Chu Yuan Lee

Co-Founder, Architect, C.Y. LEE & PARTNERS

Tatler Asia
Architect Chu Yuan Lee directed the design of the world-famous Taipei 101

Chu Yuan Lee, a giant of architecture in Taiwan, is best known for directing the design of Taipei 101, the world’s tallest skyscraper, at its time of completion in 2004, and one of the most technologically advanced buildings in the world. He also designed the Kaohsiung 85 Building, which was Taiwan’s tallest building from 1997 to 2004.

In 1978, Lee co-founded of C.Y. Lee & Partners, which focuses on oriental culture and the incorporation of ecological concepts and modern technology. Previously, he assisted in the design of the Republic of China Pavilion for the 1970 World Exposition. He also worked as an architect at Nolen-Swinburne & Associates in Philadelphia, the Urban Design and Development Bureau of Boston, and William L. Pereira Architects in Los Angeles.

Impacted Industries


  • Architecture & Design

Awards


  • 2021: Asia's Most Influential (Taiwan)
  • 2016: CTBUH 2016 Tall Building Performance Award

  • 2008: National Art Award

  • 2006: Taiwan Architecture Award

  • 2004: Gold Award, Emporis Skyscraper Award

  • 2004: Grand Award, Popular Science’s “Best of What’s New” Award, Engineering Category

  • 0: Special Award, The 5th Far Eastern Architecture Award

Did You Know?


Apart from the giant mass damper that makes the skyscraper disaster proof, Chu Yuan Lee’s design for Taipei 101 incorporates Chinese totems for good luck, such as a roof in the shape of a phoenix tail.