RTA-Office’s entry for Kaohsiung Port Terminal Competition reinvents the topography of this Taiwanese waterfront. Building emerges as a colossal geographical element, establishing the idea of a new and improved landscape. Santiago Parramon’s stunning new architectural statement re-examines relationship between contemporary user and the object – being obsessively engaged into condensed and constantly changing scenery, users actually avoid devoting themselves to anything in particular. In order to overcome the issue, overwhelming geometry, along with restless skin of the building, requires additional attention of the consumer and higher level of mental engagement.

The proposal is dominantly voluminous and promotes great resemblance to sand dunes, embedded into continuous seafront. It is designed to be the place of escape and contemplation, place for meditation and almost apocalyptic need for solitude. The inside of the building offers space vertigo and multi-level experience. Service areas are located below the ground which leaves upper levels open and free while the comfort of the user is optimized.

Structural cores of the building have multiple functions – they provide light and ventilation to the inside and serve as additional tunnels for vertical communication, allowing access from every level of the building. Movements inside the cores are specified by technology – this system enables greater flexibility of the complex, facilitating eventual change of uses.

Interactive, layered design is emphasized by titanium surface cladding and the water reflections on the façade create light ornaments in the interior. The rooftop of the terminal building is activated and intended for public recreational facilities for city residents – restaurants, bar and viewpoints.