paolo cucchi architects: taiwan tower proposal

taiwan tower proposal by paolo cucchi architects
all images courtesy paolo cucchi architects


designboom continues coverage on the taiwan tower competition with the proposal of italian firm
paolo cucchi architects.

the slender tower rises 400m. the original design integrates a delicately carved endless
network of fret patterns: it is a familiar decoration, a tribute to the quality and creative
ability of artisans and craftsmen. taiwan’s past experiences, harmoniously combined with
recent engineering processes, suggest not only respect and continuation of oriental art
and tradition, but integration with a global culture. the main ornament, composed of 'wan zi',
represents the number 10.000, and has an auspicious meaning - a wish of a long life.

located within the central park of 'taichung gateway park', a portal into a vibrant, multifunctional area
(production, trade-economics, research, social and cultural interact in the idyllic frame of the nature), 
the tower plays a decisive role as an alluring landmark, sculpting the type of atmosphere and lifestyle the
new metropolis offers. in the daytime the ‘circular’ ring radiates as the sun’s beams reflect off its glass body,
illuminating the town.

the simple oval shape, made evident by rays of light that bounce in different directions,
alludes to the form found on the taiwanese flag, the sun, the essential symbol of life.

the taiwan tower is a ring, rich with its symbolism of eternal 'long life' and above all, of the unity
and the fidelity of the taiwanese people towards the land that their spirit has transformed into an
economic miracle of the new millennium. beyond this symbolism, the shape of the ring carries
with it, two equally meaningful practical functions. one structure and two eco-energy. the form
of the ring allows the 400m tall verticals to arch over and fuse together at the top. this coupling
creates a structural unity that offers an increased lateral resistance to better withstand the typhoon
and seismic forces for which the taiwan tower will be designed for.

the toroidal form presents a vertical aperture through which the strong winds of the site will be
channeled alike a windsock. taking its cue from the re-invention of the humble floor/table fan,
the wind can be captured and converted to produce green energy and power.





structurally, the choice of a ring like toroidal form has made possible the achievement of a slenderness
ratio of 20 for the tower verticals. this is far more slender than that of other tall buildings and all
the more remarkable, considering the typhoon and seismic loads prevailing at the site.

based on a wind pressure of 5k p/a at the top, a maximum sway of tower height/200, similar to
taipei 101 is achievable with the structural system conceptualized.





the key elements of the structural scheme are comprised of:
- a 3-dimensional outrigger arranged in an elliptical colonnade around the 1m thick reinforced concrete
lift core walls
- the colonnade consists of circular hollow steel sections, braced together every 100m. these circular
hollow steel sections act in pairs flanking the lift core, creating tension-compression couples that stabilize
the tower when subjected to lateral loads.
- the colonnade tapers inwards at the podium levels to suit the profile of the ring; a macro horizontal
transfer tie is introduced at the change in profile to structurally unite both sides of the ring.
- the observatory floors span 40m from one bank of lift cores to the other, crossing over the aperture
of the ring. these floors are supported by hangers, which are hung from a macro 3-d space frame steel
truss that spans from one bank of lift to the other.
the 'wan zi' façade, generated by repetitive applications of an abstracted 'wan zi' chinese character,
is conceptualized as an aluminum mesh. the skin will take on degrees of opaqueness, transparency,
perforation and permeability based on optimizing:
- wind pressure
- pedestrian wind comfort levels
- day lighting and shading
- solar gain
- natural ventilation and stack effects



interior


the perforation and permeability will be informed by structural analysis showing
where wing loads need to be reduced. these perforations allow the building to breathe;
the glass surfaces offer protection where it is necessary. the intricately metallic frame,
as a semi-permeable membrane, continues the osmotic process between exterior
and interior, insuring a visual continuity: the interstices filter the sunlight, increasing shelters
and letting the nature draw exquisite, artistic patterns of shadows. 

surrounding, the tower displays a lovely landscape, a green roof platform and a sky garden. in order to reduce
traffic congestion the vehicular access has been divided into two paths and for an efficient circulation have
been provided separate entry points for employees and visitors:  offices occupy about 50% of five floors of
the lower levels, plus two upper floors. the remaining portion is given over to the museum. maximum flexibility
has been planned for the interior: museum’s itinerary and activities are located on different split-levels.

a core of central lifts without interfering with the museum’s access, brings the people to the transfer level that
is organized as pleasant waiting area, where is possible to drink a coffee, eat something or enjoy the view.









ground floor plan



1st floor plan



2nd floor plan



3rd and 4th floor plan



5th - 8th floor plan



tower core



top floor and restaurants


the two internal sides of the tower has been created around the central lift-structure
on the mezzanine. visitors find a mirror image of the other side: the tower unifies different
sections without separation of walls. the view does not only incorporate the tower but
also mainly focuses on landscape and urban planning of taiwan, creating a landmark.
three panoramic lifts from both side of the sky-garden run-up to top platform, their relatively
slow speed allow visitors the experience of the extensive view of the outdoor scenery. 




elevation and section view