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After September 11th 2001, and the horror of events at the World Trade Center, the question needs to be asked; are tall buildings safe? Of course, the destruction of New York's twin towers was a deliberate and calculated act of terrorism that shocked most of the world. However, this raises the possibility that tall buildings advertise themselves as targets as well as symbols of engineering and architectural prowess. So why do nations insist on building them and are they really necessary?

Until recently the claim for the tallest occupied structure went to the CN Tower in Toronto. At 1,815 feet this tower soars into the Canadian Sky and provides an unparalleled view of the surrounding city. As the tallest building for many miles it obviously attracts various weather phenomenon, mainly lightening. According to some reports, it can take 40 or 50 strikes a year (Wikipedia, 2008), obviously creating a possible fire hazard.

Fitted with LED lights, sprinkler systems, gigantic water tanks on the roof and an external elevator for use in event of fire, the tower has been built with safety in mind, but it would be impossible to cater for all eventualities.

During the twenty years of its existence, the tower has also been the cause of falling ice that had collected upon its lofty structure and showered the streets below, causing damage to property and closure of streets for public safety reasons (Wikipedia, 2008).

More recently, in Taiwan, the towering Taipei 101 has been built. At 1,671 feet this 101-floor hotel is built in the style of a traditional oriental pagoda and claims the title of tallest skyscraper. Built in an earthquake and typhoon zone the hotel features a tuned mass damper - a large sphere hung centrally within the tower, which absorbs the energy of winds and movement during extreme weather events (Wikipedia, 2008).

Still in construction and due to be completed in late 2008, the Burj Dubai currently stands at 158 floors and 1,964 feet and, when completed, will have 164 floors and stand at 2,684 feet including the antenna (Wikipedia, 2008). At this kind of height, the building will have to include safety features that will absorb the massive wind forces that will blow around its summit.

Current engineering and construction practices include many safety designs in the completion of tall buildings. However, these can only accommodate known factors such as inclement weather and natural phenomenon. So what if these structures become targets for organizations with a

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