The most recent meeting of the Civil Engineering & Construction club was held on January 10, 2005 at the offices of the New Jersey School Construction Corporation in Newark, NJ. An evening of information and networking, the event featured a fascinating presentation on the design and construction of the Taipei Financial Center in Taiwan, delivered by Dr. Ling-en Hsiao, Vice President of the Thornton-Tomasetti Group.

Known as Taipei 101, the building is 1,667 feet tall, making it the tallest building in the world. This surpasses the former champion, the twin 1,483-foot Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

After a buffet dinner of Portuguese food catered by a local restaurant, Dr. Hsiao gave us an insider's look at the design as construction of Taipei 101. As the building's chief structural designer, Dr. Hsiao was in a unique position to show us how a skyscraper of this size is designed and built.

A question and answer session followed Dr. Hsiao's presentation, followed by some networking by the approximately 20 club members and guests in attendance. This was a really enjoyable and interesting evening. Make plans to join us for the next meeting on April 5, 2005! (Scroll down for photos)

CE&C Club President Yan Lee '74 (left) introduces Dr. Hsiao (right).

Dr. Hsiao discusses "Reaching for the Sky: Constructing the World's Tallest Building".

CE&C club members Lisa Peterson '02 (left) and Maria Christina Martinez '94.

Fred Grigni '82, CE&C Club VP of Communications, Yan Lee '74, CE&C Club President and special guest speaker Dr. Ling-en Hsiao (l-r).