The new Kaohsiung Marine Gateway Terminal designed by Asymptote stands functionally and visually as, well, as its name implies- a gateway between the port harbour and the city beyond. Technicality is, however, where the resemblance to traditional gateways ceases. Where most gateways exist as monuments marking the meeting of two places, the Marine Gateway becomes a place in and of itself. The terminus extends the city’s edge out from the urban centre to the port waters, aiming to invigorate and activate this previously industrial area.
courtesy of © Asymptote Architecture
Main elements of the scheme are two iconic towers which stand watch so-to-speak over a sculptured terminal which hovers between them. Below these, a plinth connects the elements and creates a new public urban environment. The architects state, ‘This open plaza is an articulated yet continuous public space that is located at the very intersection of circulation paths that seamlessly draw the urban space of Kaohsiung into the heart of the project through to the water’s edge and back towards the city.’
courtesy of © Asymptote Architecture
The sculptured, fluid forms of the complex extend to the interior. A soaring vertical space is naturally lit from above and draws the eyes upward to the large span which creates the terminal hall. At eye level, one experiences an amplified translation of the Marine Gateway’s place. Panoramas of the city and the Kaohsiung skyline are visible on one side. Turning around, one takes in the Sea, the sky and the horizon line stretching out of view.
courtesy of © Asymptote Architecture
© Asymptote Architecture