Reiser + Umemoto awarded the first place for the Kaohsiung Terminal Port

Reiser + Umemoto, in collaboration with Taipei-based Fei and Cheng and Associates, New York-based Ysrael A. Seinuck, and Arup, are awarded the first place for the Kaohsiung Port and Cruise Service Center.
The building is a tumbling wave-like volume based on a "dynamic 3-dimensional urbanism". This structure amplifies the flow of pedestrian traffic through an elevated and activated boardwalk which runs continuously along the water.

This structure is particularly interesting. The building's envelop lies on a system of nested and long-span shells that are composed of an underlying steel pipe space frame. This frame is sandwiched by cladding panels so that it creates a useable cavity space. According to the architects, "overall an experience of directed yet functionally separated flows will lend an aura of energy to the point terminal space.

Kaohsiung Port and Cruise Service Center, Reiser + Umemoto, in collaboration with Fei and Cheng Associates, Ysrael A. Seinuk and Arup, 2010, © Reiser + Umemoto. Originally appeared on Bustler and ArchDaily

Beneath this level of public promenade, cruise and ferry functions are located just below. One of the key components is to create a dense range of programs. However, separating the cruises and ferries help maintain secure areas for departing and arriving passengers.
I think this approach is a little bit closed to that of Asymptote Architecture. The key component of the Asymptote Architecture's Kaohsiung port is the elevated terminal building accommodating the major programmatic elements associated with passenger travel. But, according to me, the difference lies in the distribution of the open plaza and articulated yet continuous public space both located at the very intersection of circulation paths drawing the urban space of Kaohsiung.
Here the elevated space connects the new Pop Music Center, the arts and shopping districts within a green necklace along the waterfront.

Kaohsiung Port and Cruise Service Center, Reiser + Umemoto, Fei and Cheng and Associates, Ysrael A. Seinuk and Arup, Competition, first place, 2010, © Reiser + Umemoto. Originally appeared on Bustler and ArchDaily

The idea is to sprout clusters of commercial entities along the walk. This will lead to a vivacious public strip that will help "ensure the continuous economic viability of the port terminal, sustaining and amplifying the periodic maritime uses of the cruise terminal and ferries."

Render of the Kaohsiung Port and Cruise Service Center, Reiser + Umemoto, Fei + Cheng and Associates, Ysrael A. Seinuk, Arup, © Reiser + Umemoto. Originally appeared on Bustler and ArchDaily

G + 3 Level Plan, Reiser + Umemoto, Fei + Cheng and Associates, Ysrael A. Seinuk, Arup, 2010, © Reiser + Umemoto. Originally appeared on Bustler and ArchDaily

Main Level Plan — Cruise Departures, Reiser + Umemoto, Fei + Cheng and Associates, Ysrael A. Seinuk, Arup, 2010, © Reiser + Umamoto. Originally appeared on Bustler and ArchDaily

Site Plan, Reiser + Umemoto, Fei + Cheng and Associates, Ysrael A. Seinuk, Arup, 2010, 2010, © Reiser + Umemoto. Originally appeared on Bustler and ArchDaily

The building is scheduled for construction in 2012 and may be completed in 2014.

Project: Kaohsiung Port and Cruise Service Center
Architects: Reiser + Umemoto, in collaboration with Fei + Cheng and Associates, Ysrael A. Seinuk
Project teams: Reiser + Umemoto, Fei + Cheng and Associates, Ysrael A. Seinuk
Structural engineers: Arup
Client: Kaohsiung Harbor Bureau
Location: Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Competition: Kaohsiung Port Terminal 2010
Date of construction: 2012
Completed date: Expected in 2014
Photographs: Courtesy of Reiser + Umemoto
Project area: not yet specified

Photographs originally appeared on Bustler and ArchDaily