 |
|
|
|
|
Taipei 101 -
with its Asian faceting and instantly recognizable
eight-sectioned shaft - has become an icon almost in spite
of its record height. And that's a good thing, because the
"world's tallest" title is fleeting these days: Several time
zones away, the United Arab Emirates' Burj-Dubai will soon
rise higher. Yet Taipei 101 will still claim the mantle of
the world's most innovative super-high-rise - and one of
Asia's most culturally adept. As some towers proclaim a
rootless internationalism, Taipei's anchor to Chinese
culture seems both progressive and timeless.
A raft of unique technologies also ranks Taipei 101 among
the best-tuned tall buildings ever built. Many architects
know of the massive steel orb that dampens typhoon-force
winds and seismic tremors that buffet the area from time to
time. And its high-speed lifts have become de rigueur in new
Asian towers. Its novel approach to solar control -
featuring 10,000 Hunter Douglas roller shades with custom
fabric - is a better kept secret... a clever, highly
integral shading solution for the building's 2 million
square feet (200,000 square meters) of office space. More >
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Belgium: KBC Bank
Architect: J. Eyers & Partners
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
United Arab Emirates: HSBC Bank
Architect: RMJM
|
|
|
|
|
