'sun moon lake visitor center' by norihiko dan and associates in taiwan
all images courtesy norihiko dan and associates


opening to the public later this week is 'sun moon lake visitor center' by tokyo-based
architecture firm norihiko dan and associates. consisting of two v-shaped volumes that
stand lightly nestled into one another, the competition-winning design is a part of
'landform series', a development of four sightseeing centers in taiwan.



view from the lake


recognizing that most sightseeing structures largely consist of 'dead space' due to the concentration
of attention paid to the point with the best view, the design aims to eliminate this by establishing
a strong relationship between all points of the architecture to its environment. building within
the landform, the facility gradually rises out of the sloping mound, creating an integrated garden
rather than severing the topography of the site. the interstitial spaces generated from and between
the forms direct sight lines to less-than-obvious views of the scenery, spreading out the focal point
of the building.



ground floor exterior space facing the lake


the ground floor of the design connects the center together through an expansive outdoor space
finished in exposed concrete. a series of long reflecting pools crossed with flat foot bridges
maintain the presence of the lake even in spaces where it is not the visual focus.

the form of the buildings features gentle and dramatic curves, at points funnelingthe space together
or fanning out above to provide shade. singularly finished in exposed concrete, the rough texture
is emphasized by the light that washes down the surface.



curving exterior surfaces









hollowed out volumes



reflecting pool






view of the interior space that faces the landscape


the roof features a snaking route that allows the visitors to occupy the space for
its vertical vantage point. subtly ramped from the lower level, the promenade
changes the walker's orientation to direct a multitude of different views. 



roof space



approach

to further connect the architecture with the site, a large basin of water sits between the lake-facing
windows of the center to the edge of the site. the result is a visual extension of the lake,
inviting its elements directly up to the viewer.



larger reflecting pool at the foot of the design



night view









aerial






physical model



profile view of model



rendered section



floor plan / level 0



floor plan / level +1



floor plan / roof



section


section



elevation / south



elevation / north



elevation / administration office of tourism bureau - east



elevation / administration office of tourism bureau - west



elevation / visitor center - east



elevation / visitor center - west


perspective drawing