mecanoo plans to unite new kaohsiung station with landscaped roof canopy

mecanoo plans to unite new kaohsiung station with landscaped roof canopy
all images courtesy of mecanoo

dutch architecture studio mecanoo has revealed plans for an important transport hub in taiwan’s second largest city. the new kaohsiung station features an organic, curvilinear shape with a landscaped canopy that offers a generous amount of public space. this area of greenery both unifies different modes of transport, and represents kaohsiung’s desire to be a sustainable city. the scheme forms the centerpiece of the vast kaohsiung metropolitan area underground railway project, which includes seven subterranean stations along a 9.75 kilometer (6 mile) railway tunnel. the planned transportation hub integrates train, metro, and bus services, and accommodates the needs of taxis and bicycles.

the station features an organic, curvilinear shape, with a landscaped canopy

as a main point of arrival, mecanoo’s above-ground station forms a new stage on which to present the city’s identity. arriving from the underground train and metro platforms, kaohsiung station’s central hall is a sunken plaza situated beneath a bright ceiling of oval-shaped lights. the overarching canopy connects a hotel, retail outlets, restaurants, and other facilities intended for both the local community and travelers. atop the multi-layered landscape is a bike path running east to west. the colonial japanese station building, which will be relocated to its original site, is embraced by the structure and symbolically reconnects old and new aspects of kaohsiung.

the central hall is a sunken plaza situated beneath a bright ceiling of oval-shaped lights

‘the most important events in taiwanese villages take place on the main square in front of the temple, lit with traditional red lanterns,’ explains francine houben, creative director of mecanoo. ‘the central hall has been designed as a contemporary equivalent of this, creating a memorable experience for travelers. the sprawling green canopy protects the open public plaza underneath from kaohsiung’s tropical climate like large trees would do. here people can meet, enjoy a refreshing breeze, or visit events that take place at the station, like a farmers’ market, second hand market, traditional open air opera or a mobile library.’

work on the kaohsiung metropolitan area underground railway project and underground station commenced in 2014. completion of the kaohsiung station is expected in 2024.

the project will form a new stage on which to present the city’s identity

the green canopy offers a generous amount of public space

the planned transportation hub integrates train, metro, and bus services

the exiting site in the taiwanese city of kaohsiung

project info:

architects: mecanoo
location: kaohsiung, taiwan
site area: 8.5 hectares — including: a 13,000 sqm sunken station plaza; 35,000 sqm green canopy; 22,000 sqm hotel; 52,000 sqm commercial building; and 60,000 sqm landscape design
expected completion:  2024