New Taipei City Museum of Art

We approached this project by first looking at Taiwan and the characteristics that define its identity. We looked at its culture, its role in today’s world and its ambitions as a nation. Culturally, Taiwan has been at the forefront of developing modern Chinese culture and moving it forward in all its forms. It has been able to preserve this culture and at the same time develop it further as the modern world evolves. The site is intended to give the city a vibrant new cultural center. It is intended that the museum shall jumpstart development in the area and provide an anchor for various enterprises. It is specifically focused on introducing contemporary art to today’s children. As such, we feel that the need is for a development where people can explore and wander around, a place where they can connect with others and with the cultural web of humanity and society, a place where people can come together, share, interact and create. Keeping in mind the three words that governed the design of the museum, "explore, connect, create", a constant evolution of forms took place by adapting the different areas to the existing environment and relating it to the other components of the structure. This resulted with the creation of a flowing and infinite ribbon form. The form is smooth yet conveys strength. Evoking Chinese calligraphic brush strokes, it combines a mix of gentle curves, forceful edges and accentuated points. Multiple entry points and levels create much interaction and varying experiences as you wander along the galleries vertically and horizontally. It is a landscape with no beginnings or ends, just a gently flowing narrative where you can jump in at any time. An open stream of thought, it is an invitation to explore, an infinite network, a house of creativity.