The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s Global R&D Center is located in the Hsinchu Science Park—Northern Taiwan’s leading industrial park. The center’s design adopts a logical approach to incorporate a high-performance technology plant with a modular workspace. It can accommodate up to 8,000 engineers and it contributes to the development of new production lines for one of the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturing firms.
The 30-meter height difference that existed on the site presented a great challenge. In order to reduce its visual impact and turn the unfavorable to their advantage, KYA placed the taller office building, with a stepped basement, in the center—the lowest point of the site, serving also as the core circulation space between the two fabs to either side. This arrangement improves workflow and efficiency by encouraging interaction between the two production bases. The cultivated atmosphere of the office quarters also creates a pleasing contrast to the simple geometric forms of the fabrication plants.
The offices look onto a large atrium measuring 160 meters long, 40 meters wide, and 47 meters high. Sky bridges cut through the void at several levels, offering elevated shortcuts from one side of the building to another. Together the height, open corridors, central water feature, and decorative timber panels create a bright and calming atmosphere. Natural light is brought in through sky openings and an expanse of low-E laminated curtain-wall glass. The height of the atrium also encourages stack ventilation, drawing fresh air in near the bottom and expelling stale air at the top, transforming this technical facility into a pleasant and sustainable workplace.
In response to extreme weather fluctuations in the region, two retention ponds were planned for the northern and southern parts of the site, to accommodate surface runoff from heavy rains. A handful of sustainability measures were also put in place to achieve LEED Gold certification, including the installation of solar panels on top of the office building, the recycling of condensation from the fabs for the cooling towers, the use of energy-saving and heat reduction materials both on the exterior and interior, as well as various devices and fixtures to significantly reduce pollution and water consumption.
The center satisfies TSMC’s request for a green and friendly work environment on a highly efficient production site, primed to achieve sustainable growth and to continue to push boundaries in the semiconductor industry.
