Taipei, Taiwan—Pop music, while a global phenomenon, is regional in its definition. The Taiwanese music scene typifies the phenomenon; while it crosses borders, cultures, dialects, it has nevertheless produced styles and genres with distinct transnational form and appeal. Though many aspects of pop culture exist in a hyper-technological or virtual realm, there is a need for a defined physical hub dedicated to the production and reception of pop.

The importance of the Taipei Music Center’s (TMC) architectural expression cannot be overstated. Users entering the TMC must know they are entering a unique, creative part of Taipei City with its own architectural identity, style, and aesthetics, for the identity of Taiwanese pop music, while enmeshed in its local roots, has also transcended them and operates on a world stage. The success and energy of this archipelago of pop culture and performance is predicated on an urbanism that is architecturally distinct from what is around it yet remains urbanistically connected.

While the scale and grain of the civic programs – retail, dining, offices, etc. – respect the vital fabric of Taipei street life, their architectural identity is unique and distinct. With the TMC, a new elevated public ground is created, which bridges the two building sites divided by Civic Boulevard. The groundwork for the public spaces is developed from a flowing crystalline geometry. It emerges from the ground but maintains its artificiality rather than being mimetic of landforms. This fabric also serves as the socle for the principle honorific programs and object buildings of the TMC: the 6000 seat Concert Hall, the Exhibition Hall, and the Creative Area Building. Immediately recognizable, the architecture powerfully represents Taiwan’s music industry worldwide, both for those visitors experiencing the complex in person or remotely through social media.

First Prize, International Competition

Honorable Mention, 2021 Architect’s Newspaper Best of Design Awards

Outstanding Public Works Award (North Site), Taipei City Government

Outstanding Public Works Award (South Site), Taipei City Government

Principals: Jesse Reiser + Nanako Umemoto

Design Team: Neil Cook, Michael Overby, Juan De Marco, Hilary Simon, John Murphy, Kris Hedges, Eleftheria Xanthouli, Toshiki Hirano, Ryosuke Imaeda, Joy Wang, Massimiliano Orzi, Xian Lai, Jasmine Lee, Boliang Pan, Griffin Ofiesh, Benjamin Hofmann, Teppei Uema, Sonya Chao, Emily Cass, Sonia Flamberg, Hang Su, Zhe Chen, Yiquing Zhao, Fan Wu, Devin Jernigan, Shosuke Kawamura, Yasuhito Furuyama, Sam Brissete, Becky Quintal, Erin Kelly, Farzam Yazdanseta, Elise Renwick, Kate Wollman, Jacob Bek, Giancarlo Valle, Razvan Ghilic-Micu, Edwin Lam, Sean Stevenson, Wei Wang, Takako Konishi, Catherine Cao

Structural Engineering: ARUP Hong Kong (Schematic Design); Supertech Consultants International

Mechanical Consultant: ARUP Hong Kong (Schematic Design); IsLin & Associates Consulting Engineers

Electrical and Plumbing Consultant: ARUP Hong Kong (Schematic Design); Minginer Consultant Co.

Theater and Acoustical Consultants: ARUP New York (Competition) & ARUP Hong Kong

Facade Consultant: Meinhardt Facade Technology, Hong Kong

Lighting Consultant: Focus Lighting (Schematic Design); Rehouse Design Group

Landscape Consultant: Environmental Arts Design Company

Architect of Record: Fei and Cheng and Associates

Photography: Yana Zhezhela & Alek Vatagin