Located in the Xinyi District of Taipei, an area known for its financial services and vibrant shopping malls, Taipei 101 represents a world precedent for sustainable skyscraper development.

Nearly every aspect of this building’s design is steeped in symbolism. The tower rises in a series of eight-story modules that flare outward, evoking the form of a Chinese pagoda.

The number 101 represents January 1, the first day of the year. As such, the building has become a central focus of New Year’s celebrations in Taiwan. Every year, all of the tower’s lights are turned off and each of the stacked modules light up in sequential order, counting down the last eight seconds before the New Year, which is followed by a dazzling fireworks display.

The top floor of each module houses mechanical systems, ventilation equipment, water storage, and MEP services. Near the top, a smaller tower caps the structure, forming a pinnacle that has become a familiar sight for the city.

TAIPEI 101 also contains a 728 tonne tuned mass damper, a large spherical steel pendulum that offsets lateral movements caused by strong winds. It’s located in a large multi-story cavity near the top of the tower. This location is ideal for countering overturning forces, a necessary precaution in a typhoon-prone part of the world.