Taipei 101 Observatory

Environmental Design

Taipei 101, once the tallest building in the world, is a true icon of Taiwan—a beacon of innovation and culture. To mark its 10th anniversary, the observatory sought to reimagine the visitor experience, inviting a fresh design that honors the building’s legacy while inviting guests to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking cityscape below.

Our journey began by studying the building’s unique architectural form, a bold square footprint that we sought to soften and transform. Inspired by the ancient Chinese coin—a circle enclosing a square—we found a perfect metaphor for Taipei 101’s essence. The circle became the guiding path, symbolizing fluidity and continuity, while the square remains the steadfast core of the building.

From the moment visitors step off the elevator, they embark on a seamless circular journey that unlocks awe and discovery. To preserve the panoramic views, shops and amenities were thoughtfully placed within the inner square, clearing the way for uninterrupted sights of the city below.

Along the circular path, every turn reveals surprises: an infinity mirror conjures an optical illusion of a bottomless floor, inviting a moment of wonder, while a specially designed passage leads guests to the massive 660-metric-ton tuned mass damper—an engineering marvel that steadies the tower and a silent guardian of the skyscraper’s soaring grace.