Mecanoo has revealed plans for the transformation of the historic the World Vegetable Center into a hub of innovation and community engagement in Tainan, Taiwan.

Called VegWorld, the 2,674-square-metre building will comprise the renovation of the old laboratory building, including a welcoming area of 473 square meters, a discovery space of 824,9 square meters, a co-working space of 577,3 square meters, and a convening space of 650,1 square meters. 

The landscape design of external spaces will cover 504,2 square meters dedicated to the patio and foyer, and 290 square meters for the terrace.

In order to promote the potential of vegetables for healthier lives, the World Vegetable Center has been doing research and organizing outreach and training programs since the 1960s. The main campus in Tainan, Taiwan, has been a center for study for the last fifty years. 

However, a shift toward increased transparency and involvement with the local community and foreign visitors has been envisioned in response to growing community interest and support. 

This offers a special chance to expand the site's use by incorporating different services and initiatives that can support the organization's goal of bridging the gap between research and society.

The World Vegetable Center envisions VegWorld as a dynamic project where guests can fully immerse themselves in the story of vegetables by learning about their variety and applications, taking part in training programs for urban farming and cooking, or attending international scientific conferences. Repurposing the former laboratory building is a significant addition to the campus and is crucial to the realization of VegWorld.

Three distinct but complementary spaces will be included in the project: a co-working space to promote collaboration with start-ups; a multipurpose gathering area that can accommodate up to 300 people for conferences, workshops, and meetings; and a discovery space that tells the story of the World Vegetable Center. 

By maintaining the current structure, Mecanoo's design for the building honors the modernist typology that characterizes the campus and adds an inventive volume over the old patio to house a portion of the new program, piqueing visitors' interest.

The hub is inspired by seeds

Discovering the universe of seeds and vegetables, each of which has the capacity for development and life, is like finding hidden gems. Beneath their humble appearances are complex tales of adaptability, resiliency, and the possibility of survival. 

Together with the rebuilt interiors and façade, the specially designed architectural intervention, which is inspired by the structured patterns seen in nature, makes the building more sustainable and future-proof for future generations. 

Mecanoo completed "the world’s most technologically advanced theatre for dance" in the Berkshire mountains of Massachusetts, United States. Additionally, the firm also transformed and revitalized the Perth's former City Hall with bronze and meticulously-designed details throughout the interior space. 

Mecanoo, established in 1984, is led by its founding partner and creative director, Francine Houben. The firm specializes in complex, multifunctional buildings and integrated urban developments, combining architecture, urban planning, landscaping, and interior design.

Project facts

Project name: VegWorld

Architects: Mecanoo

Design: 2023 - ongoing

Size: 2674m2 

Location: Shanhua, Tainan, Taiwan 74199

Client: World Vegetable Center

Local Architects: Mayu Architects

Exhibition Design: Kossmanndejong

All renderings © Mecanoo. 

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