators
sweep visitors from the fifth floor to the 89th-floor observatory in 37
seconds. Each elevator features an aerodynamic body, full
pressurization, state-of-the art emergency braking systems, and the
world's first triple-stage anti-overshooting system. The cost for each
elevator is over $US 2 million. [18][19][20]
A 660-metric-ton (730 tons) tuned mass damper stabilizes the
tower against movements caused by high winds.[7] The damper can reduce
up to 40% of the tower's movements (see "Construction").
The 101st floor is home to a private club named Summit 101. No
information about this club has been made public save for a reference in
the observatory pamphlet.
The observatories are located in the 91st and 89th floors. (See
"Observatories" below.)
Two restaurants have opened on the 85th floor: Diamond Tony's,
which offers European-style seafood and steak, and Shin Yeh 101 (欣葉),
which offers Taiwanese-style cuisine. Occupying all of the 86th floor is
Japanese restaurant XEX. [21]
The multi-story retail mall adjoining the tower is home to
hundreds of fashionable stores, restaurants, clubs and other
attractions. The mall's interior is modern in design even as it makes
use of traditional elements. The curled ruyi symbol (see "Exterior
symbolism" above) is a recurring motif inside the mall. Many features of
the interior also observe feng shui traditions.
Observatories Taipei 101 features an Indoor Observatory (89 F) and an
Outdoor Observatory (91 F).[22] Both offer 360-degree views and attract
visitors from around the world.
The Indoor Observatory stands 383.4 m (1,258 ft) above ground and
may be reached by high-speed elevators from the shopping mall fifth
floor. It offers visitors a comfortable indoor environment, large
windows with UV protection, recorded voice tours in seven languages,
informative displays and special exhibits. Here one may view the
skyscraper's main damper, nicknamed "Damper Baby", and buy food, drinks
and gift items. The Outdoor Observatory stands 391.8 m (1,285 ft) above ground.
It is the world's highest outdoor observation deck. A staircase takes visitors up two more flights to the Outdoor
Observatory.
The Indoor Observatory is open twelve hours a day (10:00 AM-10:00
PM); Outdoor Observatory hours are the same as weather permits. Tickets
may be purchased on site in the shopping mall fifth floor, or in advance
through the Observatory's web site (see "links" below).
Art
Between Earth and Sky (2002), a sculpture by Ariel Moscovici
installed at Taipei 101Many works of art appear in and around Taipei
101. These include:[13]
Rebecca Horn (Germany). Dialogue between Yin and Yang. 2002.
Steel, iron. Robert Indiana (USA). Love and 1-0. 2002. Aluminum.
Ariel Moscovici (France). Between Earth and Sky. 2002. Rose de la
claret granite. Chung Pu (Taiwan). Global Circle. 2002. Black granite, white
marble. Jill Watson (Britain). City Composition. 2002. Bronze.
The Indoor Observatory hosts a regular series of exhibitions.
Artists whose work has been featured include Wu Ching (gold sculpture),
Ping-huang Chang (traditional painting) and Po-lin Chi (aerial
photography).[23]
Tenants A number of enterprises maintain offices in Taipei 101.
A few that have been featured in public announcements[24] include these:
ABN AMRO Bank Anthony's Group Holding Company Ltd Bayer Taiwan Cosmos Bank DBS Bank Ltd Emirates Advocates Taiwan (Emirates Trade
Commission) The Executive Centre Fulland Securities Consultant Company Ltd (a
Hantec Group subsidiary) GoldBank of Taiwan HVB Bank ING Antai ING SITE (affiliate of Internationale
Nederlanden Groep N.V., or ING) ING SCE (affiliate of Internationale
Nederlanden Groep N.V., or ING) Jones Lang LaSalle PeopleSearch Taiwan People's King SABIC Asia Pacific Pte Ltd Starbucks Coffee Taiwan Ratings Corporation Taiwan Stock Exchange Corporation (TSEC)
Winterthur Life Taiwan Restaurants in the tower include XEX,
Diamond Tony's and Shin Yeh 101 (欣葉).[25] Hundreds of international
dining establishments and retail outlets also operate in the adjoining
mall.
History
Beginnings Planning for Taipei 101 began in 1997 during Chen
Shui-bian's term as Taipei mayor. Talks between merchants and city
government officials initially centered on a proposal for a 66-story
tower to serve as an anchor for new development in Taipei's 101 business
district. By the time the ground-breaking ceremony took place on January
13, 1998 planners were considering taking the new structure to a more
ambitious height. Ten months later the city granted a license for the
construction of a 101-story tower on the site. Construction proceeded
and the first tower column was erected in summer 2000.
Taipei 101's roof was completed three years later on July 1 2003.
Ma Ying-jeou, in his first term as Taipei mayor, fastened a golden bolt
to signify the achievement. Three months later the pinnacle was placed.
The formal opening of the tower took place on New Year's Eve
2004. President Chen Shui-bian, Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou and
Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng cut the ribbon. Open-air concerts
featured a variety of popular stars such as A-Mei and Sun Yan Zi.
Visitors rode the elevators to the Observatory for the first time. A few
hours later the first fireworks show at Taipei 101 heralded the arrival
of a new year.[26][27]
Chronology Important dates in the planning and construction of
Taipei 101 include the following:[13]
Date Event October 20, 1997 Development and operation
rights agreement signed with Taipei City government. January 13, 1998 Ground-breaking ceremony.
August 10, 1998 Construction license awarded
for 101 stories. April 13, 1999 Design change to 509.2 m
height approved by Taipei City government. June 7, 2000 First tower column erected.
June 13, 2001 Taipei 101 Mall topped out.
May 13, 2003 Taipei 101 Mall obtains
occupancy permit. July 1, 2003 Taipei 101 Tower roof
completed. October 17, 2003 Pinnacle placed. November 14, 2003 Taipei 101 Mall opens.
April 15, 2004 Council on Tall Buildings and
Urban Habitat (CTBUH) certifies Taipei 101 as world's tallest building.
November 12, 2004 Tower obtains occupancy
permit. December 25, 2004 Frenchman Alain Robert
climbs Taipei 101 in four hours.[28] December 31, 2004 Tower opens to the public.
January 1, 2005 First fireworks show begins
at midnight.
Events Taipei 101 is the site of innumerable special events.
Art exhibits, as noted above, regularly take place in the Observatory. A
few noteworthy dates since the tower's opening include these.
February 28, 2005 - Former American president Bill Clinton visits
and signs copies of his autobiography.
April 19, 2005 - Tower displays the formula E=mc2 in lights to
celebrate the 100th anniversary of the publication of Einstein's theory
of relativity. The display, the largest of 65,000 such displays in 47
countries, is part of the international celebration 'Physics Enlightens
the World.'
November 20, 2005 - First annual Taipei 101 Run Up, a competition
in which participants race up the 2,046 steps from floors 1 to 91.
Proceeds benefit Taiwan's Olympic teams.
October 20, 2006 - Tower displays a pink ribbon in lights to
promote breast cancer awareness. The ten-day campaign is sponsored by
Taipei 101's ownership and Estee Lauder.
December 13, 2007 - Austrian base jumper Felix Baumgartner
survives an unauthorized parachute jump from Taipei 101's Outdoor
Observatory.