Taipei 101 and the architecture of a 508-metre tower

Taipei 101 rises above Taipeh as a 508-metre tower of stacked architectural sections. Its height, 101 storeys and distinctive silhouette turn a mixed-use building into a visible landmark of Taiwan’s capital.

Taipei 101’s stacked form in the Xinyi District

The tower stands in Taipeh’s Xinyi District and combines offices, retail space and observatories within a single vertical complex. C.Y. Lee & Partners designed the building, which was completed in 2004.

Its exterior is organised into repeated sections that narrow towards the upper levels. The form recalls the rhythm of bamboo stems without copying the plant literally, while the blue-green glass and pale structural lines create a strong contrast across the façade. The building contains 101 floors above ground, a number reflected in its name.

From 1999 construction to the 2004 opening

Construction began in 1999, and the tower was topped out in 2003 before work was completed in 2004. Taipei 101’s construction dates place the building within a period of rapid change in Taipeh’s skyline.

At 508 metres, Taipei 101 surpassed the Petronas Twin Towers in height when it opened. It held the title of world’s tallest building until the Burj Khalifa exceeded it in 2010. The 2004 completion remains central to the tower’s architectural history.

The tuned mass damper inside Taipei 101

One of Taipei 101’s most recognisable interior features is its tuned mass damper, a large suspended steel sphere displayed within the upper levels. The device forms part of the tower’s structural system and is visible to visitors in the observatory areas.

The tower’s height is measured to its architectural top, including the spire. The roof reaches a lower level, while the occupied floors extend below the spire. C.Y. Lee’s project listing records the building as a 508-metre, 101-storey structure. The architect’s project record connects the tower’s name, height and floor count.

Visiting Taipei 101: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• Taipei 101 stands in the Xinyi District of Taipeh. The Taipei Metro serves the area through Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station.
• The building rises vertically through offices, retail areas and observatories. High-speed lifts connect the public observation levels with the upper part of the tower.
• The observatory includes views across Taipeh and displays the tuned mass damper. The visible sphere is housed inside the tower rather than on its exterior.
• The official language is Mandarin Chinese and the currency is the New Taiwan dollar.

Searching for Taipei 101 on social platforms

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Frequently asked questions about Taipei 101

Where is Taipei 101?

Taipei 101 stands in the Xinyi District of Taipeh, Taiwan. Taipei Metro’s Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station serves the surrounding district.

What can visitors expect inside Taipei 101?

The building contains retail areas, offices and observatories. Observation levels include views across the city and the visible tuned mass damper.

What makes Taipei 101 distinctive?

Its defining features are its 508-metre height, 101 floors, stacked façade and suspended structural damper. The tower was completed in 2004 by C.Y. Lee & Partners.