santiago calatrava will realize an iconic new arts center in taiwan

an iconic new landmark in taiwan is being designed by santiago calatrava. known as the ‘yuan ze arts and international conference hall,’ the project will be realized about 25 miles southwest of taipei. the first phase of the expansive and ambitious program includes a performing arts center, a memorial to the university’s founder, and a new building for the university’s art and design programs. upon the completion of these centers, a second phase will see the addition of laboratories for future scientific research.

all images © santiago calatrava LLC

commissioned by the far eastern group, spanish architect santiago calatrava‘s new center will mark a new landmark in northern taiwan’s taoyuan. the ‘yuan ze arts and international conference hall’ will be sited near yuan ze university and will serve as a gateway to the campus. at the center of the complex, the performing arts building is defined by its dramatically curved roof structure that recalls the language of traditional taiwanese architecture, while the primary entry to the building is nestled beneath a cantilevered extension of the sweeping roof.

the public lobbies of santiago calatrava’s performing arts building in taiwan surround two major performance spaces — an orchestra hall to the north and a theater to the south. the orchestra hall is enclosed by a sculptural operable ceiling that can expand or contract the volume of the hall to meet the acoustic requirements of any performance. meanwhile, the theater is defined by its dramatic, trumpet-shaped ceiling closing into in an illuminated oval aperture above. the theater features a flexible seating configuration that can accommodate from 400 to 700 people and allows multiple types of performances, with choral and symphony rehearsal space located above the theater, and a large reception hall above the orchestra hall.

west of the performing arts building, the Y. Z. hsu memorial building is marked again by its sculptural roof. this roof structure is defined by a series of curving steel ribs ascending to a peak. a memorial to the university founder, the entry to the building begins with a traditional three portal arch within a circular plaza. a long walkway, offering a contemplative approach is completed with two raised reflecting pools. inside the building, a conical sky lit vestibule serves as an antechamber to the memorial space, and includes a spiral stair that connects to exhibition and support spaces below. the steel ribs that form the memorial roof split to create a dramatic arched interior.