SANE architecture

Taichung City Cultural Center

SANE architecture

3. July 2014

Terrace view by SANE architecture

A building and an urban space unique to the climate and the culture of Taichung that combines a public library and municipal fine arts museum—the cultural flagships of a city—into one area, synergizing art, education and recreation

The site is located on the northern end of Taichung Gateway Park. The project integrates the park landscape to form a key cultural landmark and an entryway gesture into the park. In such a complex environment we proposed a light structure, having as a key concept the idea of PERMEABILITY, a complex urban space hosting the museum and the public library programs.

Street view by SANE architecture

The Taichung City Cultural Center will be an innovative mix between the natural and the artificial with a strong environmental approach, a new landmark for the area enhancing Taichung urban identity.
The building combines the requested library and museum functions with a third one of equal importance: the park – creating an unique, complex public space, offering a diverse and layered spatial experience.

The two main functions provide spaces independent from each other while sharing the great lobby at the ground floor, that can also be used as a special exhibition space – an impressive 1500 sqm area with a maximum 24.5 m height.

The sustainable approach is a key feature in the design process: a building that is environmentally friendly and naturally ventilated. The building will have control systems that respond to seasonal as well as diurnal variations, mixed mode ventilation with energy reclaim systems.

The building produces electricity from the energy of the wind through the use of an Invelox system, different of conventional wind turbines. Each one of the 15 vertical towers will be fitted with an omnidirectional funnel. The funnels will capture the wind and direct it through tapering passageway, naturally accelerating its flow through the use of several Venturi tubes. The individual streams of kinetic energy will then drive a single generator that is installed safely and economically at ground level.

Editor's note: SANE Architecture's entry to the Taichung City Cultural Center Competition (won by SANAA in 2013) received a commendation in the Cultural Regeneration category of the MIPIM Architectural Review Future Project Awards 2014.