New Kaohsiung Station by Mecanoo Architecten
https://www.mecanoo.nl/Projects/proj...hsiung-Station
Size: 182,000 m2
Status: Ongoing
Project Design: 2014 - 2016
Project Realisation: 2014 - 2023
Address: No. 320建國 Sanmin District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
Client: Railway Reconstruction Bureau / Pacific Engineers & Constructors, Ltd.
Programme: Site of 8.5 ha with sunken station plaza (13,000 m2), green canopy (35,000 m2), multilayer bicycle path, landscape (60,000 m2), hotel (22,000 m2), commercial building (52,000 m2), local and intercity bus terminal, restoration of colonial Japanese station building, and masterplanning for future development.
Awards: RTF Sustainability Awards 2017, Transportation Concept; MIPIM/Architectural Review, Future Project Award 2018 Commendation, Big Urban Projects for Kaohsiung Station, Taiwan.
Photography: Ethan Lee
The new Kaohsiung Station is the crowning achievement of the massive Kaohsiung Metropolitan Area Underground Railway Project, which includes seven subterranean stations along a 9.75 km railway tunnel. It will be a true transportation hub integrating train, metro, local and intercity bus services, taxi and bicycle.
As a key project for the city’s transformation, the aboveground station has been designed to add valuable public green space and activate the local community. Kaohsiung Station’s central hall unfolds underneath a brightly lit patterned ceiling that is much more than a station entrance and becomes a public stage for the city.
The station’s large curvilinear shaped canopy reaches out to the city in a powerful gesture, acting as a green connector that unifies different modes of transport, and represents Kaohsiung’s vision for the future as a sustainable city. With a cycling path running east west on top, the station’s multi-layered landscape introduces a generous amount of public space into the city centre. Designed as a destination rather than merely an efficient mobility hub, the station offers a myriad of facilities for the local community and travellers.
The sprawling landscaped canopy protects the open public plaza underneath from Kaohsiung’s tropical climate like large trees would do. Here people can meet, enjoy a refreshing breeze, or visit events that take place at the station, like a farmers’ market, second-hand market, traditional open air opera or a mobile library.
The colonial Japanese station building, which will be relocated to its original site, is embraced by the canopy and symbolically reconnects the old and new Kaohsiung.
Kaohsiung 高雄 가오슝 เกาสง
Taiwan 台湾 대만 ไต้หวัน