dadong arts centre sets high standards for the recovery of kaohsiung

dadong arts centre sets high standards for the recovery of kaohsiung
all images courtesy of cie, yu-lin chen and quei-shiang ke

located in kaohsiung, the economic center of southern taiwan, the ‘dadong arts centre’ designed by MAYU architects+ and de Architekten Cie, is conceived as the first public domain space to set high standards in the recovery of the city. before the opening of china to foreign markets, taiwan was the leading economy of the region. after that, towns started developing into generic industrial fabrics without adequate public spaces, that created the need of developing new and pleasant urban sites to help regenerate the inner-city districts.

the ‘dadong arts centre’ is embedded into the city landscape 

the new ‘dadong arts centre’ creates a strong link between the open and the densely-built city, connecting the feng-shan river, a popular park and the historic centre of the feng-shan city. the concept of the ‘dadong arts centre’ is similar to the traditional taiwanese courtyard house, where the patio works as a social exchange for the different families living around it. four concrete volumes line a public plaza that also penetrates the complex to separate the buildings from each other. providing shelter, a membraneous skin above the plaza areas features 11 enormous funnels, reminiscent of illuminated hot-air balloons with tapered ends dipping to face the pavement.

eleven huge funnels are designed to protect visitors from extreme weather conditions  

the configuration of the complex stimulates the intense use of public space by activities such as dance, tai chi and various games which characterize outdoor areas in taiwanese cities. the skin protects visitors from the region’s periodically strong rains and intense sunshine, while creating a perfect outdoor situation for such activities. openings in the narrow ends of the funnels allow for the drainage of rainwater and the circulation of fresh air. when the sun shines, these openings turn into enormous natural spotlights, enticing people to act. all day long, people of different social backgrounds, interests and ages -individually as well as in groups- are performing on the informal circular podia formed by benches and granite-lined basins.

the funnels turn into giant oculi that catch the sunlight
image © guei-shiang ke

the ‘dadong arts centre’ is a multi-functional art space, aiming to be the state-of-the-art venue for producing artistic and cultural events. it also plays an important role in cultivating and training artistic talents in classical as well as popular culture. an 800-seat theater and a small rehearsal hall are the center pieces of the complex. the x-framed concrete elevations of the four individual buildings are homogenous, yet each one indicates the programme inside by subtle changes in the degree of openness of the structure.

the music hall offers concerts and entertainment

video © skyline vision studio

the centre plays an important role in cultivating and training artistic talents

all day long, people of different social backgrounds, interests and ages enjoy the circular benches and granite-lined basins

the configuration of the complex stimulates the intense use of public space

at night the funnels turn into traditional taiwanese lampions

the X-framed concrete elevations of the four individual buildings are homogenous, yet each one indicates the programme inside
image © guei-shiang ke

the arts centre creates a strong link between the open and the densely-built city
image © guei-shiang ke

floor plans

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edited by: juliana neira | designboom