Kaohsiung Station, Taiwan
In July 2016, the Netherlands-based firm Mecanoo Architecten unveiled plans for a new Kaohsiung Station in Taiwan. It is to be the centrepiece of the vast Kaohsiung Metropolitan Area Underground Railway Project, a transportation hub which includes seven subterranean stations along a 9.75 km railway tunnel.
The 8.5 hectare site includes 13,000 sq. m of sunken station plaza, as well as a 35,000 sq. m 'green canopy' designed to add valuable public space and activate the local community.
Adopting the tradition of lanterns that light the main square in front of temples, where the most important events in Taiwanese villages take place, Kaohsiung Station's central hall is a sunken plaza that unfolds underneath a bright ceiling of oval-shaped lights. The immersive space will create a memorable experience for travellers.
The large curvilinear canopy acts as a 'green connector', unifying bus, bike and train transport, and representing Kaohsiung's mission to become a sustainable city. It protects the open public plaza underneath from Kaohsiung's tropical climate in the same way as large trees.
The green space will become a meeting place, a site for events or markets. Designed as a destination rather than merely an efficient mobility hub, the station's canopy connects a hotel, commercial building, shops, restaurants and other facilities.
The colonial Japanese station building, which will be relocated, is embraced by the canopy and symbolically reconnects the old and new Kaohsiung.
The station is expected to be completed by 2024.
Images and content courtesy of Mecanoo Architecten.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Classroom electrician courses a 'waste of money'
Say experts from the Electrical Contractors’ Association.
Wellbeing in Buildings TG 10/2025
BSRIA topic guide updates.
With brief background and WELL v2™.
From studies, to books to a new project, with founder Emma Walshaw.
Types of drawings for building design
Still one of the most popular articles the A-Z of drawings.
Who, or What Does the Building Safety Act Apply To?
From compliance to competence in brief.
The remarkable story of a Highland architect.
Commissioning Responsibilities Framework BG 88/2025
BSRIA guidance on establishing clear roles and responsibilities for commissioning tasks.
An architectural movement to love or hate.
Don’t take British stone for granted
It won’t survive on supplying the heritage sector alone.
The Constructing Excellence Value Toolkit
Driving value-based decision making in construction.
Meet CIOB event in Northern Ireland
Inspiring the next generation of construction talent.
Reasons for using MVHR systems
6 reasons for a whole-house approach to ventilation.
Supplementary Planning Documents, a reminder
As used by the City of London to introduce a Retrofit first policy.
The what, how, why and when of deposit return schemes
Circular economy steps for plastic bottles and cans in England and Northern Ireland draws.
Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regs
Approved amendment coming into effect 1 March 2025.