"Openair"
The continued success of Taiwan as one of Asia’s prominent economies lies in the ability of its cities to adapt and evolve in order to compete within the global trade network. Being one of Taiwan’s oldest cities and being a major Asian seaport places Kaohsiung within the highest rank of cities that will influence Taiwan’s future trajectory. The successful hosting of the World Games in 2009 marked a milestone on Kaohsiung’s ambitious plan to transform itself from a historical port city into an international metropolis, and national contemporary, cultural hub. The transformative ability demonstrated by Kaohsiung serves testament to a city whose residents are practical, resourceful, and adaptive to the forces of change; during the postwar era, the city succeeded in forging a steel industry from the skeletal ruins of the port itself.
Openair seeks to capture the spirit of Kaohsiung, of this vibrant city, in the sensual form of the port and cruise service centre. By marrying traditional passive energy techniques with modern inventiveness and technologies, Openair embraces the sub-tropical climate through its series of open and enclosed spaces. The terminal stakes a position between city and sea, providing breathtaking vistas upon each, and facilitating unencumbered movement between these flanking realms.
Recognitions:
*Honorable Mentions (4th Place out of 94 entries)
* 2011 AZ Award
Status: Competition Entry
Location: Ksohsiung, Taiwan
Firm Role: Design, Joint Venture with CXT Architects and Archasia Design Group
Additional Credits: Front - Building Facade Design
Gehry Technologies - BIM
IDEE Engineering - Local MEP Engineering
Ken Greenberg - Urban Design Advisor
Lightemotion - Lighting Designers
Malone Chang Architects- Local Landscape Architect and Planning Consultant
Opresnik Engineering Consultants - Sustainability Consultant
Royal Haskoning - Cruise Ship Terminal Consultant
SU International - Local Traffic and Transportation Consultant
Thornton Tomasetti - Structural Engineer
TH Tsai and Associates - Local Structural Engineer
Transsolar - Climate Engineering
Yuan-Tai Engineering - Local HVAC Engineering