The Japanese architecture firm SANAA has completed its largest cultural project to date, the Taichung Green Museumbrary in Taiwan. This significant 58,016-square-meter building is set to open in December in Taichung's central park. It combines an art museum and a city library within eight interconnected blocks, designed to seamlessly integrate with the natural surroundings.
Key Takeaways
- SANAA's largest cultural project, the Taichung Green Museumbrary, is complete.
- The facility combines an art museum and a city library.
- It spans 58,016 square meters in Taichung's central park.
- The design emphasizes transparency and connection to nature.
- The building is scheduled to open to the public in December.
A New Cultural Hub in Taichung
The Taichung Green Museumbrary represents a major addition to Taiwan's cultural landscape. Developed in collaboration with the Taiwanese firm Ricky Liu and Associates, the project aims to create a multifaceted learning and communication space. The design principle focuses on immersing visitors in the adjacent park environment.
The structure features eight distinct blocks that are linked by winding walkways. This layout encourages exploration and provides varied experiences for visitors moving between the museum and library sections. The building's exterior is characterized by glass and metal walls, further enhanced by an aluminium mesh veil.
Project Scale
- Total Area: 58,016 square meters
- Number of Blocks: 8 interconnected structures
- Opening Date: December
Design Philosophy and Transparency
SANAA, known for its minimalist and transparent designs, applied these principles to the Taichung Green Museumbrary. The extensive use of glass and the external aluminium mesh wrap contribute to a sense of openness. This design choice allows natural light to penetrate the interior spaces and offers views of the surrounding park.
"We have always hoped to create an open building that many people can easily participate in," SANAA stated earlier this year. "Whether it is the museum providing visual learning through art or the library offering education through literature, combining the two to create a new multifaceted learning space is what we believe to be one of the main characteristics of this building."
The architects carefully considered how to join the two entities without creating a rigid separation. The goal was to foster a seamless connection between learning through art and learning through literature. This approach seeks to enhance communication and interaction among visitors.
Connecting Learning and Nature
The building's blocky volumes are elevated on columns. This design element creates multiple access points from all directions, allowing visitors to enter and exit easily. The elevated structure also minimizes the building's footprint on the ground, further integrating it with the park.
An accessible rooftop offers panoramic views of the park and the city skyline. This feature provides an additional recreational space for the public. It also reinforces the design's focus on connecting the indoor cultural experience with the outdoor natural environment.
About SANAA
SANAA, led by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa, is a Tokyo-based architectural firm. The studio is recognized for its contemporary designs that often feature transparency, lightness, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. They received the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2010.
Future Impact and Collections
Once operational, the Taichung Public Library section is projected to house over 1,000,000 books. This extensive collection will serve the educational and recreational needs of the Taichung community. The library aims to be a central resource for knowledge and information.
The Taichung Art Museum will focus on supporting local artists. It also plans to establish connections between Taiwan's art scene and the international art world. This dual mission positions the museum as a platform for both local talent and global artistic exchange.
A Milestone for SANAA
The completion of the Taichung Green Museumbrary marks a significant achievement for SANAA. It is the studio's largest cultural project to date. This year has been notable for the firm, as SANAA also received the Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Other major cultural projects by SANAA include the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York and the expansion of the Sydney Modern art gallery. These projects, like the Taichung Museumbrary, showcase SANAA's distinctive architectural style and commitment to public spaces.
Expected Resources
- Library Books: Over 1,000,000
- Museum Focus: Local artists, international art connections
The Role of Public Cultural Spaces
Public cultural institutions like the Taichung Green Museumbrary play a vital role in urban development. They provide accessible spaces for education, art appreciation, and community gathering. Such facilities contribute to the intellectual and social well-being of residents.
The integration of a museum and a library into a single complex offers a unique synergy. Visitors can move between different forms of learning and cultural engagement within one cohesive environment. This design promotes a holistic approach to cultural enrichment.
The photographic documentation for the project was provided by YHLAA. The new facility is expected to become a landmark in Taichung, attracting both local residents and international visitors.