In 2004, SAA was invited to design a new contemporary music center in the city of Taichung, in central Taiwan. The program created by SAA in collaboration with a team of consultants, consists of an 18,000 seat outdoor auditorium, exhibition, education, and rehearsal facilities.

The architectural strategy is based on the idea of a strong land-form, creating an artificial topography that can be shaped into a generous outdoor amphitheater. Other “attractors” are located around the site: Concert Hall, Jamming Garages, and Foyers for the performance venues. Exhibition and educational facilities occupy a bridge—a kind of horizontal skyscraper that complements the landform.

The image of the project is a synthesis of new nature—the artificial topography—and the strong sculptural presence of the built-form.