reiser + umemoto architecture: winning design of kaohsiung port terminal

new york-based practice reiser + umemoto (jesse reiser and nanako umemoto) has been awarded first prize in the international design competition for the kaohsiung port and cruise service center in taiwan. consisting of an elevated pedestrian pathway along the waterfront, the proposal aims to take advantage of the site and maximize the interface between water and land. the main hall splits into three different partitions for different itineraries of travel, resulting in a cluster of legible and sculptural volumes. by vertically stacking and separating the functions of the general public, port business, and travelers, the center maintains a level of security while providing a synergetic atmosphere in the high atrium-like common space.

approach from the water

interior view – ticketing service

the building’s skin features a series of incisions which lend the design a sense of movement while allowing for natural daylight to enter the interior. fluctuating in thickness, the cavity space between the long-span shell panels house a number of services including vertical circulation, structural elements, utilities, and ventilation.

retail/restaurant looking down to lobby

night view of pedestrian walkway

the boardwalk, which is connected to the terminal along three different points, will link the new pop music center, the arts and shopping districts within a chain of green spots along the waterfront. offering a 24 hour space for shopping, dining, and recreation, the elevated pedestrian walk will ensure the continuous economic viability of the port terminal.

model – waterside

model – roadside

site plan

floor plan / ground level

floor plan / main level

floor plan / level +3

longitudinal section

the project is scheduled for construction in 2012 and is expected to be operating by 2014. reiser + umemoto, along with local architects fei and cheng and associates, was also named the winners of the ‘taipei pop music center‘ competition earlier this year.