World's Tallest Skyscraper Completed -- Taipei 101

[mindseye]

Originally posted by Drake Tungsten
I like the building the Taiwanese put up as well. Certainly loads better than the monstrosities put up by their mainland counterparts

(image of Oriental Pearl Television Tower)

Ugh...

There really are some monstrosities here. I am no fan of the Oriental Pearl Tower, either.

Architectural styles change every couple of years in Shanghai, it's fascinating to watch the compressed time scale of building evolution. Most regrettably, the Oriental Pearl Tower was built during a ~ 3 - 5 year phase I think of as "Chinese Crude Modern". These were the first structures designed after the howling winds of the development hurricaine began. Looks like architects during this period were still using the materials they were most familiar with (i.e. lots and lots of cement- in China, the solution to a good many problems is "concrete"), but suddenly started to experiment with curves and new shapes (i.e. anything other than "box"). The usual result was breathtakingly ugly.

Fortunately, the Oriental Pearl Tower does rather fit in with the futuristic skyline of Pudong, somewhat masking its ugliness. Thank the heavens that the Jin Mao Tower (and soon that Giant Bottle Opener) dominate the Pudong skyline.

However, all that camouflage comes to naught when they throw the switch and turn the thing into a giant disco ball! Yes, it's true! The middle sphere is covered with computer-controlled lights, and on some nights the ball is cloaked in swirling colors and patterns. When the "world's largest disco ball effect" was revealed, a Canadian friend commented "I can't believe they came up with a way to make the Oriental Pearl Tower more garish." On a really special evening, they also switch on the revolving spotlight on the top, you can almost hear "Stayin' Alive" wafting across the cityscape.


My greatest regret is that the Oriental Pearl Tower somehow became the symbol of Shanghai, thus insuring that it can never easily be torn down.

Here's a shot (not mine, it's from skyscrapers.com) of some of the towers near the Oriental Pearl. This part of Shanghai is striking, especially on a misty evening.

[mindseye]

I have scores of photos of Shanghai's architecture, some day I will start a thread. For now, here is one of my favorites among the latest crop (this photo is not mine) ...

[Neutrino]

My dad, who lives and works in Taipei, has witnessed the construction of the skyscraper. He says it's quite remarkable and makes the rest of the city look insignificant.

The design is based on Chinese culture - each 'module' open up toward the sky - it's a sign of good luck and fortune.

I'm might be going to visit Taiwan this winter.. if so i'll be sure to take lots of pics

[Az]

that's a yumee building, Mindseye.

[Hueij]

Beautiful picture mindseye

[Verto]

Originally posted by Drake Tungsten

That...thing belongs in Tomorrowland!

[Lonestar]

Next to the Rocket ride?

[geeslaka]

Originally posted by Snotty
Hmm. The skyscraper.com people seem really anal about their image rights.

I think the first tower looks really good.

This one does not.

A giant bottle opener? What were they thinking?

Shanghai world financial tower.

I'm waiting for Godzilla (or something similar), to finish drinking his current beer and go looking for a tool to open his next.

[Drake Tungsten]

However, all that camouflage comes to naught when they throw the switch and turn the thing into a giant disco ball! Yes, it's true! The middle sphere is covered with computer-controlled lights, and on some nights the ball is cloaked in swirling colors and patterns. When the "world's largest disco ball effect" was revealed, a Canadian friend commented "I can't believe they came up with a way to make the Oriental Pearl Tower more garish." On a really special evening, they also switch on the revolving spotlight on the top, you can almost hear "Stayin' Alive" wafting across the cityscape.

I would like to echo the sentiments of your Canadian friend.

[The Mad Monk]

Originally posted by Verto



That...thing belongs in Tomorrowland!

That thing belongs in orbit.


When's the launch?

[The Mad Monk]

Seriously, this is the first time I've seen it, and my first thought was that someone had used an illustration from a space empire game as a joke.

[DaShi]

Originally posted by mindseye
Here's a shot (not mine, it's from skyscrapers.com) of some of the towers near the Oriental Pearl. This part of Shanghai is striking, especially on a misty evening.

No offense Mindseyes, but those guys do not look at all friendly.

[st_swithin]

Originally posted by Drake Tungsten

However, all that camouflage comes to naught when they throw the switch and turn the thing into a giant disco ball! Yes, it's true! The middle sphere is covered with computer-controlled lights, and on some nights the ball is cloaked in swirling colors and patterns. When the "world's largest disco ball effect" was revealed, a Canadian friend commented "I can't believe they came up with a way to make the Oriental Pearl Tower more garish." On a really special evening, they also switch on the revolving spotlight on the top, you can almost hear "Stayin' Alive" wafting across the cityscape.

Looks like Times Square has some competition for New Years Eve.

[mindseye]

Originally posted by The Mad Monk
That thing belongs in orbit.

When's the launch?

Oh, if you are looking for a space vehicle, you need look no further than what's docked on top of what I call the "Mothership Building".

[DanS]

I have scores of photos of Shanghai's architecture, some day I will start a thread.

Bring it on!