(Odisea TV, Spanish) La Torre de TAIPEI 101 (1/5)

Taiwan's Architectural Marvel: The Rise of Taipei 101

Construction and Celebration

• Taipei 101, standing at 508 meters, has been under construction for four years and is nearing completion without major issues.

• A small celebration with fireworks marks the installation of the last piece of the building's facade, located 60 meters above ground during a gala event.

• Security measures are stringent, with 500 cameras monitoring the event; glamorous attendees celebrate the skyscraper's completion.

National Pride and Safety Concerns

• The project receives support from Taiwan’s president, reflecting national pride as Taiwan gains global attention.

• Taiwan faces significant natural disasters annually, including earthquakes and typhoons; this context raises concerns about safety in high-rise construction.

Earthquake Risks

• The region experiences frequent seismic activity due to tectonic plate interactions; annual movements can lead to catastrophic events.

• Taipei houses over two million residents accustomed to minor tremors that help prevent larger quakes.

Construction Challenges

• Workers face extreme heights while constructing metal beams; any mistake could be fatal given the precarious conditions.

• Owner Yingling secured funding quickly through business connections but acknowledges that financial backing alone cannot mitigate risks.

Tragedy Strikes

• On March 31, 2002, a strong earthquake causes structural failures leading to fatalities among construction workers.

• Survivor Golding reflects on his near-miss during this disaster while grappling with fear at such heights.

Earthquake Monitoring Systems

• Taiwan employs advanced seismic monitoring systems that provide real-time alerts for earthquakes to enhance public safety.