Archello Awards 2026 · Enter your projects before 30 September 2026
Archello Awards 2026 · Enter your projects before 30 September 2026
Geometry
Lee, Kuo-Min

Geometry

A.   Project Overview

  The planning for this project was developed by architect Mao Shen-Chiang. The design is based on pure geometric elements, defining three types of modules. These prototypes were designed to meet specific functional needs and then stacked, interspersed, and rotated to fit the overall spatial proportions.

  This reception center, established for the architectural planning of the Cing Jing Lin Group, is located in the Tainan High-Speed Rail redevelopment zone. The architect applied an exterior color scheme based on the nature of the main project. To accommodate the idea of quick assembly and disassembly, steel structures and curtain wall systems were selected for the construction, influencing the overall design and volume planning; The materials employed impart a sense of lightness and grace to the overall spatial structure.

photo_credit Lee, Kuo-Min
Lee, Kuo-Min
photo_credit Lee, Kuo-Min
Lee, Kuo-Min

B.   Project Brief

  This reception center is named "Geometry – Born from Purity," with the core concept of "MOSAIC". 

  The architect initially conceived the design by manipulating geometric volumes through aggregation. Later, the massing was refined and simplified to meet the specific requirements and floor plan configuration. Throughout this process, three core principles were maintained: pure geometric form, stable and rational construction interfaces, and an intuitive and comfortable user experience.

  Functional areas, such as open spaces, sample rooms, and ancillary spaces, are allocated based on the structural type. The overall roof system, including sun shading and rainwater drainage, is then planned. Finally, indoor ventilation and air exchange are evaluated and designed.

  Based on the above elements, this project can improve the construction and the environmental impact during the usage phase.

photo_credit Lee, Kuo-Min
Lee, Kuo-Min
photo_credit Lee, Kuo-Min
Lee, Kuo-Min

C.   Project Innovation/Need

  In Taiwan, most reception centers are constructed as temporary buildings on or near the construction site. These types of buildings are designed to be disassembled and removed once construction begins. To facilitate efficient disassembly and reduce construction waste, architects often opt for pre-cast construction methods. This approach significantly shortens the deconstruction time and minimizes the generation of various types of industrial waste.

  Architect Mao Shen-Chiang believes that triangles, quadrilaterals, and circles are the prototypes of all geometry, the origin of design, and the foundation of everything, as well as the absolute essence of painting. Therefore, through the composition of pure geometric elements, he highlights simplicity, geometric shapes, and abstract concepts, attempting to express deeper thoughts through simplified forms and pushing the thinking of spatial combination to a new stage.

  This project similarly embodies the exploration of geometrics and a redefinition of space and manipulates triangles and quadrilaterals to research a unique architectural appearance, meanwhile highlighting the purity of form, color, and space; The overall exploration of form, space, and technique resonates with the core principles of Suprematism, presenting a sense of harmony in the design, as if narrating the balance between form and space, echoing the static abstract forms of Malevich.

photo_credit Lee, Kuo-Min
Lee, Kuo-Min

D.   Design Challenge

  The most significant challenge of this project lies in achieving precision and accuracy between the interfaces of various materials. Given that the site may not be perfectly flat, even though the steel trusses and other materials are precisely manufactured in the factory, the site's instability may cause the disconnection of many components. Therefore, during construction, flexibility must be maintained between components to allow the on-site construction team to make fine adjustments at specific points of conflict.

  From a design perspective, the architect employed pure geometry to construct the volume, aiming to create a form that originates from nothingness, is abstract, transcends color and objects, and is intended to express a pure spatial sensation. The architect also sought to break through traditional standards and pursue new modes of expression, striving for innovation and experimentation in architectural design, thereby presenting a unique aesthetic.

photo_credit Lee, Kuo-Min
Lee, Kuo-Min

E.    Sustainability

  As a temporary structure with a projected lifespan of only 3-5 years, this project poses unique sustainability challenges. The environmental impact of the deconstruction of the building must be carefully considered.

  From the beginning, the design team placed a strong emphasis on material reusability. Extensive discussions were held regarding the end-of-life disposal and reuse of the building materials and their potential for reuse in future projects. The project demonstrates a clear commitment to minimizing environmental impact and promoting material sustainability throughout its lifecycle.

photo_credit Lee, Kuo-Min
Lee, Kuo-Min

Project credits

Project data

Project Year
2024
Category
Showrooms
Primary Building Material
Glass
Steel
Building Area
530 m2
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