Re-Scales

Just as the Industrial Revolution of the 18th Century focused on developing the metropolis; a Safe, Healthy, and Ecological City (S.H.E. City), Kaohsiung has also experienced a similar focus. The ideal city in the 21st century would be one that achieves harmony between the environment and industrial development, remembering that both are vital for a desirable living environment. The Harbor Capital of Taiwan, Kaohsiung, is the second largest city located in southwestern Taiwan, and it has always had a strong link with the ocean and maritime transportation. The Port of Kaohsiung is Taiwans largest container port and the 6th largest in the world. Moreover, Kaohsiung is recorded to become the most densely populated and the most rapidly developing urban center of Taiwan.
According to the United Nations and the Asia Development Bank (ADB) confirm that most of Asia life expectancies will still keep growing up to 2050. As Asias population density increases, skyscrapers are considered the heart of a citys economic power in city space. Not only do they define the skyline but they also help to define the citys identity.
In this century the new landmark of Kaohsiung, the Re-Scales building will emerge with a multitude of ideas aimed towards the balance of: people, technology, environment and architecture. Re-Scales is situated at the waterfront gate of Kaohsiung harbor, aimed at following in the process of making the city eco friendly. The city is rapidly changing its focus as it moves to the future, it is therefore important that new projects are developed considering changes which may occur in the future. As the environmental climate is getting worse, this project is aimed to reduce, recycle, reuse and return the natural energy back to the city. The building’s appearance transforms from the scale of a fish to the feather of a bird. Where the desalination system acts underneath building at sea level, the Hydronic ventilation system is located in the façade graduations shaped as fish scales and bird feathers moving up the exterior of the tower.
The Re-Scales is going to play a central role towards urban living in Kaohsiung. From the sea level, the harbor, the metro subway, the land, the city until the sky, will be connected together by nature, life, and energy.

Project: Re-Scales
Location: Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Design: 2009
Project Brief: New Materials, Technology, Globalization, Environmental Warming, Digital Revolution
Program: Auditorium, Exhibition Zones, Education Forum, Offices, Metro System, Hotel, Observatory, Open Air Event Space
Structural System: Reinforced Concrete, Steel Structure, Glass Facade
Major Materials: Exposed Concrete, Steel, Clear Glass
Site Area: 28, 600 sq.m.