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The National Kaoshiung Centre for the Arts

Mecanoo

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Designer
Client
Ministry of Culture of Taiwan
Floor area
141000.00 ㎡
Completion
2018

The National Kaohsiung Centre for the Arts symbolizes the transformation of Kaohsiung, once a major international harbour, into a modern, diverse city with a rich cultural climate. It is designed as an integral part of the adjacent Weiwuying Metropolitain park to have a positive social impact on the residents of Kaohsiung. The 225m-long and 160m-wide building features four formal performance halls and a large outdoor amphitheatre. Hosting a total of 6,000 seats and the most technologically advanced theatre facilities, the cultural complex is fit for world-class performing artists and theatre companies.
Inspired by the local Banyan trees with their iconic crowns, the vast, undulating structure is composed of a skin and roof, and connects an extensive range of functions. Underneath this roof is Banyan Plaza, a generous, sheltered public space, where residents can wander through day and night, practice Tai Chi or stage street performances. An open-air theatre nestles on the roof where the structure curves to the ground, with the surrounding park forming the stage. Designed with the subtropical climate in mind, the open structure allows the wind to blow freely through Banyan Plaza. The seamless flow between interior and exterior creates opportunities for crossovers between formal and informal performances.