mecanoo proposes two contrasting volumes for taiwan national archive building

mecanoo has unveiled its proposed design for the ‘taiwan national archive’ — a design which placed runner-up as part of an international competition. planned for new taipei city, the scheme comprises two volumes: the first is a large horizontal canopy that protects the ground floor and establishes a relationship with exterior space, while the other, a perfect cube, sits above.

all images courtesy of mecanoo

the proposal, which mecanoo developed alongside taiwan-based firm MAYU, also features clearly defined public and private areas. the public zone is located at the eastern part of the site, connected to wenhuayi road, while restricted areas are situated to the west. the transparent ground floor, protected from the sun with brise-soleil, establishes a strong connection with its surroundings, and contains an auditorium, exhibition halls, a reading room, and the file exchange center.

a large horizontal canopy protects the ground floor

the archives are accommodated within the cube volume above, which has a strong presence on the composition of the overall building. the façade of the cube is clad with natural stone and aluminum louvers. ‘the skin-louvres building reminds the idea of a precious object,’ explains mecanoo. ‘on the top levels, the two floors of offices, the only area with glazed façade, seals the archive building, protecting it metaphorically and functionally.’

the ground floor is open to the public

an aerial view of the site in context

axonometric drawing

sectional drawing

project info:

size: 38,000 sqm
status: design
project design: 2018
location: linkou district
, new taipei city, taiwan
client: national development council/ archives administration
design team: mecanoo and MAYU
program: archives, reading room, public lobby, offices, conference room for 400 seats, multifunctional rooms, exhibition and commercial spaces, underground parking for 378 cars, 378 scooters and landscape design; future extension of 26,500 sqm of archives
awards: 2nd prize competition