Taipei Public Library Datong Branch

National Chiao Tung University, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Graduate Institute of Architecture, Hsinchu

Project idea

Abstract:

The plan for the reconstruction of the Taipei Datong Branch Library involves observing the current state of the old building and the community, analyzing the relationship between the existing structure and its site.

By creating limited quanties of diagrams and illustrations, the project aims to gradually refine and transform the initial perspectives, and finally presenting a proposal that reflects the thought throughout the development.

The perspective on the building and its site was first defined through 10 pictures. This viewpoint was then deepened by using 36 diagrams. In the next stage, the randomly chosen letter "V" was incorporated to introduce new rules to the development, resulting in an architectural prototype. Finally, the new proposal was illustrated through 3 perspectives drawings.

Last but not least, the building aims to respond to the three perspective drawings while following to the real site conditions and regulations.

Project description

10picture:

The Datong Branch Library serves dual functions. It operates as a school gymnasium and an activity center open to the campus, as well as a library space open to the city. Therefore, the building features two distinct façades and design style.

36diagrams:

Approaching the building, it can be noticed that the Datong Branch Library indirectly creates a unique phenomenon through the vertical distinguish of its volumes and functional.

1alpabet:

In the next stage, the randomly chosen letter "V" was involved to create new rules to the development.
The "V" shape, as a pointed form, lacks directionality . The design attempts to address the conditions where the two functions are misread in terms of form.
By intersecting and tilting the dual towers, the design aims to create prototypes that accommodate a basketball court between the intersecting dual towers while keeping the volumes within the site boundaries.

3perspectives:

The perspectives captured three viewpoints from various distances.This progression highlights the duality of the initial two towers, followed by the duality in the façade segmentation, and finally, the duality in the entrance.
By repeating the similar twin elements, the Datong Branch Library transforms its image to users from having distinct internal and external forms to a unified element.

Technical information

1project:

The site is located at the corner of a road within the Taipei Municipal School for the Hearing Impaired.

After analyzing the nearby traffic flow, it can be observed that the site is divided by three main axes: Chongqing North Road to the north, the central campus bridge, and Dihua Street to the south. These three intersecting paths create a symmetrical configuration within the site.

Under the framework of dual symmetry, the twin towers initially present a balanced relationship. However, as they confront various practical conditions such as different user groups, floor area ratios, circulation, and regulations, the building begins to deform from its original symmetrical state.

Simultaneously, the collision and splitting of the volumes allow the school and library functions to either extend into or isolate from each other. The internal spaces intersect and open up, mirroring the dynamic interaction of the building's forms.

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