Taichung City Cultural Center Competition Entry SANE
Paris based experimental studio Sane Architecture proposed a strong structure and a courageous environmental approach for the new Taichung City Cultural Center. The challenges of the project are strong: to imagine an architecture and an urban space unique to the climate and the culture of Taichung that combines a public library and municipal fine arts museum—the cultural flagships of a city—into one area, energizing art, education and recreation.
The site is located on the northern end of Taichung Gateway Park. The project will integrate the park landscape to form a key cultural landmark and an entryway gesture into the park. In such a complex environment we propose a light structure, having as a key concept the idea of PERMEABILITY, a complex urban space hosting the museum and the public library programs.
Designed by: RMJM
The TCC will be an innovative mix between the natural and the artificial with a strong environmental approach, a new landmark for the area enhancing Taichung urban identity. The building will combine the requested library and museum functions with a third one of equal importance: the park – creating an unique, complex public space, offering a diverse and layered spatial experience. The two main functions provide spaces independent from each other while sharing the great lobby at the ground floor, that can also be used as a special exhibition space – an impressive 1500 sqm area with a maximum 24.5 m height.
he sustainable approach is a key feature in the design process: a building that is environmentally friendly and naturally ventilated. The building will have control systems that respond to seasonal as well as diurnal variations, mixed mode ventilation with energy reclaim systems. The building will produce electricity from the energy of the wind through the use of an Invelox system, rather than through the use of conventional wind turbines.
Each one of the 15 vertical towers will be fitted with an omni-directional funnel. The funnels will capture the wind and direct it through tapering passageway, naturally accelerating its flow through the use of several Venturi tubes. The individual streams of kinetic energy will then drive a single generator that is installed safely and economically at ground level.
Project :
Competition – Taichung City Cultural Center
Firm: SANE architecture, Paris
Team: Traian Bompa, Christina Chelarescu
Design Team: Mahasti Fakourbayat (Design Principal); Andrea Pietrucci (Team Leader); Hao Li (Design Architect); Stefano Tronci, Alice Yeh, Anson Tsui, Dominika Henzel, Edward Wu (Design Team)