National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Wei-Wu-Ying)
(Wei-Wu-Ying)
Mecanoo organic design for the National Kaohsiung Performing Arts Center in Taiwan grows from the abstraction of the flourishing and distinctive trees populating the site for decades. Both positive and negative space created by the trees is reflected in the curvilinear and almost porous building design. These voids become windows into and out of the structure; interior and exterior are blurred and the human experience is that of openness and connectivity to the outside and an attraction and drawing in toward the building when experienced from outside; inside and outside are no longer separate.
The building design springs not only from the organic, but also from a need to create a building capable of adapting and reacting to the sub-tropical environment. The roof is covered in plantings providing natural and efficient cooling for the building and its undulating roof that touches down to meet the earth provides shaded outdoor space for impromptu uses by theatre goers the local community including tai chi, mediation and relaxation.
