Located in Taichung’s science park, the global headquarters of GIANT - world leaders in bicycle design and manufacturing -was designed to reflect the company’s prowess. By drawing on keywords that represent the firm’s ethos- humanity, nature, technology, and speed- the interior design concept encapsulates the brand’s unique spirit. The headquarters comprises 15 floors. The ground and first floors combine to create a grand main entrance, which serves to welcome outside visitors. It features the lobby, gallery, multimedia room, and auditorium. The concept of open fluid space highlights the essence of the brand’s spirit. The sheer architectural volume combined with sculptural curves, shape and mold the circulation of space, merging visual effects with physical movements. Curvilinear elements like smoke barriers, recessed lights, and floor-pattern-stripes are integrated into spatial forms without adding additional appendages to space. In the lobby, vertical walls clad with a sleek, cool metal contrast with the organic flowing pattern of the marble-coated horizontal floor. The sensory experience caused by this juxtaposition highlights the encounter between technical speed and natural humanity. The main stairs to the first floor also serve as an informal amphitheater to host events. The curvilinear subdivisions on the ceiling that practically comply with fire regulation, provide further visual stimulation, creating additional dimensions which spread outwards like ripples. At the south end of the first floor, a second entry connects to the exhibition space via a bridge, which adjoins an outdoor bicycle ramp that ascends to the next level. Inside, the foyer next to the international conference auditorium acts as an area of convergence. As such, the foyer's curving walls and ceiling seams were designed to create a sculpture-like sensation that accents an image of entry. Whilst inside the auditorium itself, the smooth, pared-back design, not only mirrors the characteristics of speed but also illuminates the natural quality of the wood. The 3rd and 4th floors house the public areas for the staff. The 3rd floor provides space for leisure activities and education training; featuring a semi-outdoor bicycle park- connected to the outdoor ramp, a bicycle workshop, an aerobics classroom, a gym, a library as well as a training classroom. A “u” shaped floor plan sees the various facilities located around the perimeter, with the bicycle workshop centered in heart of the space. Leading away towards the front of the building, the bicycle park acts as an open-air courtyard. In contrast, to accommodate the different needs, the 4th floor has largely been designed with an open plan concept. It features a dining space, a coffee bar, and a creative lab, along with closed-off VIP rooms. The full height ceiling was designed with colored metal grid panels, intermittently positioned at angles that work with the exposed mechanisms. Not only do the colored metal panels function to transition from the service core to the more open public activity zones, but they also create a sense of a robust atmosphere, moving to a relaxing rhythm. Additionally, the expressive color contrast between the columns in the bicycle park strengthens the vivid character. In the dining space, the east and south sides are glazed with full height windows which overlook Taichung city and the exhibition section. Pendant lamps of circular shapes are dotted underneath the exposed structural ceiling to create an active and energetic atmosphere. The recycling spot where the reusable tableware is cleaned and food scraps collected encourages sustainable habits. The Creative Lab provides not only a playground for employees to brainstorm, daydream and imagine but also a flexible working place for employees to work overtime if needed. As such, various materials were combined to achieve a sensation of fantasy in order to trigger the imagination. In terms of layout, two curvilinear walls subdivide areas from the main discussion area. The privacy of the floor-to-ceiling personal box seat contrasts with the other open furnishings. The juxtaposition of multiple colors, materials, and styles enriches the sensory stimuli. Various departments of the headquarters occupy floors 5 ~10. On these floors, the office spatial layout is organized in the concept of a "vertical corridor" which creates a shared public space that is mirrored through all the floors. The vertical corridor comprises meeting rooms of various sizes that are respectively restricted to a specific floor or open to all levels. Mechanical ducts are concealed above the meeting spaces to maximize spatial height and purify the visual effect. Lighting fixtures are evenly arranged to keep equal illuminance and maintain the possibility for layout shifts in the future. The similar layouts between the floors create a flexible working, making it possible for departments to move between floors if necessary. Lastly, the head offices are located on the 15th floor, once again repeating the "U" shaped layout. The front hall houses a reception, with a backdrop that displays the Giant's glorious achievements. The head conference room is located in the center, with the department head offices dispersed around the perimeter, allowing for panoramic views over the city.
Giant Group Global Headquarters
CJ Studio
Bronze

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Location
Designer
Client
Giant Group
Floor area
12955 ㎡
Completion
2020
Designer
Photographer
Kuo-Min Lee