RTA Office’s proposal for Taichung Cultural Center Competition is rooted in the idea of the container – with the special attention paid to low impact development and directions of the sustainable design, the architects kept the building compact, the parking is planned underground, with the vertical façade and roof vegetation wherever possible. Building’s footprint is further minimized by maximizing the open space and the aim was to propose one successful synergy between natural environment and the built landscape. The ground floor therefore provides smooth and seamless transition from Taichung Gateway Park to the street.

The inspiration for the very skin of the cultural center is derived from the traditional Taiwanese basket weaving and the final outcome is a transparent skin that provides the idea of the complexity inside. The envelope is designed of recycled ceramic elements and gently filters the light that comes in. The skin has a double role – while increasing the aesthetic dimension of the building, it also reduces its impact on the natural environment by incorporating passive strategies such as solar shading and natural daylight.

As the focus of this particular design was on the environmental and sustainable qualities, the architects at RTA Office paid additional attention to the entire life cycle of the building regarding the uncertainty of the future and the resources. Therefore adaptive reuse was a useful concept and a guiding principle and the spaces designed provide the opportunity for various functions due to their flexibility. As the scenery constantly changes, the visitors are encouraged to return for a new experience.