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