Taipei Flora Expo pavilions win top architecture prize

By Kwangyin Liu

An architectural project designed especially for the Taipei International Flora Exposition is co-winner of the Taiwan Architecture Awards' top prize for 2010, the award’s committee announced Oct. 25.

The Xinsheng Park Project, which includes the Pavilion of Dreams, the Pavilion of the Future and the Pavilion of Angel Life, is the best example produced in Taiwan so far of the marriage between design and environmentalism, according to Taiwan Architect Magazine, organizer of the awards.

“While most green buildings are more functional than beautiful, the Xinsheng pavilions have proven that architecture can be both environmentally friendly and visually impressive,” said Chang Chi-yi, an associate professor of Architecture at National Chiao Tung University.

Chang also pointed out that the designer’s decision to choose locally produced building materials such as Japanese cedar over imported woods has also helped reduce the carbon footprint involved in construction of the building, a key indicator of green architecture.

“Our design aims to blend human life with nature, by trying to minimize the building’s impact on the environment,” said Chang Ching-hwa, the chief architect at Bioarch Formosana, which carried out the Xinsheng pavilion project.

The Lanyang Museum of Yilan County was the other building to receive a first prize. The recent winner of the prestigious Far Eastern Architectural Design Award was designed by Kris Yao and Artech Inc., and opened to the public Oct. 16.

Chang Chi-yi said the geometric design of the museum’s exterior mirrors Yilan’s natural landscape. “The use of different types of stone is also a tough challenge for structural engineers,” Chang said.

The 2010 International Flora Exposition, to be held in Taipei City from Nov. 6, 2010 to April 25, 2011, is expected to attract more than 8 million visitors. It includes 14 exhibition halls spread across an area of 91 hectares, all dedicated to showcasing notable achievements in horticulture, science and environmental protection technology.

Taiwan Today, Government Information Office, Republic of China (Taiwan), 26.10.2010

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