Taipei 101

In 1997, led by developer Harace Lin, the Taipei Financial Center Corporation, a team led by several Taiwan banks and insurance companies, won the rights to lease the site for 70 years and develop a building, placing the winning bid of NT$20,688,890,000 for the Build Operate Transfer agreement with the city government.{{cite book |last1=Binder |first1=Georges |title=Taipei 101 |date=2008 |publisher=Images Publishing Group |location=Victoria, Australia |isbn=9781864702484 |page=20 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=95S5o2Xn3NkC |access-date=15 February 2021 }}

Planning for Taipei 101 began in July 1997{{R|Report13}} 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. Planners were considering taking the new structure to a more ambitious height only after an expat suggested it, along with many of the other features used in the design of the building. It was not until the summer of 2000 that the city granted a license for the construction of a 101-story tower on the site. In the meantime, construction proceeded and the first tower column was erected in the summer of 2001.{{Cite book |title=Corporate Sustainability Report 2013 |date=2014 |publisher=Taipei World Financial Center |location=Taipei }}Keith Bradsher. [https://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/11/international/asia/11TAIW.html Taiwan Close to Reaching a Lofty Goal] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402121838/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/11/international/asia/11TAIW.html |date=2 April 2015 }}. The New York Times. 11 January 2004. Retrieved 25 March 2015.

A major earthquake struck Taiwan on 31 March 2002, sending a construction crane falling from the 56th floor to Xinyi Road. The crane crushed several vehicles and caused five deaths – two crane operators and three workers who were not properly harnessed. However, an inspection showed no structural damage to the building, and construction work was able to restart within a week.{{Cite book |author=Anal Sheth |url=http://sedigest.in/review/taipei-101-taiwan |title=Taipei 101, Taiwan |series=Structural Engineering Digest |access-date=21 March 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150404231321/http://sedigest.in/review/taipei-101-taiwan |archive-date=4 April 2015 |url-status=dead }}

Taipei 101's roof was completed three years later on 1 July 2003. Taipei 101 was completed in 2004. The construction was a joint venture led by Kumagai Gumi, a Japanese construction company, in cooperation with Samsung C&T, a South Korean construction company. Samsung C&T was responsible for overseeing the construction of the main structural framework, and RESE was responsible for the construction logistics and main foundation.{{Cite web |date=21 July 2023 |title=Samsung C&T, expanding to the world, has won a new large-scale project |url=https://news.samsungcnt.com/en/features/engineering-construction/2023-07-samsung-ct-expanding-to-the-world-has-won-a-new-large-scale-project/ |website=Samsung C&T Newsroom |access-date=12 March 2024 |archive-date=12 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240312091414/https://news.samsungcnt.com/en/features/engineering-construction/2023-07-samsung-ct-expanding-to-the-world-has-won-a-new-large-scale-project/ |url-status=live }} Ma Ying-jeou, in his first term as Taipei mayor, fastened a golden bolt to signify the achievement.{{R|emporis}} The formal opening of the tower took place on 31 December 2004. President Chen Shui-bian, Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou and Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng cut the ribbon. Open-air concerts featured a number of popular performers, including singers A-Mei and Stefanie Sun. 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.[http://taiwaninfo.nat.gov.tw/fp.asp?xItem=20362&CtNode=103 Taipei 101 Mall thronged on opening day] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917092239/http://taiwaninfo.nat.gov.tw/fp.asp?xItem=20362&CtNode=103|date=17 September 2016}}. Taiwan: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Taiwan). 21 March 2003. Retrieved 25 March 2014.Stacy Hsu. [http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2013/09/25/2003572976 New building may put an end to the Taipei 101 New Year's Eve fireworks] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402172035/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2013/09/25/2003572976 |date=2 April 2015 }}. The Taipei Times. 25 September 2013. Retrieved 25 March 2015.[http://taiwaninfo.nat.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=21083&CtNode=103&htx_TRCategory=&mp=4 New year ushered in by having a blast] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917075250/http://taiwaninfo.nat.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=21083&CtNode=103&htx_TRCategory=&mp=4|date=17 September 2016}}. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Taiwan). 7 January 2005. Retrieved 25 March 2015. It replaced the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur as the world's tallest building.{{Cite web |title=Taipei 101: Exploring one of the tallest buildings in the world |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/taipei-101-exploring-one-of-the-tallest-buildings-in-the-world/ |access-date=2 November 2023 |website=CNET |language=en |archive-date=12 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912044238/https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/taipei-101-exploring-one-of-the-tallest-buildings-in-the-world/ |url-status=live }}

The Taipei Financial Center Corporation (TFCC) announced plans on 2 November 2009 to make Taipei 101 "the world's tallest building" by summer of 2011 as measured by LEED standards. The structure was already designed to be energy-efficient, with double-pane windows blocking external heat by 50% and recycled water meeting 20–30% of the building's needs. LEED certification would entail inspections and upgrades in wiring, water and lighting equipment at a cost of NT$60 million (US$1.8 million). Estimates showed the savings resulting from the modifications paid for the cost of making them within three years. The project was carried out under the guidance of an international team composed of Siemens Building Technologies, architect and interior designer Steven Leach Group and the LEED advisory firm EcoTech International.[http://www.buildingtechnologies.siemens.com/bt/global/en/references/total-building-solutions/Pages/taipei-101-taiwan.aspx LEED certified: The tallest "green" building in the world] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119050906/http://www.buildingtechnologies.siemens.com/bt/global/en/references/total-building-solutions/Pages/taipei-101-taiwan.aspx |date=19 November 2012 }}. Siemens Building Technologies. The company applied for a platinum-degree certification with LEED in early 2011.{{Cite news |date=15 January 2011 |title=Taipei 101 to become world's tallest green building in Q3 |publisher=Focus Taiwan News Channel |url=http://focustaiwan.tw/ShowNews/WebNews_Detail.aspx?Type=aALL&ID=201101150008 |access-date=15 January 2011 |archive-date=17 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317171612/http://focustaiwan.tw/ShowNews/WebNews_Detail.aspx?Type=aALL&ID=201101150008 |url-status=live }} On 28 July 2011, Taipei 101 received LEED platinum certification under "Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance". Although the project cost NT$60 million (US$2.08 million), it is expected to save 14.4 million kilowatt-hours of electricity, or an 18% energy-saving, equivalent to NT$36 million (US$1.2 million) in energy costs each year. In 2019, it was named among the 50 most influential skyscrapers in the world by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.{{Cite web |date=30 October 2019 |title=Taipei 101 named among 50 most influential skyscrapers in world |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3806487 |website=Taiwan News |access-date=30 May 2020 |archive-date=29 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129024408/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3806487 |url-status=live }}

On 4 January 2020, the building had a condolence message in lights for the victims of a helicopter crash, which included a number of senior government officials.{{Cite web |date=4 January 2020 |title=Taipei 101 salutes generals who died in helicopter crash |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3850163 |website=Taiwan News |access-date=30 May 2020 |archive-date=21 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121083945/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3850163 |url-status=live }} On 8 February 2020, it was reported that some passengers of the Diamond Princess cruise liner, quarantined for an outbreak of COVID-19, had visited Taipei 101 on 31 January at which point none exhibited symptoms.{{Cite web |date=8 February 2020 |title=Passengers of quarantined cruise liner visited Taipei 101 - Focus Taiwan |url=https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202002080004 |website=focustaiwan.tw |access-date=30 May 2020 |archive-date=8 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200208183809/https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202002080004 |url-status=live }} On 1 April 2020, the shopping center said it was reducing business hours due to the coronavirus pandemic.{{Cite web |date=1 April 2020 |title=Taipei 101 to cut business hours as demand declines – Taipei Times |url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/biz/archives/2020/04/01/2003733744 |website=www.taipeitimes.com |access-date=30 May 2020 |archive-date=5 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205025115/https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/biz/archives/2020/04/01/2003733744 |url-status=live }} It had started checking shopper's temperatures in February.{{Cite web |date=28 February 2020 |title=Taipei 101, SOGO say no to visitors with high temperatures - Focus Taiwan |url=https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202002280013 |website=focustaiwan.tw |access-date=30 May 2020 |archive-date=18 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318204648/https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202002280013 |url-status=live }} On 21 May the building said it would resume normal business hours in June, as the country had effectively limited the spread of COVID-19.{{Cite web |date=21 May 2020 |title=Taipei 101 to resume normal business hours in June - Focus Taiwan |url=https://focustaiwan.tw/business/202005210019 |website=focustaiwan.tw |access-date=30 May 2020 |archive-date=30 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530080222/https://focustaiwan.tw/business/202005210019 |url-status=live }}

Taipei 101 is the site of many special events. Art exhibits, as noted above, regularly take place in the Observatory. A few noteworthy dates since the tower's opening include these below:

• On 25 December 2004, French rock and urban climber Alain Robert made an authorized climb to the top of the pinnacle in four hours.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4124891.stm 'Spiderman' scales tallest tower"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017135804/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4124891.stm |date=17 October 2007 }}. BBC News. 25 December 2005.
• On 28 February 2005, former President of the United States Bill Clinton visited and signed copies of his autobiography.{{Cite news |last1=Chen |first1=Melody |title=Clinton praises Taiwan's leaders during brief visit |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2005/03/01/2003225002 |access-date=10 November 2014 |work=The Taipei Times |date=1 March 2005 |archive-date=10 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110222506/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2005/03/01/2003225002 |url-status=live }}
• On 19 April 2005, the tower displayed 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, was part of the international celebration World Year of Physics 2005.{{R|eNewsletter}}
• On 20 November 2005, the First annual Taipei 101 Run Up featured a race up the 2,046 steps from floors 1 to 91. Proceeds were to benefit Taiwan's Olympic teams. Run Ups have continued to be held regularly.{{Cite web |last=Taiwan News |date=14 September 2023 |title=Registration opens for 2023 Taipei 101 Run Up marathon {{!}} Taiwan News {{!}} 14 September 2023 17:51:00 |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4998838 |access-date=18 November 2023 |website=Taiwan News |archive-date=18 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118172611/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4998838 |url-status=live }}
• On 20 October 2006, the tower displayed a pink ribbon in lights to promote breast cancer awareness. The ten-day campaign was sponsored by Taipei 101's ownership and Estée Lauder.{{R|eNewsletter}}
• On 12 December 2007, Austrian BASE jumper Felix Baumgartner survived an unauthorized parachute jump from the 91st floor. Baumgartner was banned from re-entry into Taiwan and Taipei 101 increased security measures along with disciplining security staff for failing to intervene.{{Cite web |date=14 December 2007 |title=Austrian daredevil barred from re-entry: NIA official - Taipei Times |url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2007/12/14/2003392440 |access-date=30 October 2023 |website=www.taipeitimes.com }}
• On 6 December 2014, Japanese idol group HKT48 held a small concert on the 91st-floor observatory as the premiere of their tour in Taiwan.{{Cite news |url=http://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/9550546/ |title=HKT48 台北ライブの前夜祭を台北101・91Fの展望台で開催！ |work=ライブドアニュース |access-date=15 November 2017 |language=ja-JP |archive-date=15 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115201116/http://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/9550546/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=http://thetowerinfo.com/buildings-list/taipei-101/ |title=Facts of Taipei 101, the former World's Tallest Building |work=The Tower Info |access-date=15 November 2017 |archive-date=15 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115155224/http://thetowerinfo.com/buildings-list/taipei-101/ |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Taipei New Year's Eve Party}}The New Year's Eve Show in Taipei is held at the Taipei City Hall. Visitors have a view of Taipei 101 which is surrounded by fireworks at midnight.{{Cite web |last=Tourism Administration |first=Republic of China (Taiwan) |date=2 April 2008 |title=Tourism Administration, Republic of China (Taiwan)-Events Calendar |url=https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0002019&lid=080933 |access-date=4 October 2023 |website=Tourism Administration, Republic of China (Taiwan) |language=ENGLISH |archive-date=31 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231085330/https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0002019&lid=080933 |url-status=live }} Another popular location for crowds to gather to see the fireworks display is the public square of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.{{Cite web |last=Rob |date=3 July 2023 |title=The Best Spots to See the Taipei 101 NYE Fireworks 2023/2024 |url=https://www.taipeitravelgeek.com/taipei-101-fireworks-new-years-eve |access-date=11 December 2023 |website=Taipei Travel Geek |language=en-GB |archive-date=11 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211220831/https://www.taipeitravelgeek.com/taipei-101-fireworks-new-years-eve |url-status=live }}

Various sources, including the building's owners, give the height of Taipei 101 as {{cvt|508|m|0}}, roof height and top floor height as {{cvt|448|m|0}} and {{cvt|438|m|0}}. This lower figure is derived by measuring from the top of a {{cvt|1.2|m|0}} platform at the base.{{Ctbuh|117}}. Retrieved 25 March 2015.{{R|emporis}} 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.[http://www.ctbuh.org/HighRiseInfo/TallestDatabase/Criteria/tabid/446/Default.aspx CTBUH Height Criteria] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730201657/http://www.ctbuh.org/HighRiseInfo/TallestDatabase/Criteria/tabid/446/Default.aspx |date=30 July 2018 }}. CTBUH. Retrieved 25 March 2015.[http://ctbuh.org/AboutCTBUH/History/MeasuringTall/tabid/1320/language/en-US/Default.aspx Height: The History of Measuring Tall Buildings] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410072709/http://www.ctbuh.org/AboutCTBUH/History/MeasuringTall/tabid/1320/language/en-US/Default.aspx |date=10 April 2012 }}. CTBUH. Retrieved 25 March 2015.[http://www.ctbuh.org/NewsMedia/PR_091117_ChangeHeightCriteria/tabid/1273/language/en-US/Default.aspx CTBUH changes height criteria, Burj Dubai height increases] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105123138/http://www.ctbuh.org/NewsMedia/PR_091117_ChangeHeightCriteria/tabid/1273/language/en-US/Default.aspx |date=5 January 2018 }}. CTBUH. Retrieved 25 March 2015.[http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/world/2004-10-08-taiwan_x.htm Taipei skyscraper deemed tallest] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403150329/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/world/2004-10-08-taiwan_x.htm |date=3 April 2015 }}. Associated Press. Paragraph abstract: The council measures from the sidewalk level of the main entrance to the skyscraper's architectural top. Taipei 101 displaced the Petronas Towers as the tallest building in the world by {{cvt|57.3|m|0}}.{{R|history}}{{Cite news |date=17 October 2003 |title=Taiwan tops out tallest building |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/3200160.stm |access-date=24 May 2010 |archive-date=6 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080106112516/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/3200160.stm |url-status=live }} The record it claimed for greatest height from ground to pinnacle was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which is {{cvt|829.8|m|0}} in height. Taipei 101's records for roof height and highest occupied floor briefly passed to the Shanghai World Financial Center in 2008, However, this record was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in 2009.{{R|criteria}}{{R|history}}

Taipei 101 was the world's tallest building, at {{cvt|508.2|m|0}} as measured to its architectural top (spire), exceeding that of the Petronas Towers, which were previously the tallest skyscraper at {{cvt|451.9|m|0}}. The height to the top of the roof, at {{cvt|449.2|m|0}}, and highest occupied floor, at {{cvt|439.2|m|0}}, surpassed the previous records of the Willis Tower: {{cvt|442|m|0}} and {{cvt|412.4|m|0}}, respectively.{{Cite web |url=https://www.emporis.com/buildings/100765 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906164527/https://www.emporis.com/buildings/100765 |url-status=usurped |archive-date=6 September 2015 |title=Emporis building ID 100765 |work=Emporis}}. Retrieved 25 March 2015.{{R|criteria|change|history|AP}} It also surpassed the 85-story, {{cvt|347.5|m|0}} Tuntex Sky Tower in Kaohsiung as the tallest building in Taiwan and the 51-story, {{cvt|244.15|m|0}} Shin Kong Life Tower as the tallest building in Taipei.Ai-Li, Jian & Neng-You, Wang. [http://www.gov.taipei/ct.asp?xItem=48769&CtNode=5270&mp=100021 與天爭高，心意最重要 新光摩天大樓] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924023220/http://www.gov.taipei/ct.asp?xItem=48769&CtNode=5270&mp=100021 |date=24 September 2015 }}. 閱讀臺北. Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government. April 2009, Vol. 486. (Chinese).[http://skyscraperpage.com/diagrams/?countryID=4 List of skyscrapers in Taiwan] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920185119/http://skyscraperpage.com/diagrams/?countryID=4 |date=20 September 2017 }}. SkyscraperPage. Retrieved 25 March 2015.

Taipei 101 comprises 101 floors above ground, as well as five basement levels. The first building to break the half-kilometer mark in height,{{R|emporis}} it was the world's tallest building from 31 March 2004 to 10 March 2010 (six years){{Cite web |date=December 2009 |title=Height: The History of Measuring Tall Buildings |url=http://www.ctbuh.org/AboutCTBUH/History/MeasuringTall/tabid/1320/language/en-US/Default.aspx |work=Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat |access-date=7 April 2015 |archive-date=19 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919100103/http://www.ctbuh.org/AboutCTBUH/History/MeasuringTall/tabid/1320/language/en-US/Default.aspx |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |date=10 March 2010 |title=Tallest Trends and the Burj Khalifa |url=http://www.ctbuh.org/News/PressReleases/PR_100308_TallestTrends/tabid/1468/language/en-US/Default.aspx |work=Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat |access-date=7 April 2015 |archive-date=14 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914160330/http://www.ctbuh.org/News/PressReleases/PR_100308_TallestTrends/tabid/1468/language/en-US/Default.aspx |url-status=dead }} until it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in 2010. For 12 years it also had the fastest elevator, at {{Convert|61|km/h|mph}}. It also has the largest wind damper in the world, at 18 feet across.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/taipei-101-exploring-one-of-the-tallest-buildings-in-the-world/ |title=Taipei 101: We went 390m/1280ft above Taiwan to check out one of the world's tallest buildings |first=Geoffrey |last=Morrison |website=CNET |access-date=12 September 2021 |archive-date=12 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912044238/https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/taipei-101-exploring-one-of-the-tallest-buildings-in-the-world/ |url-status=live }} As of 2023, Taipei 101 is the eleventh-tallest building in the world, according to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat's official rankings.

Taipei 101 is designed to withstand typhoon winds and earthquake tremors that are common in the area in the east of Taiwan. Evergreen Consulting Engineering, the structural engineer, designed Taipei 101 to withstand gale winds of {{Convert|60|m/s|0|sp=us}}, ({{cvt|216|km/h|mph|disp=or}}), as well as the strongest earthquakes in a 2,500-year cycle.Observatory brochure, Floor 89, Taipei 101. 17 August 2007.

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Taipei 101 was designed to be flexible as well as structurally resistant, because while flexibility prevents structural damage, resistance ensures comfort both for the occupants and for the protection of the glass, curtain walls, and other features. Most designs achieve the necessary strength by enlarging critical structural elements such as bracing. Because of the height of Taipei 101, combined with the surrounding area's geology—the building is located just {{cvt|660|ft}} away from a major fault line{{Cite web |url=https://www.amusingplanet.com/2014/08/the-728-ton-tuned-mass-damper-of-taipei.html |title=The 728-Ton Tuned Mass Damper of Taipei 101 |first=Kaushik |last=Patowary |access-date=4 May 2020 |archive-date=30 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930044701/https://www.amusingplanet.com/2014/08/the-728-ton-tuned-mass-damper-of-taipei.html |url-status=live }}—outrigger trusses, located at eight-floor intervals, connect the columns in the building's core to those on the exterior.{{R|SED}}

These features, combined with the solidity of its foundation, made Taipei 101 one of the most stable buildings ever constructed.{{Cite web |date=22 October 2015 |title=Taipei 101 tower named 'world's toughest' building by Popular Mechanics |url=https://www.bdcnetwork.com/taipei-101-tower-named-worlds-toughest-building-popular-mechanics |access-date=8 October 2023 |website=Building Design + Construction |author-first1=Mike|author-last1=Chamernik|language=en |archive-date=13 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013031944/https://www.bdcnetwork.com/taipei-101-tower-named-worlds-toughest-building-popular-mechanics |url-status=live }} The foundation is reinforced by 380 piles driven {{cvt|80|m|0}} into the ground, extending as far as {{cvt|30|m|0}} into the bedrock. Each pile is {{cvt|1.5|m|0}} in diameter and can bear a load of {{Convert|1000|-|1320|t|ST|-1|sp=us}}.{{Cite web |date=18 January 2013 |title=Building Taipei 101 |url=https://www.azobuild.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=8128 |access-date=3 February 2024 |website=AZoBuild |language=en |archive-date=14 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714083145/https://www.azobuild.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=8128 |url-status=live }}

Motioneering designed a {{Convert|660|t|ST|0|adj=on|sp=us}}[http://www.iitk.ac.in/nicee/wcee/article/14_11-0060.PDF VISCOUS DAMPERS FOR HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS ] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924033942/http://www.iitk.ac.in/nicee/wcee/article/14_11-0060.PDF |date=24 September 2015 }}. Indian Institute of Technologies. Retrieved 24 August 2015.[http://www.chinapost.com.tw/supplement/2006/05/20/82600/CTOT-commemorates.htm CTOT commemorates Canada and Taiwan ingenuity ] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923225910/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/supplement/2006/05/20/82600/CTOT-commemorates.htm |date=23 September 2015 }}. China Post. Retrieved 24 August 2015.[https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.3199389 Canadian wind dampers hold sway over world's tallest condos] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241218033233/https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.3199389 |date=18 December 2024 }} . The Canada Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 24 August 2015. steel pendulum that serves as a tuned mass damper, at a cost of NT$132 million (US$4 million).[http://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/observatory-damper.aspx#SCROLL2 Tuned Mass Damper] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402110347/http://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/observatory-damper.aspx#SCROLL2 |date=2 April 2015 }}. Taipei World Financial Center. Retrieved 25 March 2015. Suspended from the 92nd to the 88th floor, the pendulum sways to offset movements in the building caused by strong gusts. The tuned mass damper is visible to all visitors on the 88th floor upwards until the 92nd floor. It can reduce up to 40% of the tower's movements.{{Cite web |title=Tuned Mass Damper of Taipei 101 |url=http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/tuned-mass-damper-of-taipei-101 |access-date=8 October 2023 |website=Atlas Obscura |language=en |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007014921/https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/tuned-mass-damper-of-taipei-101 |url-status=live }} Its ball, the largest damper ball in the world, consists of 41 circular steel plates of varying diameters, each {{cvt|125|mm|2}} thick, welded together to form a {{Convert|5.5|m|ft|0|adj=mid|-diameter|sp=us}} ball. Two additional tuned mass dampers, each weighing {{Convert|6|t|ST|0|sp=us}}, are installed at the tip of the spire which help prevent damage to the structure due to strong wind loads.{{R|TMD}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.rwdi.com/cms/publications/81/pp_Taipei101.pdf |title=Taipei 101 |publisher=Motioneering |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414213625/http://www.rwdi.com/cms/publications/81/pp_Taipei101.pdf |archive-date=14 April 2010 }} On 8 August 2015, strong winds from Typhoon Soudelor swayed the main damper by {{Convert|1|m|in|sp=us}}—the largest movement ever recorded by the damper.{{Cite news |title=Damper at Taipei 101 records biggest movement ever |url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/asoc/201508080018.aspx |access-date=9 August 2015 |publisher=Focus Taiwan |archive-date=10 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150810211201/http://focustaiwan.tw/news/asoc/201508080018.aspx |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=How a Skyscraper Stays Upright in a Typhoon |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/design/a16819/tapei-101-mass-damper-record/ |access-date=10 August 2015 |publisher=Popular Mechanics |archive-date=12 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812232227/http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/design/a16819/tapei-101-mass-damper-record/ |url-status=live }}

The damper has become such a popular tourist attraction that the city contracted Sanrio to create a mascot: the Damper Baby. Four versions of the Damper Baby ("Rich Gold", "Cool Black", "Smart Silver" and "Lucky Red") were designed and made into figurines and souvenirs sold in various Taipei 101 gift shops. Damper Baby has become a popular local icon, with its own comic book and website.{{Cite news |url=http://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2012-03-19/taipei-101-tallest-building-damper-baby |title=Taipei 101: Not the Tallest Building in the World, But Still Pretty Cool |work=Condé Nast Traveler |date=19 March 2012 |access-date=24 October 2015 |archive-date=22 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222173059/http://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2012-03-19/taipei-101-tallest-building-damper-baby |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=http://www.haypinas.org/2012/10/the-Asian-dream-according-to-taipei-101.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119032507/http://www.haypinas.org/2012/10/the-asian-dream-according-to-taipei-101.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 November 2015 |title=The Asian Dream According to Taipei 101 and its Damper Babies ~ HAYPINAS.ORG: OVERSEAS FILIPINO CHANNEL }}{{Cite book |last1=Binder |first1=Georges |title=Taipei 101 |publisher=Images Publishing |year=2008 |page=82 |isbn=9781864702484 }}

Taipei 101's characteristic blue-green glass curtain walls are double paned and glazed, offer heat and UV protection sufficient to block external heat by 50%, and can sustain impacts of {{Convert|7|t|ST|0|sp=us}}.{{R|brochure}} The facade system of glass and aluminum panels installed into an inclined movement-resisting lattice contributes to overall lateral rigidity by tying back to the mega-columns with one-story high trusses at every eighth floor. This facade system is, therefore, able to withstand up to {{cvt|95|mm|0}} of seismic lateral displacements without damage.{{Cite web |title=Taipei 101 |work=All About Skyscrapers |url=http://www.allaboutskyscrapers.com/taipei101.htm |year=2009 |access-date=15 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001101150/http://www.allaboutskyscrapers.com/taipei101.htm |archive-date=1 October 2011 }} The facade system is also known as a Damper.

The original corners of the facade were tested at RWDI in Ontario, Canada. A simulation of a 100-year storm at RWDI revealed a vortex that formed during a 3-second {{Convert|105|mph|adj=on}} wind at a height of 10 meters, or equivalent to the lateral tower sway rate causing large crosswind oscillations. A double chamfered step design was found to dramatically reduce this crosswind oscillation, resulting in the final design's "double stairstep" corner facade.{{Cite web |author=SnarkyNomad |title=Why Taipei 101 is the coolest skyscraper on the planet |website=Snarky Nomad |date=26 December 2013 |url=http://snarkynomad.com/why-taipei-101-is-the-coolest-skyscraper-on-the-planet/ |access-date=9 October 2015 |archive-date=3 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003113936/http://snarkynomad.com/why-taipei-101-is-the-coolest-skyscraper-on-the-planet/ |url-status=live }} Architect C.Y. Lee also used extensive facade elements to represent the symbolic identity he pursued. These facade elements included the green tinted glass for the indigenous slender bamboo look, eight upper outwards inclined tiers of pagoda each with eight floors, a ruyi and a money box symbol between the two facade sections among others.Structuremag.org. [http://www.structuremag.org/Archives/2006-6/F-Taipei-101-June-06.pdf Taipei 101 the worlds tallest building] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080409165459/http://www.structuremag.org/Archives/2006-6/F-Taipei-101-June-06.pdf |date=9 April 2008 }}. 6 June 2005.

Taipei 101's own roof and facade recycled water system meets 20–30% of the building's water needs. In July 2011, Taipei 101 was certified "the world's tallest green building" under LEED standards.{{Cite web |url=http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=1147437&lang=eng_news |title=Taipei 101 to become world's tallest green building next year |date=1 April 2010 |access-date=1 January 2016 |work=Taiwan News |archive-date=1 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701171040/http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=1147437&lang=eng_news |url-status=dead }}

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 (1 January = 1-01). It symbolizes lofty ideals by going one better on 100, a traditional number of perfection. The number also evokes the binary numeral system used in digital technology.

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.{{Cite journal |last=Ang |first=Swee Hoon |title=Chinese consumers' perception of alpha-numeric brand names |journal=Journal of Consumer Marketing |year=1997 |volume=14 |issue=3 |pages=220–233 |url=http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=856257&show=abstract |doi=10.1108/07363769710166800 |access-date=24 March 2015 |archive-date=5 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111205013132/http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=856257&show=abstract |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}{{Cite journal |url=http://www.umac.edu.mo/fba/irer/papers/past/vol2_pdf/079-093LN-NZ.pdf |journal=International Real Estate Review |year=1999 |volume=2 |pages=79–93 |title=Hedonic Prices and House Numbers: The Influence of Feng Shui |author1=Steven C. Bourassa |author2=Vincent S. Peng |issue=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6XlGD7PlK?url=http://www.umac.edu.mo/fba/irer/papers/past/vol2_pdf/079-093LN-NZ.pdf |archive-date=13 April 2015 |access-date=24 March 2015 }}

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). Popular humor sometimes likens the building's shape to a stack of take-out boxes as used in Western-style Chinese food; of course, the stackable shape of such boxes is likewise derived from that of ancient money boxes.{{Cite book |last1=Duchaine |first1=Julie |last2=Hughes |first2=Holly |last3=Flippin |first3=Alexis Lipsitz |last4=Murphy |first4=Sylvie |title=Frommer's 500 Extraordinary Islands |date=2010 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |location=Hoboken |isbn=9780470595190 }} 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 Chinese design with central holes shaped to imply the Arabic numerals 1-0-1. The structure incorporates many shapes of squares and circles to symbolize yin and yang.{{Cite web |last=Huyssteen |first=Justin van |date=25 August 2022 |title=Taipei 101 Tower - Visiting the World-Renowned Taipei Skyscraper |url=https://artincontext.org/taipei-101-tower/ |access-date=17 December 2023 |website=Art in Context |language=en-US |archive-date=17 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217175252/https://artincontext.org/taipei-101-tower/ |url-status=live }}

Curled ruyi figures appear throughout the structure as a design motif. Though the shape of each ruyi at Taipei 101 is traditional, its rendering in industrial metal is plainly modern. The ruyi is a talisman of ancient origin associated in art with heavenly clouds. It connotes healing, protection and fulfillment. It appears in celebrations of the attainment of new career heights.{{Cite web |title=Ru Yi at Feng Shui Bestbuy |url=http://www.fengshuibestbuy.com/ruyi1.html |website=fengshuibestbuy.com |access-date=1 January 2016 |archive-date=6 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080906112722/http://www.fengshuibestbuy.com/ruyi1.html |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |title=Taipei 101: Reaching for The Sky |website=Internet Archive |url=https://archive.org/stream/Taipei101ReachingForTheSky/Advanced--Taipei101--June2004 |access-date=9 October 2015 }} The sweeping curved roof of the adjoining mall culminates in a colossal ruyi that shades pedestrians. Each ruyi ornament on the exterior of the Taipei 101 tower stands at least {{cvt|8|m|0}} tall.{{Cite web |title=New World's Tallest Building Completed in Taipei, Taiwan. |work=San Jose Mercury News (San Jose, CA) |date=21 October 2003 |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-119698469.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070105203859/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-119698469.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 January 2007 |access-date=9 October 2015 }}

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. From 6 to 10 p.m.,[http://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/Tower/event/light.asp Lights Schedule] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080705232402/http://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/Tower/event/light.asp |date=5 July 2008 }}. Taipei World Financial Center. Retrieved 25 March 2015. the tower's lights display one of seven colors, according to a weekly schedule.[http://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/lighting-schedule.aspx Lighting Timetable] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402090039/http://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/lighting-schedule.aspx |date=2 April 2015 }}. Taipei World Financial Center. Retrieved 25 March 2015.

From 26 February to 6 March 2022, the typical colors were replaced by blue and yellow in solidarity with Ukraine, in response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{Cite web |last=Strong |first=Matthew |date=26 February 2022 |title=Photo of the Day: Taipei 101 lights up in colors of the Ukrainian flag {{!}} Taiwan News {{!}} 26 February 2022 20:19:00 |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4456297 |access-date=1 March 2022 |website=Taiwan News |archive-date=1 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301111505/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4456297 |url-status=live }}

The adjoining Taipei 101 on the east side connects the landmark further with the symbolism of time. The design of the circular park doubles as the face of a giant sundial. The tower itself casts the shadow to mark afternoon hours for the building's occupants. The park's design is echoed in a clock that stands at its entrance. The clock runs on wind power drawn from the building's wind shear.Public signage placed at Taipei 101 clock.

Taipei 101, like many of its neighboring buildings, exemplifies the influence of feng shui philosophy. An example appears in the form of a large granite fountain at the intersection of Songlian Road and Xinyi Road near the tower's east entrance.{{Cite web |title=Taipei 101, Bigger is not Better (台北101, 更大不等於更好) |publisher=Taiwan Design Center |date=15 September 2004 |url=http://proporzionedivina.blogspot.tw/2009/06/taipei-101-bigger-is-not-better-taipei.html |access-date=17 September 2009 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402113738/http://proporzionedivina.blogspot.tw/2009/06/taipei-101-bigger-is-not-better-taipei.html |url-status=live }} A ball at the fountain's top spins toward the tower. As a work of public art the fountain offers a contrast to the tower in texture even as its design echoes the tower's rhythms. The fountain also serves a practical function in feng shui philosophy. A T intersection near the entrance of a building represents a potential drain of positive energy, or ch'i, from the structure and its occupants.[http://greenchidesigns.com/2011/10/t-for-two-two-feng-shui-tips-for-t-intersections/ T for Two – Two Feng Shui Tips for T-Intersections] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917140846/http://greenchidesigns.com/2011/10/t-for-two-two-feng-shui-tips-for-t-intersections/ |date=17 September 2016 }}.[http://mikufengshui.blogspot.tw/2012/12/dreaded-t-intersection-and-cul-de-sac.html dreaded T-intersection and cul-de-sac] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106182014/http://mikufengshui.blogspot.tw/2012/12/dreaded-t-intersection-and-cul-de-sac.html |date=6 November 2014 }}. Placing flowing water at such spots is thought to help redirect the flow of ch'i.{{Cite book |publisher=Hackett Publishing Company, Inc. |year=2000 |pages=220–236 |title=Virtue, Nature, and Moral Agency in the Xunzi |editor-first1=T. C. |editor-last1=Kline |editor-first2=P. J. |editor-last2=Ivanhoe |isbn=9780872205222 }}{{R|FS}}

File:Taipei 101 Mall view 2019.jpg

Two restaurants have opened on the 85th floor: Diamond Tony's, which offers European-style seafood and steak, and 85TD, which offers Chinese style cuisine. Occupying all of the 86th floor is Taiwanese high-class buffet restaurant {{ill|A Joy (buffet restaurant)|lt=A Joy|zh|饗A Joy}}.{{cite web |title=Sky Dining of Taipei 101 |url=https://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/food/restaurant/special |access-date=20 June 2024 |publisher=Taipei World Financial Center |archive-date=20 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620040510/https://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/food/restaurant/special |url-status=live }} Din Tai Fung, several international dining establishments and retail outlets also operate in the adjoining mall. The multistory 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.{{Cite web |last=Norris |first=Graham |url=http://taiwaninfo.nat.gov.tw/fp.asp?xItem=943&CtNode=124 |title=Taking it to the Skies |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402104054/http://taiwaninfo.nat.gov.tw/fp.asp?xItem=943&CtNode=124 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |access-date=25 March 2015 }}

A tenant directory is posted in the first floor's lobby (visible from the Xinyi entrance). The number 4 is considered an unlucky number in Chinese culture, so instead the 44th floor is renamed the 43rd, and the actual 43rd floor becomes 42A.{{Cite web |title=Taipei 101 Facts: 8 Interesting Facts about Taipei 101 – The Tower Info |url=https://thetowerinfo.com/buildings-list/taipei-101/ |access-date=8 October 2023 |website=thetowerinfo.com |archive-date=13 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013031945/https://thetowerinfo.com/buildings-list/taipei-101/ |url-status=live }} As of 1 January 2011, the highest occupied office floor (excluding the observatory and restaurants) was 75. The building appears to be at least 70% occupied at this point. The 92nd through 100th floors are officially designated as communication floors, although it is unknown if there are any radio or TV stations currently broadcasting from the top of Taipei 101. The 101st floor indoor/outdoor rooftop observatory opened to the public on 14 June 2019.{{Cite web |title=Taipei 101 to open top floor to public for the first time |date=14 June 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6giBlnP-fNo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211031/6giBlnP-fNo |archive-date=31 October 2021 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore }} The top 92-100 floors are labeled as communications floors.{{Cite web |title=Taipei 101: views of and from one of the tallest buildings in the world |url=https://www.cnet.com/pictures/taipei-101-tour/ |access-date=13 October 2023 |website=CNET |language=en |archive-date=15 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015181916/https://www.cnet.com/pictures/taipei-101-tour/ |url-status=live }}

File:Tallest Buildings in the World 2020.png

The double-deck elevators built by the Japanese Toshiba Elevator and Building Systems Corporation (TELC) set a new record in 2004 with the fastest ascending speeds in the world. At {{Convert|60.6|km|sp=us}} per hour, {{cvt|16.83|m|2}} per second, or 1,010 m/min,{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=Curtis Rush Staff |date=23 January 2013 |title=World's fastest elevator: In Taiwan, skyscraper's lift travels at 60 km/h |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/world/world-s-fastest-elevator-in-taiwan-skyscraper-s-lift-travels-at-60-km-h/article_55488424-7df1-5146-8290-7de1e344dbb4.html |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=Toronto Star |language=en |archive-date=21 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221151932/https://www.thestar.com/news/world/world-s-fastest-elevator-in-taiwan-skyscraper-s-lift-travels-at-60-km-h/article_55488424-7df1-5146-8290-7de1e344dbb4.html |url-status=live }} the speed of Taipei 101's elevators is 34.7% faster than the previous record holders of the Yokohama Landmark Tower elevator, Yokohama, Japan, which reaches speeds of {{cvt|12.5|m|0}} per second (45 km/h, 28 mph). Taipei 101's elevators transport visitors from the fifth floor to the 89th-floor observatory in 37 seconds.{{Efn||name=37 sec}} 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 NT$80 million (US$2.4 million).{{Cite web |date=7 December 2004 |title=World's Fastest Elevator |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a4414/1280851/ |access-date=28 January 2024 |website=Popular Mechanics |language=en-US |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128184706/https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a4414/1280851/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Deulgaonkar |first=Parag |date=24 January 2013 |title=Fastest elevator: Taipei 101; Burj Khalifa 3rd - News - Emirates - Emirates24{{!}}7 |url=https://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/fastest-elevator-taipei-101-burj-khalifa-3rd-2013-01-24-1.492352 |access-date=28 January 2024 |website=www.emirates247.com |language=en |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128184706/https://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/fastest-elevator-taipei-101-burj-khalifa-3rd-2013-01-24-1.492352 |url-status=live }} In 2016, the title for the fastest elevator was taken away by the Shanghai Tower in Shanghai.{{Cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/05/asia/worlds-fastest-tower/index.html |title=Which 3 Guinness World Records did the Shanghai Tower just win? |author1=Jenni Marsh |author2=Jane Sit |publisher=CNN |access-date=8 March 2017 |date=6 October 2016 |archive-date=8 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308143437/http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/05/asia/worlds-fastest-tower/index.html |url-status=live }} Shortly after, the title for the world's fastest elevator was passed on yet again to the Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre.{{Cite web |url=http://www.hitachi.com/New/cnews/month/2017/06/170602.pdf |title=Hitachi reaches 1,260 m/min, the World's Fastest*1 Speedwith Ultra-High-Speed Elevator |access-date=17 October 2019 |archive-date=26 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026010956/http://www.hitachi.com/New/cnews/month/2017/06/170602.pdf |url-status=live }}

Many works of art appear in and around Taipei 101. These include: German artist Rebecca Horn's Dialog between Yin and Yang in 2002 (steel, iron), American artist Robert Indiana's 1-0 in 2002 and Love in 2003 (aluminum), French artist Ariel Moscovici's Between Earth and Sky in 2002 (rose de la claret granite), Taiwanese artist Chung Pu's Global Circle In 2002 (black granite, white marble), British artist Jill Watson's City Composition in 2002 (Bronze), and Taiwanese artist Kang Mu Hsiang's Infinite Life in 2013 (aluminum). Moreover, the Indoor Observatory hosts a regular series of exhibitions. The artists represented have included Wu Ching (gold sculpture), Ping-huang Chang (traditional painting) and Po-lin Chi (aerial photography).[http://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/Tower/enewsletter/0703/index.asp 101季刊 eNewsletter] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080705232106/http://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/tower/enewsletter/0703/index.asp |date=5 July 2008 }}. Taipei World Financial Center. Retrieved 25 March 2015.

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| caption1 = 91F outdoor observatory at {{cvt|391.8|m|0}}

| image2 = Taipei 101 Observatory 89F 2019.jpg

| caption2 = 89F indoor observatory

| image3 =

| caption3 = Entrance to Taipei 101 Observation Deck, with Damper Baby

| alt1 = 91F Outdoor Observatory in Taipei 101

| alt2 = 89F indoor observatory in Taipei 101

}}

Taipei 101 features an indoor observation deck on the 88th and 89th floors, and two outdoor observation decks (91st floor and 101st floor), all offering 360-degree views and attracting visitors from around the world. The Indoor Observatory stands {{cvt|383.4|m|0}} above ground, offering a comfortable environment, large windows with UV protection, recorded voice tours in eight languages, and informative displays and special exhibits. Here, one may view the skyscraper's main damper, which is the world's largest and heaviest visible damper, and buy food, drinks and gift items. Two more flights of stairs take visitors up to the Outdoor Observatory. The Outdoor Observatories, at {{cvt|391.8|m|0}} and {{cvt|449.2|m|0}} above ground,{{R|emporis}}[http://www.fortheloveoftravel.net.nz/articles/exploring-taipei Exploring Taipei – The heights, lights and sights of Taipei, Taiwan] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913215415/http://www.fortheloveoftravel.net.nz/articles/exploring-taipei |date=13 September 2016 }}. Travel magazine. Retrieved 25 March 2015. is the second-highest observation deck ever provided in a skyscraper and the highest such platform in Taiwan.{{R|DIT}}Jackie Lin. [http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/biz/archives/2005/12/09/2003283682 Shin Kong Tower Observatory to close by year-end] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080601092031/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/biz/archives/2005/12/09/2003283682 |date=1 June 2008 }}. The Taipei Times. 25 September 2013. Retrieved 25 March 2015.

The Indoor Observatory is open thirteen hours a day (9:00 am–10:00 pm) throughout the week as well as on special occasions; the Outdoor Observatory is open during the same hours as weather permits. Tickets may be purchased on site in the shopping mall (5th floor) or in advance through the Observatory's website[http://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/OB/about/floor.asp Floor Guide] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121140821/http://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/OB/about/floor.asp |date=21 November 2008 }}. Taipei World Financial Center. Retrieved 25 March 2015. and allow access to the 88th through 91st floors via high-speed elevator.[http://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/OB/about/info.asp Observatory Visit Information] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121123838/http://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/OB/about/info.asp |date=21 November 2008 }}. Taipei World Financial Center. Retrieved 25 March 2015.

In 2019, its 101 top floor opened for the first time to the public,{{Cite web |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3724012 |title=Taipei 101's top floor opens to public for first time |website=Taiwan News |date=14 June 2019 |access-date=9 July 2019 |archive-date=16 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616131817/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3724012 |url-status=live }} starting 14 June with only 36 people given access each day.{{Cite web |url=https://en.rti.org.tw/news/view/id/2001314 |title=Taipei 101 to open top floor to public for the first time |website=RTI Radio Taiwan International |access-date=30 May 2020 |archive-date=26 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126043142/https://en.rti.org.tw/news/view/id/2001314 |url-status=live }} The 91st-floor observatory used to be the highest floor that open to the public until 14 June 2019 when it was announced by the building's management team that the 101st floor (at 460 meters above sea level) will be opened to the general public, with a quota of 36 people per day and is subject to prior booking. Going onto the outdoor viewing platform requires safety equipment, such as a safety belt buckled to the railing.{{Cite web |last=Rob |date=5 March 2023 |title=Taipei 101 Observatory: How to get Cheap Tickets & Best Times to Visit |url=https://www.taipeitravelgeek.com/taipei-101 |access-date=19 December 2023 |website=Taipei Travel Geek |language=en-GB |archive-date=19 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219184945/https://www.taipeitravelgeek.com/taipei-101 |url-status=live }}

On its opening date, Taipei 101 was awarded the Emporis Skyscraper Award, coming in 1st place.{{cite web |title=Attractions |website=Shangri-La Far Eastern, Taipei |url=https://www.shangri-la.com/taipei/fareasternplazashangrila/about/local-guide/explore-taipei/attractions/ |access-date=18 April 2023 |archive-date=30 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130190035/https://www.shangri-la.com/taipei/fareasternplazashangrila/about/local-guide/explore-taipei/attractions/ |url-status=live }} Taipei 101 was awarded the top award platinum rating, by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the globally recognized green building ranking system of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), making the skyscraper the tallest energy conservation building in the world.{{cite web |url=https://www.eco-business.com/news/taipei-101-honored-as-worlds-tallest-green-building/ |title=Taipei 101 honored as world's tallest green building |date=29 July 2011 |access-date=17 December 2022 |archive-date=17 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217074958/https://www.eco-business.com/news/taipei-101-honored-as-worlds-tallest-green-building/ |url-status=live }} In 2017, Taipei 101 was awarded the Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Award (AREA).{{cite web |url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2016/06/29/2003649741 |title=Taipei 101 receives 'green' award |date=29 June 2016 |access-date=5 November 2022 |archive-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105132146/https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2016/06/29/2003649741 |url-status=live }} Taipei 101 was awarded the CTBUH Skyscraper Award on the Performance award category.{{cite web |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/infrastructure/g28691029/green-skyscrapers/ |title=7 Skyscrapers Leading the Way to a Green Future |date=17 August 2019 |access-date=7 November 2022 |archive-date=7 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107125046/https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/infrastructure/g28691029/green-skyscrapers/ |url-status=live }}

{{Portal|Architecture|Taiwan}}

• List of most expensive buildings
• List of tallest buildings in Taipei
• List of tallest buildings in Taiwan
• List of tourist attractions in Taipei
• Taipei Nan Shan Plaza

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons|台北101|Taipei 101}}

• [https://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/ Taipei 101 Official Website]
• [https://taipei101.nhacai.media/ Website for Vietnamese] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013031946/https://taipei101.nhacai.media/ |date=13 October 2023 }}
• [https://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/observatory Taipei 101 Official Website – Observatory]
• [https://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/shopping Taipei 101 Official Website – Mall]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0AxzAeyTw4&locale=en_US&persist_locale=1 YouTube – Taipei 101 New Year Fireworks 2005], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzHdZUcpebM 2007], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1Ov_ygQzGA 2008]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20081209035227/http://natgeotv.com.au/Programmes/Videos.aspx?Id=1322 National Geographic Channel – Richard Hammond examines Taipei 101]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20100315192336/http://www.rwdi.com/project/taipei_101 Consulting services] by RWDI (wind engineering and emergency ventilation) and Motioneering (tuned mass damper)
• [http://enr.construction.com/projects/international/archives/031124a.asp Megastructure Supports Taipei's 508-Meter 'Megatower'] by Engineering News-Record, a weekly magazine by McGraw-Hill Construction of McGraw-Hill
• [http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CategoryID=19 LEED Official Site]
• [http://www.cylee.com/ C. Y. Lee Architects Office Official Website]

• {{Osmway|198637969}}

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{{Emporis Skyscraper Award}}

{{Supertall skyscrapers|current}}

{{Economy of Taiwan}}

{{Skyscrapers in Taiwan}}

{{Xinyi Planning District}}

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Category:2004 establishments in Taiwan

Category:Buildings and structures completed in 2004

Category:Earthquake-resistant structures

Category:Expressionist architecture

Category:Former world's tallest buildings

Category:High-tech architecture

Category:Observation towers

Category:Postmodern architecture

Category:Shopping malls established in 2004

Category:Shopping malls in Taipei

Category:Skyscraper office buildings in Taipei

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Category:Xinyi Special District