At a casual glance, the Kaohsiung Centre for the Arts and the Tainan Public Library could not be more different. The first project takes on a ‘single-surface’ approach that combines land and form as a smooth and integrated whole. The undulating silhouette of the building does not allow visitors an immediate understanding of its formal logic. The library on the other hand is composed as an object building symmetrical in two directions. Its formal appearance is expressed by its inverted ziggurat profile with the upper massing supported by thin clusters of white columns. By all optical account, the two buildings look quite different. Therefore one might be surprised to find the design author of the buildings are by the same Dutch architecture practice Mecanoo.
However once the buildings are experienced through its contexts and interiors, one begin to understand their similarities, particularly in its environmental responses. One might even argue there is a degree of commonalities in its sectional qualities. I have heard Francine Houben described the concept of the Kaohsiung project as being inspired by the Banyan tree. Before experiencing the project in person, I thought that statement was a BS/ post-rationalisation that architects typically come up with. However, after experiencing and walking through the site, I can literally sense the connection between intention and effect. The cave-like / carved-out space is a fine interpretation of the banyan tree canopy. Such extensive covered area provide a much needed shaded space for the public. The careful positioning of the cavernous spaces also helped to promote a comfortable breeze appreciated by the local residents. The overhead massing is occasionally illuminated by openings overhead, balancing both mystic and utility at the same time. Unlike the organic plan composition of Kaohsiung, the Tainan project takes on a legible and rational composition, nevertheless it also carries a heavy upper massing. Each upper stagger provides around a 20 meter overhang thus offer a much desired shading for the public plazas below. The upper most stack (4th floor where the multi-media room is located) addresses the issue of solar exposure by having a double facade.