TAIPEI 101

'Taipei 101' () is a 101-floor landmark skyscraper located in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. The building, designed by C.Y. Lee & Partners and constructed by KTRT Joint Venture, is the world's tallest completed skyscraper. 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 name of the landmark reflects its home city and floor count, of course, but also its location in Taipei's 101 postal district, a rapidly developing hub of international activity in Taiwan. The number is pronounced in English simply as One Oh One. (See also Exterior symbolism below.) The original name planned for the building, 'Taipei World Financial Center', derived from that of its owner, 'Taipei Financial Center Corporation' and the formal name of the structure in Chinese: literally, ''Taipei International Financial Center'' ().
On 2007-07-21 Taipei 101 was overtaken in height by the Burj Dubai in Dubai, UAE, upon the completion of that building's 141st floor. ^[1]. The Burj Dubai is on course to set a number of new architectural records when it opens in 2009. Taipei 101 retains its title until the Burj Dubai is completed, though, as international architectural standards define a "building" as a structure that can be occupied.

Contents

External elevation

Exterior symbolism

Construction

Interior

Indoor and Outdoor Observatory

Art

Chronology

Taipei 101 in Popular Culture

Gallery

References

See also

External links

External elevation

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): . Previously held by the Petronas Towers .

★ Ground to roof: . Formerly held by the Sears Tower .

★ Ground to highest occupied floor: . Formerly held by the Sears Tower .

★ Fastest ascending elevator speed: 16.83 m/s (37.5 miles/hour or 60.4 km/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): .
Taipei 101 was the first building in the world to break the half-kilometer mark in height.^[2] 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 .^[3]. It also displaced the the 85-story, Tuntex Sky Tower in Kaohsiung as the tallest building in Taiwan and the 51-story, Shin Kong Life Tower as the tallest building in Taipei. ^[4]
The Burj Dubai (United Arab Emirates) overtook Taipei 101 in height upon completion of its 141st floor on 2007-07-21. 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 as , roof height and top floor height as and . This lower figure is derived by measuring from the top of a 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.

Exterior symbolism

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 symbolizes high ideals by going one better on 100, a traditional number of perfection. It commemorates the renewal of time: the new century that arrived as the tower was built (100+1) and all new years (January 1 = 1-01). The number also evokes the binary numeral system used in digital technology.^[5]
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 the context of a seven-day week the number eight also symbolizes 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.^[5]
Curled ruyi figures appear throughout the building as a design motif. The ruyi, or "magic mushroom", is an ancient artistic motif connoting heavenly clouds, healing, and fulfilment. The symbol confers protection and marks the attainment of new career heights.^[7][8] Each of the ruyi ornaments on the Taipei 101 exterior stands at least eight meters tall.
At night the bright golden glow at its pinnacle casts Taipei 101 in the role of a candle or torch upholding ideals of liberty, enlightenment, and hospitality. Each week the lights on the tower cycle through the seven colours of the spectrum:^[9]

★ Monday = Red

★ Tuesday = Orange

★ Wednesday = Yellow

★ Thursday = Green

★ Friday = Blue

★ Saturday = Indigo

★ Sunday = Purple
The cycle evokes the symbolism of rainbows as bridges linking earth to sky and earth's peoples to one another. The pattern further connects the tower with the cycles of time.
The connection of Taipei 101 with time is reinforced by the presence of a clock in an adjoining park that draws power entirely from the building's wind shear.
Taipei 101, like many of its neighbouring structures in Taiwan, shows the influence of feng shui traditions. An example of this appears near the tower's east entrance where Songlian Road meets Hsinyi Road. In feng shui thought, a 'T intersection' near a doorway can drain positive energy, or ch'i, away from a building's occupants. A fountain or waterfall placed at the spot, though, can compensate by generating a positive inward flow of ch'i. A fountain with an inwardly-rotating ball appears at Taipei 101 at the intersection. ^[10][11]
Taipei 101 blends images of ancient tradition and modern technology even as it renews the role of all tall towers as cosmic centers. Its symbols display a special interest in optimism, abundance, and the renewing patterns of time.

Construction

Taipei 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 meters per second and the strongest earthquakes likely in a 2,500 cycle.^[12]
Skyscrapers have to be flexible in strong winds yet remain rigid enough to prevent large sideways (lateral drift) movement. The resistance enables comfort for the occupants and protects glass, curtain walls and other features from damage. Most designs achieve this 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.^[5] 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 the its foundation to make Taipei 101 one of the most stable buildings ever designed. The foundation is reinforced by 380 piles driven 80 meters into the ground, extending as far as 30 meters into the bedrock. Each pile is 150 cm in diameter and can bear a load of 1100-1450 tons.^[5] The stability of the design became evident during construction when, on 2002-03-31, 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 kill five people in the accident. An inspection still showed no structural damage to the building and construction soon resumed.

Thornton-Tomasetti Engineers along with Evergreen Consulting Engineering designed a 662^[15][16] 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 being welded together to form a 5.5-meter diameter sphere. ^{[17] [18]} 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. ^[17]
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]

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 metres per second (63 km/h or 37.5 mph). This speed is 34 per cent faster than the previous record holders in the Yokohama Landmark Tower. 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.^[21]
A 660-metric-ton (730 tons) tuned mass damper stabilizes the tower against movements caused by high winds.^[2] The damper can reduce up to 40% of the tower's movements (see "Construction").
The tower includes the Observatory Restaurant floors (85 and 86) where visitors enjoy a panoramic view while dining on Taiwanese cuisine and a variety of international dishes.^[23]
The multi-story retail mall at the base of the tower houses shops, restaurants, night 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.

Indoor and Outdoor Observatory

Taipei 101 features an Indoor Observatory (floor 89) and an Outdoor Observatory (floor 91). Both offer 360-degree views and attract visitors from around the world.
The Indoor Observatory stands 382 meters 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.
A staircase takes visitors up two more flights to the Outdoor Observatory.
The Indoor Observatory is open twelve hours a day (10:00-22:00); 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

Many works of public art appear in and around Taipei 101. These include:^[5]

★ 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.

Chronology

Planning for Taipei 101 began in 1997 during Chen Shui-bian's second 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 1998-01-13 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 2003-07-01. 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.
Important dates in the planning and completion of Taipei 101 include the following:^[5]

★ 1997-10-20 Development and operation rights agreement signed with Taipei City government.

★ 1998-01-13 Ground-breaking ceremony.

★ 1998-10-08 Construction license awarded for 101 stories.

★ 1999-04-13 Design change to 508-meter height approved by Taipei City government.

★ 2000-06-07 First tower column erected.

★ 2001-06-13 Taipei 101 Mall topped out.

★ 2003-05-23 Taipei 101 Mall obtains occupancy permit.

★ 2003-07-01 Taipei 101 Tower roof completed.

★ 2003-10-17 Pinnacle placed.

★ 2003-11-14 Taipei 101 Mall opens.

★ 2004-04-15 Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) certifies Taipei 101 as world's tallest building.

★ 2004-11-12 Tower obtains occupancy permit.

★ 2004-12-25 Alain Robert climbs Taipei 101 in four hours.^[26]

★ 2004-12-31 Tower opens to the public.

★ 2005-01-01 First fireworks show begins at midnight.

Taipei 101 in Popular Culture

Taipei 101 is most famous as the star of its time zone every New Year's Eve, when the tower plays the role of "world's largest countdown clock" and "world's largest fireworks platform." Rockets are launched from the roof and the tops of each tower segment to create the spectacular pyrotechnic displays seen in festive broadcasts around the world.
The skyscraper appears frequently in media images and stories. Some cameo appearances include these:

★ Taipei 101 appears with other Taiwan landmarks, such as Taipei's Ximending shopping district and a night market, in a variant of MapleStory, an online role-playing game (MMORPG).

★ Taipei 101 provides the setting for the denouement of Eoin Colfer's novel ''Artemis Fowl and the Lost Colony''. Structural elements of the building (real and imaginary) act as plot devices.

★ A Charlie Chaplain look-alike ties a string to the top of Taipei 101 and bends it sideways, like rubber, in a 2005 ad for the Taipei City Metro.

★ The building is destroyed in (film release title in Indonesia).

★ A giant gorilla climbs Taipei 101 in a 2006 ad by the Taipei Tourist Development Council.

★ An archer in corporate dress fires a package from Taipei 101 toward the Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower in a 2007 ad for FedEx.

Gallery

References

1. Dubai Megaprojects
2. http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=100765
3. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/3200160.stm
4. SkyscraperPage.com Diagrams: Taiwan
5. Publicly posted material, Floor 89, Taipei 101. 2007-08-17.
6. Publicly posted material, Floor 89, Taipei 101. 2007-08-17.
7. http://www.sky-scrapers.org/Structural_Facts/index.php/Taipei_101:_Aesthetics#Design_Inspirations The Traditional Chinese Ru Yi Symbol being used in Taipei 101
8. http://www.fengshuibestbuy.com/ruyi1.html The symbolism of a Ru Yi Symbol
9. http://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/Tower/event/light.asp Taipei 101 Official Site: Lighting
10. http://km.boco.com.tw/NewsDetail.aspx?Bid=B20070117002059
11. http://www.sky-scrapers.org/Structural_Facts/index.php/Taipei_101:_Aesthetics#Feng_Shui
12. Observatory brochure, Floor 89, Taipei 101. 2007-08-17.
13. Publicly posted material, Floor 89, Taipei 101. 2007-08-17.
14. Publicly posted material, Floor 89, Taipei 101. 2007-08-17.
15. http://www.pubs.asce.org/ceonline/ceonline01/0112feat.html
16. http://www.sky-scrapers.org/Structural_Facts/index.php/Taipei_101:_Engineering
17. http://www.sky-scrapers.org/Structural_Facts/index.php/Taipei_101:_Engineering#The_730_ton_Tuned_Mass_Dumper
18. http://www.motioneering.ca/User/Doc/pp_taipei101.pdf
19. http://www.sky-scrapers.org/Structural_Facts/index.php/Taipei_101:_Engineering#The_730_ton_Tuned_Mass_Dumper
20. Observatory brochure, Floor 89, Taipei 101. 2007-08-17.
21. http://www.sky-scrapers.org/Structural_Facts/index.php/Taipei_101:_Engineering#The_World.27s_Fastest_Elevators
22. http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=100765
23. http://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/tower/restaurant/85f.asp Taipei 101 Official Web Site: Observatory Restaurant
24. Publicly posted material, Floor 89, Taipei 101. 2007-08-17.
25. Publicly posted material, Floor 89, Taipei 101. 2007-08-17.
26. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4124891.stm BBC World News: "'Spiderman' scales tallest tower." 2005-12-25.

See also

★ Taipei

★ Taiwan

★ Tuntex Sky Tower (Kaohsiung, second-highest skyscraper in Taiwan, 85-stories, 347.5 m, 1140 ft)

★ Shin Kong Life Tower (Taipei, third-highest skyscraper in Taiwan, 51-stories, 244.2 m, 801 ft)

★ Burj Dubai (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

★ Petronas Towers (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

★ Skyscraper

★ List of skyscrapers

★ List of tallest buildings and structures in the world

External links

★ Official Site: Taipei 101

★ Official Site: Taipei 101 Mall

★ Official Site: Taipei 101 Observatory

★ Official Site: Taipei 101 Tower

★ Official Site: Taipei Financial Center Corp.