Building Objectives
Taipei 101's development is based on a vision of sustainability, innovation, and cultural relevance, and they include a mix of economic, environmental, and sociological goals.
01
Social-Economic Impact
The design of Taipei 101 not only emphasizes Taiwan's growing prosperity at the start of the 21st century, reflecting its aspirations for economic advancement and technological innovation but also serves as a symbol of Taiwan's achievements. Taipei 101 embodies the fusion of technology's evolution with the rich cultural traditions of China, evident in its architectural elements that blend Chinese and Asian influences with a distinctive postmodern style. By incorporating these cultural motifs, Taipei 101 shows Taiwan's cultural heritage while celebrating the diversity and vibrancy of Asian architecture. This blend of tradition and modernity reinforces Taipei 101's significance as a global landmark, representing both Taiwan's past and its vision for the future.
02
Structural Resilience
Simultaneously, the objective behind the design of Taipei 101 is to ensure its resilience against the common natural hazards prevalent in the eastern region of Taiwan, including typhoon winds and earthquake. Engineered by Evergreen Consulting Engineering, the structural integrity of Taipei 101 is crafted to withstand gale winds of up to 60 meters per second , equivalent to 216 km/h or 134 mph, as well as the most powerful earthquakes expected within a 2,500-year cycle. In its design, Taipei 101 prioritizes both flexibility and structural resistance to effectively mitigate potential damage and ensure the safety and comfort of occupants.
This balance is crucial as flexibility helps prevent structural harm, while resistance guarantees the protection of delicate features such as glass, curtain walls, and other architectural elements. Unlike conventional designs that rely solely on enlarging critical structural elements like bracing for strength, Taipei 101 adopts a multifaceted approach.
03
Tuned Mass Damper in Taipei 101
A massive 660 metric-ton steel pendulum, developed by Motioneering serving as a tuned mass damper, at a cost of US$4 million. Suspended between the 92nd and 88th floors, this pendulum sways to offset movements in the building induced by strong storms or earthquakes. The tuned mass damper can reduce up to 40% of the tower's movements. Its ball, the world's largest damper ball, comprises 41 circular steel plates of varying diameters, each 125 mm thick, welded together to form a 5.5-meter-diameter ball. Additionally, two smaller tuned mass dampers, weighing 6 metric tons each, are installed at the tip of the spire to further mitigate damage from strong wind loads.