Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Mecanoo 

The new Kaohsiung station is the expected and achieved outcome of the impressive underground railway project in the Kaohsiung metropolitan area, which includes seven underground stations along a 9.75 km railway tunnel. It will be a real transport hub featuring trains, underground, local and intercity bus services, taxis and bicycles. As a major project for the transformation of the city, the above-ground station is designed to provide valuable public green space and activate the local community.

Multi-level landscape
The most important events in Taiwanese villages take place in the main square in front of the temple, illuminated by traditional red lanterns. The central hall of the Kaohsiung station is its contemporary equivalent, a sunken plaza spread out under a luminous ceiling of oval lights. Arriving from underground platforms, the immersive space will create an unforgettable experience for travelers. The station’s large curved canopy stretches out towards the city with a strong gesture, acting as a green connector linking different modes of transport and representing Kaohsiung’s vision for the future as a sustainable city. The station’s multi-layered landscape offers a large amount of public space in the city center thanks to a cycle track running east-west on top, 

An efficient mobility hub
The extensive green roof, replacing the trees, protects the public square below from Kaohsiung’s tropical climate. Here, people can enjoy a refreshing breeze or visit events at the station, such as the farmers’ market, flea market, traditional open-air opera or a mobile library. Conceived as a destination, the station canopy connects a hotel, a commercial building, shops, restaurants and other facilities for the local community and travelers. The Japanese colonial station building is embraced by the canopy and symbolically reconnects old and new Kaohsiung.

Client: Railway Reconstruction Bureau / Pacific Engineers & Constructors, Ltd.
Programme: Site of 8.5 ha with sunken station plaza (13,000 m2), green canopy (35,000 m2), multilayer bicycle path, landscape (60,000 m2), hotel (22,000 m2), commercial building (52,000 m2), local and intercity bus terminal, restoration of colonial Japanese station building, and master planning for future development.
Design: 2014-2016
Realisation: 2014-2025

The project is presented in the exhibition ARCHIcommunity: Architecture for the Community 2023 Venice, Italy (link to the catalogue)