Maxwan

Maritime and popular music center . Kaohsiung

source: Maxwan . more

A visual showcase of maritime and pop music ACTIVITY.

Concept
For a true icon of the maritime and pop culture industries, the space should be more than simply formally symbolic or a series of closed boxes; it should function as a visual display of bustle of the actual workings and events of pop and maritime culture. By exposing the reality of the maritime and pop industries, people can engage with these cultures.

Site Strategy
In Taiwan in general, and in Kaohsiung specifically, open space is a precious commodity. The choice was made to maximize the available open space on site. The ability to interact with water is integral to the public space design.

The Building
The building is a connecting structure from east to west, creating a vibrant retail bridge with views out over the cove. The building is given a thin profile, in order to press the activities against the façade, giving the public greater visual access while also providing those in the building constant views out toward the harbor.

Logistics and Entrances
The public space is laid out for simple functionality. There are three zones for parking, directly accessed from the adjacent streets. These zones also allow for loading and logistics straight up into the building. Covering these three areas is an undulating public space.