Timeless architecture is the philosophy of Mecanoo & MAYU’s design for the National Taiwanese Archive: a building that hosts the memory and the collective identity.
The National Archives building is composed of two volumes: one that extends horizontally, forming a large canopy, protecting the ground floor, establishing the relation interior-exterior; the other, a perfect cube, landed on top of the horizontal volume.
Following its clear shape, the building is also organized in two zones: the public and the restrict access areas. The public zone is located in the east part of the site, connected to Wenhuayi road, while the restrict access area is organized on the west part.
T Residence is a tiny residential unit with an area of only 46.2m2. An open plan layout is adopted using multi-functional barriers to define required spatial functionalities while retaining the fluidity of circulation between each space.
The 1.7km long former railway line crossing downtown Taichung was an important catalyst for the development of the old city. The railway’s historical value plays an important role in the revitalisation of the urban realm on which it sits.
Sustainable life, sustainable history & culture
Although in the past, the rail line was a mean of connection, the disused railway acts more as a divider due to its challenging location on the dyke, which impedes the circulation from one side of the tracks to the other.
Located in one of Taipei’s most expensive districts, this 40-year-old house was renovated a few years ago by the the owners’ family elders. However, the design did not meet the owners’ needs and made living troublesome and inconvenient. The owners pondered on the issue and decided to transform the house as a gift to their son (i.e., a home where he can live and grow up happily and comfortably) prior to his entrance to kindergarten.
Article source: Wei Yi International Design Associates
“The space reveals the mindset of the resident.”
An inspiration, a small idea, like a drop on the ocean, spreads and accumulates and finally forms a perfect picture. The concept of Blue Eye originates from the ocean, where all things are nurtured; and this small concept leads to such a space.
Next to the Gushan Ferry Pier that connects Kaohsiung to Cijin is a FamilyMart. Further down the road is a Watsons. Continuing along it is a series of storefronts, most of which are delis and dessert shops.
Would anyone have ever wondered what is behind this row of shops?
Indeed, if you take some time to get around to it, you will discover a local neighborhood situated just between that bustling road and the pier-side, where the place is decorated with some casually erected melon sheds, a small square in front of the temple, and plenty of randomly placed plantations. Above all, you will also be treated to some waterfront sceneries in the cool breeze as you stand in this subtropical city of Taiwan.
Averagely 220 wet days per year plus frequent typhoon landings, A newly reform area incorporating alleys exclusively designed for pedestrian activities, with the dwelling needs of urban lifestyle and wide age range.
What is the housing reflecting Yilan’s terroir and people?
Our first impression of Toucheng Village and Wishi Harbour in Yilan was the smell of salty waves, the sound of splashes on the glossy shingle beach, and the sight of distant Guishan Island. The image of dissolving waves and glittering sea foam became the source to the guesthouse’s design element.
Clusters of round openings on the black façade allow light beams and diffuses inside like roaming foam in the air. The building morphs into an obscure lantern whose dim light glowing upon the voyagers.
This building houses the information center of Academia Sinica. The ground floor is designed for receptions, presentations and seminars, etc.; the upper floor will be functioning as ecological exhibition hall. (All exhibits are excluded in the architect’s design scope.)
The pavilion situates in the ecological restoration area on Academia Sinica compound. Initial design inspirations resulted from deliberation with landscape and exhibition design consultants. A fierce dialogue, integrated with designers’ fields of specialty, formed the guidelines toward later design process.