Taipei Performing Arts Centre

Program: Entertainment, Culture, Arts
Location: Taipei, Taiwan
Size: 40,000 sm
Materials: concrete, metal panel, glass

Design
The design for the Taipei Performing Art Center is developed in the context of our fading memories of the rustic, simple and cinematic Taipei. Though these elements remain as familiar reference points in the theatre culture, they are also fused with modernity, inspired by sculptural art and articulated by material and form.

Form
Like a theatrical study, the Taipei Performing Arts Centre explores the many forms our bodies can interpret. In this, we are exploring curvilinear forms in a manner as that of a skilled dancer, highly precise and controlled, yet allowing chosen points of emphasis to flow through the limbs and out across the stage, into the engaging audience.

The building’s form embodies contrast between the fluidity of theatrical performance and the stationary nature of sculptures. Modern sculptural art becomes the formal language, a composition of orthogonal shapes that transform into curvilinear planes.

With the application of digital tools, we are able to derive forms that relate to sculptures from the modern period while evoking the classic ambience of theatre.

Planning
In our proposal, we want to bring the city into the performing centre, so that the stage becomes an extension of the cityscape. The theatres then, are elevated to a +6m level and the ground floor is recessed to -2m level. This intermediate space becomes a medium between the Centre and the exterior, providing open public space for a cultural market program that includes various facilities such as galleries, an open theatre, a bookstore and café. This cultural market space will complement the neighbouring night market.

With the city as an active backdrop for the Performing Centre, this will become a vital role in the local community, a unique and welcoming venue for art and cultural events.