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We shudder to even imagine that sort of event repeating itself. So many people died so quickly, without hope of rescue. At least as many will perish in Japan when "the big one" finally strikes, despite heroic efforts by architects to make towers there earthquake-resistant.

Billionai re investors are sponsoring mind-boggling tower designs in Dubai, Moscow, Seoul and Busan, Taipei, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong. Whose building will be the tallest? (What's the prize for this, anyway?) Our famous Empire State Building, once symbolic of American prowess, now sits dwarfed by modern cloud-catchers. We build them because we can, and because we love making BIG statements. It's human nature.

We will make these tall buildings as safe as makes sense. Nothing can be 100% safe, yet no ignorance of the possible perils will be tolerated. Better materials, better stress-analysis, vigilant maintenance, improved evacuation and rescue-paths, surer fire-stopping systems - all these are part of every modern design. But, are these giant towers "safe"? No, they aren't. Safer than crossing the street, or riding a bicycle? Undoubtedly. Are they "safe enough"? Yes, they are, until something terrible happens. That is the reality of life, for all of us, no matter how tall our buildings are.

Learn more about this author, Jim Bessey.
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