In the centre of the booming Tianmu district in northern Taipei, a project is being developed that goes far beyond the usual urban architecture. The innovative residential skyscraper Out of the Box, designed by the world-renowned MVRDV office, aims not only to meet the needs of residents, but also to transform the landscape. Thanks to its unique concept, the building, with its 25 storeys, becomes a new reference point in this part of the capital.
The MVRDV team was inspired by a deep analysis of the outdoor space – literally and figuratively. The ‘Out of the Box’ project is based on the idea of creating space through a series of ‘protruding’ façade elements. The geometric grid of the facades, clad in marble, breaks up the monotony of the block through numerous partitions – loggias, balconies, terraces and additional interior spaces that emerge from behind the standard plans. Each of the 93 flats thus acquires an individual character, and the benefits of standardised unit layouts are combined with a wealth of diverse functional forms.
Innovative solutions
A key element of the project is the thorough application of Taiwan’s building regulations for outdoor space. By analysing these regulations, the MVRDV team has created a kind of catalogue of ‘boxes’ that can function as balconies, loggias or interior extensions. The largest of these reach a depth of six metres. In addition, a two-metre-deep terrace has been placed on the higher level of the building to maximise natural light and airflow. Advanced digital tools were used in the design process to give the façade a dynamic form by analysing solar exposure and other key parameters.
The skyscraper’s location on the main thoroughfare connecting central Taipei to the northern districts gives the project a special significance to the cityscape. In an environment dominated by low and medium-rise buildings, the new concept becomes a clear landmark. The exposed boxes, extending beyond the plane of the building, literally ‘extend’ towards passing pedestrians, creating a distinctive element of public space. In this way, the project not only fits into the existing urban structure, but also diversifies it, introducing a new visual and functional quality.
Public space
The ‘Out of the Box’ project is not only an innovative residential space, but also an integral part of the urban fabric. As part of the redevelopment of the space along Zhongshan Street, a new commercial building is being constructed that continues the façade line of the neighbouring buildings, but through its grid and the materials used, clearly communicates its related importance to the high-rise building. The ground floor of the new building provides for modern retail units, creating new opportunities for existing shopkeepers. At the base of the skyscraper, there is also a relaxation area – a green space with a swimming pool for residents and an adjacent small park create a place ideal for relaxation, social integration and active leisure. On the roof, meanwhile, a communal terrace has been designed to complement the range of amenities available to residents.
Architecture as a manifesto
According to MVRDV’s founder, Wina Maas, the building’s location and the nature of the surrounding architecture require the new development to be a building to be admired both up close and from a distance. “Given its surroundings and the low-rise nature of the neighbouring buildings, we knew that our project had to be something that they would admire – both up close and from a distance,” Maas emphasises. Elements of the projecting façade act as viewing platforms, allowing views of the city skyline and the scenic Yangmingshan Mountains. The building concept not only meets the strict standards of the regulations, but also opens up new horizons in the interpretation of urban space.
“Out of the Box” is MVRDV’s first residential project in Taiwan, following on from previous developments such as Tainan Spring (2020) and Tainan Market (2022).
source: MVRDV
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