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| Taipei 101 the world's tallest LEED Platinum-certified green skyscraper |
Although Burj Khalifa took over the title of the world's tallest building in 2010, that doesn't mean Taipei 101 has lost its popularity around the world. Just one year later, Taiwan's tallest building achieved an equally prestigious accomplishment: LEED Platinum certification for environmentally friendly buildings. This certification makes Taipei 101 the world's tallest LEED Platinum-certified green skyscraper.
Taipei 101: A Symbol of Taiwan's Architectural and Technological Progress
Taipei 101 is one of the world's most famous skyscrapers and has been a major landmark in Taipei since its inauguration on December 31, 2004. This building is not just a physical structure, but a symbol of the meeting between Asian cultural traditions and global technological innovation. Between 2004 and 2010, Taipei 101 held the title of the world's tallest building, marking a monumental achievement for Taiwan in the fields of civil engineering, architecture, and economics.
Initially, this skyscraper, which has become an architectural icon of Taiwan, was named the Taipei World Financial Center, before being renamed Taipei 101, in accordance with the number of floors. The name change was announced by the Taipei Financial Center Corporation (owner and operator of Taipei 101) on July 18, 2002. In addition to its official name, this megatall skyscraper is also known by other names, such as Taipei Tower and Top of Taipei.
Detailed Location of Taipei 101, Coordinates, and Transportation Access
Taipei 101 is located in Xinyi District, the most modern commercial and financial center in Taipei. The full address is No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Xingya, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110. This area is known as the "Manhattan of Taipei" because it is filled with large shopping centers, five-star hotels, office buildings, and international convention areas. This green skyscraper, along with other famous Taiwanese landmarks, is located in the Xingya area, which is the core area of Xinyi District. Taipei 101 is located at coordinates 25.0339° N, 121.5645° E, making it an easy point to find on any online map.
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| The beauty of Taipei 101 at night |
Access to Taipei 101 is very easy thanks to optimal public transportation integration. Visitors can take the Red Line MRT and get off at the Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station, which is directly connected to the building complex. A large bus network also traverses the Xinyi area, allowing tourists to arrive from all corners of the city. In addition, a spacious pedestrian deck connects various malls and buildings around Taipei 101, making it easy to explore without having to use a vehicle. For car users, underground parking facilities are available with direct access to shopping centers and office elevators.
Dimensions and Technical Details of Taipei 101
As one of the world's architectural masterpieces, Taipei 101 is not only magnificent in size but also technically impressive. The building stands 508.1 m (1,667 feet) tall with a total of 101 floors above ground and 5 floors below ground. The height of Taiwan's tallest building is measured to the top of the building, excluding various additional elements at the top, such as the antenna that is a distinctive feature of the Taipei skyline. This measurement is commonly referred to as structural height, which is the actual height of a building. The roof of the building reaches 448 m (1,470 feet) and was once the highest roof in the world.
This earthquake- and typhoon-resistant skyscraper is named Taipei 101 after the number of floors it has. It consists of a main building with 89 floors, plus a 12-story spire. The top floor of Taipei 101, located at a height of 438 m (1,437 feet), was recognized as the world's highest floor in 2004. The total floor area is estimated at approximately 412,500 m² (4,440,100 ft²).
Bamboo-Themed Architectural Design and Asian Cultural Philosophy
The design of Taipei 101 is rich in philosophy. Its tiered shape resembles a bamboo stalk and consists of repeating eight-story modules, reflecting the number eight, which brings good luck in Chinese culture. Bamboo was chosen as a symbol because it represents resilience, flexibility, and sustainable growth—values considered important for the development of modern Taiwan. Decorative elements in the form of clouds, lucky coins, and Chinese cultural motifs can be found in various parts of the building, giving it a strong cultural feel.
The facade of Taipei 101 consists of blue-green glass and aluminum panels designed to withstand strong winds and extreme air pressure. The glass used has reflective properties that reduce solar heat by up to 50% while providing an elegant appearance that is characteristic of the building. This glass panel system can withstand impacts of up to 7 metric tons as well as violent vibrations caused by earthquakes.
Taipei 101: Owner of 101, Architect, Structural Engineer, Contractor, and Construction Costs
Taipei 101 was developed and is operated by the Taipei Financial Center Corporation (TFCC), a company formed to manage the development of the Xinyi district as Taiwan's new business center. The environmentally friendly architecture of the building was designed by two renowned Taiwanese architects, Chu Yuan-lee (Li Zu-yuan/Li Tsu-yuan) and Wang Chung-ping from the architectural firm CY Lee & Partners.
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| Taipei 101, an environmentally friendly building in Taiwan |
For structural engineering, the Taipei 101 project involved both international and local teams. Global structural consulting firms such as Thornton Tomasetti played a role in ensuring the building's stability against earthquakes and extreme winds, working with Taiwan's local engineering firm Evergreen Consulting Engineering for further analysis and construction. The physical construction of the building was carried out by a consortium consisting of large companies such as Samsung C&T from South Korea, Kumagai Gumi from Japan, Taiwan Kumagai from Taiwan, RSEA, Ta Yo Wei, Rongmin Engineering Company, and Hua Xiong Construction.
This consortium was led by Kumagai Gumi from Japan. The construction cost of Taipei 101 reached NT$58 billion (58 billion Taiwan dollars) or approximately US$1.9 billion at the time of construction. In addition to the major companies in the consortium, several other companies were also involved, such as Nippon Steel Corporation, Chongyou Industrial Co.Ltd, China Steel Structure Company, and United Company of the United States.
Construction of Taipei 101: Building a Super-Tall Tower in an Earthquake and Typhoon Prone Zone
Taipei 101 is known as one of the most resilient skyscrapers in the world thanks to its structural design, which is specifically made to withstand various extreme conditions. The building is located in a highly earthquake-prone area, only about 200 meters from the main fault zone, requiring a design capable of withstanding potentially strong tremors at any time. Therefore, Taipei 101 was designed to be both flexible and sturdy, with flexibility helping to prevent structural damage, while the durability of the materials ensures the comfort of occupants even when the building sways.
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| Taipei 101, an earthquake- and typhoon-resistant building |
Taiwan's tallest skyscraper was built to withstand a major earthquake that occurs in a 2,500-year cycle, namely an earthquake with a magnitude above 7 on the Richter scale. With this kind of resilience, Taipei 101 has a very good chance of remaining standing and functional after a strong earthquake, making it one of the safest skyscrapers for the thousands of people who work in it every day.
Not only is it earthquake-resistant, but the World's Tallest LEED Platinum Green Skyscraper is also prepared to withstand the typhoons that frequently hit eastern Taiwan. As is well known, Taiwan is located in one of the tropical cyclone formation areas known as the Northwest Pacific Basin. This most active tropical cyclone basin on the planet accounts for one-third of all tropical cyclones in the world. Typhoons that hit eastern Taiwan often blow with destructive force.
This environmentally friendly building's ability to withstand storms is remarkable. With its aerodynamic structure and advanced damping technology, Taipei 101 can withstand winds of up to 60 m/s or about 216 km/h. This is equivalent to the wind speed of a strong typhoon capable of damaging small buildings and crippling power grids. Under these maximum wind conditions, the building structure will sway within safe limits that have been carefully calculated by civil engineers. The glass and exterior panels of the building are made in strong but flexible modules, so they can withstand minor deformations without cracking or breaking.
The Solid Foundation of Taipei 101
The foundation of Taipei 101 is one of the key components that keeps this building, which is more than half a kilometer tall, stable in a disaster-prone zone. To support such a tall structure, a foundation system is needed that is not only strong but also capable of efficiently distributing pressure into the ground. Therefore, the building, also known as Taipei Tower, is supported by 380 piles with a diameter of 150 cm, each capable of withstanding a load of between 1,000 and 1,320 tons, ensuring optimal load distribution.
These piles are driven to a depth of 80 meters, with some even penetrating bedrock up to 30 meters deep, providing maximum stability for a structure that must withstand the risk of major earthquakes. This foundation system has proven to be highly effective, making Taipei 101 one of the most stable and technologically advanced buildings ever constructed in the world. With a combination of deep foundations and modern engineering technology, the building remains standing strong even when tested by the most extreme natural conditions.
660-Ton Steel Pendulum Taipei 101: Tuned Mass Damper Floors 91–87
One of the most impressive aspects of Taipei 101 is its Tuned Mass Damper (TMD), a giant 660-ton pendulum suspended by steel cables between floors 91 and 87. The TMD stabilizes the building from shaking caused by strong winds or earthquakes by moving in the opposite direction of the building's structure. With a diameter of approximately 5.5 meters, this pendulum is one of the largest and most famous in the world.
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| Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) of Taipei 101 |
The construction of this steel pendulum, which can reduce the building's movement by up to 40%, cost NT$132 million (US$4 million). The giant pendulum is made of 41 circular steel flats, each with a thickness of 24.96 m (4.92 inches). Two additional steel pendulums, each weighing 6 tons, are installed at the top of the tower to help protect the building structure from strong winds.
The uniqueness of Taipei 101 lies in the fact that its TMD can be seen directly by visitors, thus serving a dual purpose as an educational tourist attraction. These pendulums have proven to be effective in reducing vibrations by tens of percent, thereby not only increasing the comfort of the occupants but also protecting the structure of the building itself.
Taipei 101 Successfully Withstands Typhoon Soudelor
The sophistication of Taipei 101's anti-storm technology proved effective in preventing damage when the building was hit by strong winds from Typhoon Soudelor, one of the strongest typhoons to hit the Pacific region. The largest steel pendulum even swayed as far as 1 m to compensate for the building's sway, which was the largest movement of Taipei 101's TMD ever recorded.
Elevators Are an Important Feature for a Building as Tall as Taipei 101
For a building as tall as Taipei 101, elevators are a very important feature. There are 61 elevators in this environmentally friendly building, 34 of which are multi-story elevators. The construction of the elevators was entrusted to Toshiba Elevator Building Systems (TELC) from Japan and Chung Yu Industrial Co.Ltd. from Taiwan. The construction of each elevator, equipped with cabin pressure control equipment, a high-tech emergency braking system, and the world's first three-stage anti-overshoot system, cost NT$80 million (US$2.4 million).
Two observation deck elevators built by Toshiba Elevator Building Systems set a world record in 2004 as the fastest elevators in the world. The elevators can travel at a speed of 60.6 km/h (37.7 mph) or 16.83 m/s (55.22 fps). Both observation deck elevators can transport passengers from the 5th floor to the 89th floor, where the observation deck is located, in just 37 seconds.
Various Facilities at Taipei 101
Taipei 101 is a multifunctional building that was originally designed as a modern office center in Taipei, Taiwan. Although its main function is as an office building, the tower also houses various lifestyle facilities such as restaurants, shopping centers, fitness centers, and observation decks. The building is occupied by a variety of domestic and foreign companies, making it one of the most important business centers in the Asian region.
Inside the building, there are many facilities that make it more than just an office. Floors 1–5 are occupied by the Taipei 101 Shopping Mall, which contains luxury boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment centers. The 6th floor is used as a gymnasium or fitness center. In addition, there are many restaurants and cafes available in several areas of the building, including on the 35th, 85th, 86th, 88th, and 89th floors. The ground floor area is also filled with a variety of dining options, ranging from casual restaurants to high-end restaurants.
Taipei 101 Observation Deck
One of the main attractions of Taipei 101 is its observation deck. The indoor observation deck is located on the 88th and 89th floors, offering panoramic views of the city from a height of hundreds of meters. Meanwhile, the outdoor observation deck is located on the 91st floor at a height of approximately 391.8 meters, and on the 101st floor at a height of approximately 449.2 meters, which is now known as an exclusive observation and tourist experience area. This observatory area is a favorite spot for tourists to enjoy a 360° panorama of Taipei from above and see the world-famous building stabilizer technology firsthand.
History of Taipei 101's Construction: From Ambitious Vision to World Landmark
The idea for the construction of Taipei 101 originated from the Taipei city government's grand plan in the late 1990s to transform the Xinyi District into a modern financial and lifestyle center. Initially, Taipei 101 or Taipei International Financial Center was planned to be only 59 stories high, but architect Wang Chong-ping (Wang Chung-ping) later increased the number of floors to 66 with a height of 273 m. In subsequent developments, the tower's height became 508.1 m and consisted of 101 floors.
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| Taipei 101, a supertall skyscraper that received double Platinum from LEED and WELL |
After going through the design, planning, and construction tender processes, construction began on July 31, 1999. The structure of the Taipei 101 building reached its peak on July 1, 2003, with the completion of the tower's roof. This tallest building in Taiwan was officially opened on December 31, 2004, by President Chen Shui-bian, along with Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou and Parliament Chairman Wang Jin-pyng.
The inauguration of Taipei 101, along with the New Year's Eve fireworks display in 2005, introduced this building to the world stage. Since then, the Taipei Tower has not only become a center for business and tourism, but also a national icon that reflects Taiwan's progress in technology and economics. Various international activities, exhibitions, and sporting events are also held in the area around the building, strengthening Taipei 101's position as a center of global activity.
International Awards and Recognition Received by Taipei 101
Taipei 101 has received numerous global awards for its architectural and technological excellence. One of its greatest achievements is the "LEED Platinum certification for the Existing Building: Operations & Maintenance category," making it one of the most environmentally friendly skyscrapers in the world. The building has received multiple certifications with continuously improving standards. Here are some of the achievements of the Taipei Tower:
• Tallest Building in the World from 2004–2010
Taipei 101 became the first building to exceed the half-kilometer threshold (508 meters). It held this title for six years before finally being surpassed by Burj Khalifa.
• Records for Tallest Peak, Roof, and Highest Occupied Floor
When it was inaugurated, Taipei 101 held three record categories from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH): tallest structural peak, highest roof, and highest occupied floor.
• World's Fastest Elevator
The Toshiba-made elevator in this building held the record for the fastest elevator in 2004, with a speed of 60.6 km/h (1,010 m/min), capable of transporting visitors to the 89th floor in just 37 seconds. It remains among the world's fastest elevators, although it has been surpassed by the Shanghai Tower and Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre.
• LEED v3 Platinum (2011)
It became the first building outside the United States to achieve this rating in the Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance category.
• LEED v4 Platinum (2016)
It successfully maintained its status with a higher score through improvements to its air filtration system and energy efficiency.
• Vision Magazine Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award and Environmentally-Friendly Group Model Award (2016)
An award given by Vision Magazine, better known by its Mandarin name Yuan Jian (Global Views Monthly), the most influential business and public affairs magazine in Taiwan. The Vision Magazine CSR Award has now been renamed the Global Views ESG Corporate Sustainability Awards.
• Best Business Achievement Award of the Year (2016)
This award was given by the World Association of High-Rise Buildings (CTBUH).
• National Industry Innovation Award (2017)
This award was given by the Taiwan Ministry of Economic Affairs for "green energy innovation."
• World CSR Corporate Citizenship Award (2018)
This award was given by Commonwealth Magazine, one of the most influential economic news media in Taiwan.
• iFitness Award (2018)
This award was given by the Sport Department under the Taiwan Ministry of Education.
• Zero Carbon Benchmark Award (2023) from the Taipei City Government Department of Environmental Protection
• Energy Saving Benchmark Award (2023) from the Taiwan Ministry of Economic Affairs
• National Enterprise Environmental Protection Award (2023)
Awarded by Taiwan's Ministry of the Environment
• Parenting Friendly Enterprise Award (2024)
Awarded by the Taipei City Government Department of Labor in the Financial Support category
• National Enterprise Environmental Protection Award (2024)
Taipei 101 once again received this award from Taiwan's Ministry of the Environment.
• Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (2025)
This award is given by Enterprise Asia, a leading non-governmental organization (NGO) focused on developing entrepreneurship and responsible business practices in Asia. Taipei 101 won the Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards in two categories: Green Leadership and Social Empowerment.
• LEED v5 Platinum (2025)
As one of the early adopters of the latest standard (LEED v5), Taipei 101 scored 95 points, which was the highest score in the world for green building standards at that time. The LEED Platinum certification was awarded because Taipei 101 met strict standards in several aspects, namely:
-Energy Efficiency
Significant electricity savings through more than 50 efficiency projects.
-Water Management
Reduced water consumption and rainwater recycling systems.
-Indoor Environmental Quality
Use of advanced air filters to keep CO2 levels low.
-Waste Management
A waste sorting system with 26 categories and a recycling rate of 70%.
• In addition to LEED, in July 2023, the building also received WELL v2 Core Platinum certification from the International WELL Building Institute for the health of its occupants, making it the first super-tall building in the world to hold Dual Platinum (LEED and WELL) certifications. Taipei 101 scored 102.5, which is the highest score in history for a WELL Core project worldwide. This environmentally friendly building received perfect scores for air quality, drinking water quality, and innovation. Here are the various aspects that led to Taipei 101 receiving such a high score:
-Good air quality, by keeping CO2 and TVOC levels very low.
-Safe drinking water and water purification systems for all building occupants.
-Innovative strategies in building health management that exceed general standards.
-Optimization of natural light and lighting design that supports the human circadian rhythm (biological clock).
-Precise temperature control to enhance user productivity and comfort.
-Use of safe and non-toxic building materials (low chemical emissions).
As a modern icon of Asia, Taipei 101 is not only a symbol of architectural progress and an international business center, but also a testament to its commitment to environmental sustainability. The building holds the title of The World’s Tallest LEED Platinum-Certified Green Skyscraper, cementing its position as one of the tallest environmentally friendly skyscrapers in the world. Its existence not only reflects advances in construction technology but also a commitment to sustainable development, making it one of the most influential landmarks in Asia and the world.
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