taichung metropolitan opera house by toyo ito takes shape

taichung metropolitan opera house by toyo ito takes shape
all images courtesy of the taichung metropolitan opera house

the much anticipated completion of the ‘taichung metropolitan opera house‘ moves ever closer with images revealing that the majority of the porous ‘shotcrete’ façade is now in place. designed by acclaimed japanese architect toyo ito, work began on site in late 2009 with workers tasked with a complex construction strategy.

the majority of the porous ‘shotcrete’ façade is now in place

the main structure is formed of several curved walls, connected with inlaid floors and a core service wall. stretched across the building, the envelope’s continuous surfaces are made from a sprayable type of concrete used for tunnel work. cast in two layers, the core of the structure is applied with a pre-mixed batch in order to achieve an accurate massing.

afterwards, workers plaster a slightly different blend by hand to ensure that the exact size and texture of the design is realized. consequently, the skin serves as living ecosystem – continually recycling rainwater and passively controlling both temperature and radiance within the building.

the main structure is formed of several curved walls, connected with inlaid floors

internally, an expansive ‘arts plaza’ stretches throughout the ground floor with numerous circulation routes leading to the grand theater at the heart of the design. the uppermost level houses a range of dining facilities featuring a café terrace and an adjoining roof garden. the public opening of the ‘taichung metropolitan opera house’ is currently scheduled for 2015.

construction work on the shallow pool at the base of the building

inside the scheme’s cavernous and sculpted volumes

the structure before the concrete elevations were cast

the roof terrace will eventually house a communal garden

the uppermost level of the design houses a range of dining facilities

the public opening of the ‘taichung metropolitan opera house’ is currently scheduled for 2015