The Kaohsiung Port Terminal project seizes the opportunity to blend seemingly divergent uses of a port terminal, office tower and public space.
It celebrates the crossing of the threshold from land to water. the architectural form is divided into four parts, representing the three terminals (international departure, domestic departure, and international and domestic arrivals) and tower.
The lobby space operates as an architectural manifold, directing users via multiple direct sight lines. This new addition to the urban infrastructure of Kaohsiung serves the functions of arrivals, departures and port administration with those of the recreational waterfront—all under one roof.
The new terminal, coupled with the development of an elevated boardwalk and greenway, enables the revitalization of the harbor district and its transformation from a utilitarian industrial zone to one of recreation and public use.
The port is always lively; shops, restaurants, hotels and public access to the water attract tourists and local residents alike.
Location: Kaohsiung, Taiwan Architects: Jesse Reiser + Nanako Umemoto Project Team: Neil Cook, Michael Overby, Kris Hedges, Eleftheria Xanthouli, Juan DeMarco, Massimiliano Orzi Interns and Assistants: Toshiki Hirano, Sonya Chao, Imaeda Ryosuke Structural Engineering: Ysrael A. Seinuk, Pc, New York, Ny (Schematic Design) Supertek, Taiwan (Detailed Design) MEP, Sustainability, Port Planning and Logistics: Arup, Hong Kong Facade Consultant: Meinhardt, Hong Kong Lighting Consultant: Izumi Okayasu Lighting Design Office, Japan Local Architect: Fei and Cheng and Associates, Taipei, Taiwan Size: 36,883 sq. m Scheduled Completion: 2014