asymptote architecture: kaohsiung port terminal

kaohsiung port terminal, asymptote architecture, kaohsiung, taiwan
images and drawings courtesy of asymptote architecture


new york-based asymptote architecture has sent us their design entry for the
'kaohsiung port terminal 2010' competition in taiwan. the multi-use facility houses both
terminal and public facilities such as exhibition and event spaces and transforms the previously
industrial site into an 'urban hub and global gateway'. conceived as a place that would awaken
the waterfront, the design specifically extends beyond the site and into the city's center,
drawing both locals and visitors towards its hovering configuration.  

the design frames the harbor and the water beyond with two asymmetrical towers defining the perimeter
of the facility, connected by the platform and a curved terminal that floats in between. an open air plaza
provides circulation around the base, balancing intersections of public and private, indoor and outdoor
spaces. the fluctuating volume unites the center of the city to the waterfront, where other public spaces
are planned to be located. the form, together with the lighting, aims to provide a dramatic entry experience,
from both the water's edge and the city.



exterior entrance from city at night


the interwoven structure of the curved roof provides shelter to the natural elements
and illumination in the evenings when various activities are taking place. the design, a geometric,
scale-like pattern offers a continually transforming environment, affected by light, shadow and time of day.
below, sculptural panels are suspended to define the terminal hall - an open space dedicated to temporary events -
which is naturally lit from the penetrations in the ceiling above. the exposed structure scattered throughout
the space allows for a subtraction of walls around the outer edge, providing panoramic views of the water and the city.



day time interior perspective



exterior entrance from city during the day



view of the port terminal from the water



floor plan / level 0



floor plan / level 1

floor plan / level 2

roof plan



longitudinal section



cross section section



terminal structural system


project info:

project team: hani rashid, lise anne couture, kris yao
structural engineering: knippers helbig
environmental engineering: transsolar
cruise consultant: parsons brinckerhoff
fire, electrical and plumbing: heng kai
traffic engineering: everest
project area: 40,000 sq. meters