Taipei 101 April 26, 2012

Growing island nations can only build outwardly for so long before they must consider the up option. Taiwan, the Republic of China, is one of the most dangerous spots on the planet for skyscrapers as it is rocked by multiple earthquakes each month, and is vulnerable to the vicious winds of typhoons. The challenge to combine height with protection from natural disasters resulted in the building Taipei 101. In the Xinyi District of Taipei, C.Y. Lee & Partners set out to design not only the world's tallest skyscraper, but one with the safety provisions gleaned from the World Trade Center disaster. And as construction began, competing countries were also vying to complete their own tallest buildings in the world, so the pressure to succeed came from many sides. In 2011, Taipei 101 was presented the highest award in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system and became the tallest and largest green building in the world. The tower has served as an icon of modern Taiwan ever since its opening.

The documentary TAIPEI 101 (台北101 / 臺北101) chronicles this story in 50 minutes and is narrated in English. The Executive Director was Andrew Waterworth, and Matthew Tomaszewski, its director. Free popcorn will be available while it lasts.

Crowell Library thanks the Taiwanese United Fund (TUF), a non-profit organization dedicated to culture and performing arts, and Dr. Jerry C. Liu for bringing Taipei 101 to library patrons.