Taipei Nangang Office Tower, Taiwan

The design for the new Taipei Nangang Office Tower draws inspiration from the shape of the river pebbles, developing a unique aesthetic that conveys the idea of softness and elegance as well as strength and character. Located in close proximity to the Jilong River and a major overpass highway in Taipei, the surrounding environment provided the opportunity to propose a building that will redefine the skyline of this rapidly developing area of Taipei. The 18 storey office building has been conceived as an ‘incubator of knowledge’ where innovative ideas are exchanged and turned to reality. The rounded silhouette of the north and south façades taper as it gets higher, using a rationalized geometry to optimize construction using straight glass panels. The enclosed curtain wall harmonizes the outer structure, creating a series of outdoor balconies offering unparalleled views for the users. The office space has been planned to provide a highly efficient, yet healthy and inspiring working environment. Span-leveled communal areas have been proposed, incorporating kitchens, coffee shops, small libraries and brainstorming areas; these spaces function together as the ‘urban living room’, aiming to promote creativity and catalyze the interaction between office users. The project design is highly sustainable and aims to achieve LEED gold certification. A breathable building envelope was introduced to increase the flexibility and diversity of the architectural facade, as well as to control the heat gain throughout the year. The vertical aluminum fins have a calculated distance and depth, managing to control the amount of sunlight coming into the building, assisted by green planters on the west side to provide sufficient shading and effectively lower the interior temperature during summer.