Taipei 101

Taipei 101 (台北101) is a 101-floor landmark skyscraper located in Taipei, 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).


However 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. 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.


I had the forutne to be in Taipei in 2003 before construction was finished, let's see a before and after picture shall we?


Cost: US$1,758,000,000
Constructed: 1999-2004
Antenna/Spire: 1,670.60 ft
Roof: 1,473.75 ft
Top floor: 1,440.94 ft
Elevator count: 61, including double-deck shuttles and 2 high speed observatory elevators


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 is a recurring motif inside the mall. Many features of the interior also observe feng shui traditions.


Taipei 101