In 2013, the Taichung city government invited architects to put forth their most daring visions for an expansive new cultural centre. The tilted loop structure by Platform for Architecture + Research sought to integrate the programmed elements of a library and a museum with an outdoor gallery and an open urban plaza. The structure’s form, replete with ramps and stairs that create connections throughout its stacked diagonal orientation, produces a dynamic space meant to attract curious passers-by who drift into the central plaza. Clad in a translucent skin of fritted ETFE and high-performance glazing that encompasses roof, ceiling, wall and terrace, the cultural centre is oriented to optimize natural light and frame views of the nearby Taiwan Tower. p‑ar.com

Location: Taichung, Taiwan Firm: Platform for Architecture + Research, Los Angeles and New York
Team: Jennifer Marmon with David Burpee, Ross Ferrari, Angus Goble, Youree Hong, Josshuae Matias, Ruben Rodela, Matthew Young and Leandro Yuang