Coexistence of Past and Present: Revitalizing the Space of "N24 Taipei Ark"
Originally a part of Taipower's central warehouse complex, "N24 Taipei Ark" was built as the Taiwan Electricity Corporation's Matsuyama Factory during the Japanese colonial period and later served as the repair factory of Taiwan Power Company. Due to its original function as a warehouse, the building lacked sufficient natural light and ventilation.
Understanding the functional and spatial characteristics, the design team aimed to transform the space into an office area as part of the East District Gateway Plan. The design involved dismantling the warehouse structure and extending it outward to allow more natural light to enter. The high ceiling on the roof level enabled the reconfiguration of the office space, developing a vertical relationship.
Introducing New Functions to Respond to Modern Trends
The design team adopted the concept of community flow, breaking down spatial limitations and planning for flexible office, discussion, and recreational spaces. This allowed users to maintain freedom and space for interaction while working. Considering the historical significance of the building, the team preserved its exterior materials and overall usage traces during restoration. Steel structures were used as new materials to complement the original materials.
The design team chose to preserve parts of the original structure, showcasing the wall's texture and the marks left by time. On the second floor, the "Blockchain Incubator Center" office space features the design team's use of seismic walls as punctual structures, addressing issues arising from the old building's age while preserving the beauty of the original reinforced concrete structure.
Ascending to the rooftop area, the design team utilized angled volumes to introduce sufficient natural light into the central courtyard. The design of the volume echoes the "Ark" imagery of "N24 Taipei Ark," becoming a representative image of the park entrance.
Extension of Context: Redefining Community Space
The design team observed modern community connections and, in conjunction with the blockchain center as an office space, expanded the definition of "community" to "societal" interactions. This reflects a future mode of human interaction and a development trend.
By combining core concepts with design techniques, the space restoration created a people-centric architectural space, reviving its charm.