NTU Cosmology Hall. Image © Shawn Liu, Kyle Yu
- Architects: KRIS YAO | ARTECH
- Location: NTU Cosmology Hall，Taipei, Taiwan
- Architect In Charge: Kris Yao
- Inspection Architect: Kris Yao , Glen Lu
- Project Principle: Kuo-Chien Shen
- Design Team: Chien-Yi Wu , Rossalin Yang , Ting-Tseng Shen, Jake Sun, Wei Tseng
- Area: 1211.0 m2
- Project Year: 2017
- Photographs: Shawn Liu, Kyle Yu
- Construction Inspection: Jun-Ren Chou , Eric Chen, Chan-Ho Chang
- Structural Consultant: Chuang Wei Structural Engineering Inc.
- Plumbing, Electrical & Fire Protection: Majestic Engineering Consultants Inc.
- Hvac Consultant: I. S. Lin & Associates Consulting Engineers
- Contractor: Li Jin Engineering Co., Ltd.
NTU Cosmology Hall. Image © Shawn Liu, Kyle Yu
Text description provided by the architects. Seeking harmony with the surrounding environment, the entrances of the Cosmology Centre extend outward from a cross-shaped axis. The plaza on the eastern side reaches into the existing banyan tree park.
Atrium. Image © Shawn Liu, Kyle Yu
Floating Cube. Image © Shawn Liu, Kyle Yu
The idea of acting against the force of gravity inspired the design of a floating cube in space, structurally supported by the concrete core setback in the center.
Facade. Image © Shawn Liu, Kyle Yu
The depths of the vertical sunshades vary in a progressive sequence, so that the illusion of a sphere inside the cube can be seen outside as one moves around the building, visually experiencing a dynamic, changing façade.
Atrium. Image © Shawn Liu, Kyle Yu
Behind the external hidden sphere is a 38-meter high tubular open atrium, its height echoes with that of the Pantheon of Rome. It provides a direct communication between inside and outside, so that users indoors can directly sense the external natural environment, rain or shine, day or night.
Section
The interior façade of the atrium models the heavenly bodies, made by perforated metal claddings. It also provides visual penetration through the hallways and decreasing echoes in the atrium.
Corridor. Image © Shawn Liu, Kyle Yu
The second through eighth floors are for laboratories. There’s an outdoor viewing terrace on the seventh floor for relaxation.
Floating Cube. Image © Shawn Liu, Kyle Yu
