Malaysia’s Petronas Towers used to be the world’s tallest
buildings. Taiwan intends to top this (groan… with a 508-metre
(1,667-feet) tower, the Taipei 101 which is expected to be completed in
November 2004. No inauspicious activities have been spared – feng
shui and geomancy experts have been called in. The $1.7 billion
skyscraper is meant to resemble a bamboo stalk, known for its sturdiness and
vigour. It will have 101 storeys and will house the Taiwan Stock Exchange
and offices for 12,000 people. There are plans for the world’s
fastest lifts: 34 double-decker shuttles that can reach speeds of 60 km/h (37
mph) and take passengers to the 90^th floor in less than 39
seconds. Wow! That will be some tourist attraction in its own
right!