Heart of Dawu

Service Area for C.M.Chao

To emphasize the local cultural characteristics, the project weakens the border between indoors and outdoors and uses natural materials combined with the impression of a fishing harbor to introduce visitors to a space with spiritual indicators and functionality, aiming to promote the beauty and tourism of Taitung. The elevator accessible outdoor platform allows people to enjoy the endless coastline. The exterior covered with curves is different from the stereotypical image of buildings, and the spiral staircase inside the building provides an unobstructed view of Taitung.

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Unique Properties

1. Lighthouse Imagery: The project is centered on Dawu Fishing Port. It is one of the gateways to Taitung County in the South Link Line, encompassing nature, culture, and transportation. From a distance, one can see the iconic exterior of the building standing at the harbor. 2. Riding the waves: Entering the building, one can feel the perfect convergence between the first floor of the double-story building and the outdoor landscape. Walking along the perimeter, visitors can appreciate the boundless circulation of greenery and the slightly undulating visual experience.

Tags

Taitung, service area, fishing port, lighthouse, weakened boundaries, Pacific Ocean, regional revitalization.

Production Technology

Main building materials: reinforced concrete, wood, glass, etc. The base is surrounded by the blue sea in front and the bright green mountains in the back. The color scheme is based on earth tones to link the two scenes. The surrounding environment is planted with plants and shrubs of different heights according to the terrain. It is worth mentioning that the reversed beams of the building provide opportunities for greenery at the base. When people are at the highest place of the building, they can see a view of the ocean covered by shrubs.

Design Challenge

The base is in a remote area. The challenge was the manpower and materials required are very difficult to transport, which leads to higher costs. For this reason, the project was built with local workers, and the technical aspects were difficult to meet the requirements of the architect. In particular, the curves had to be as smooth as a wave, which relied on the architect's control and quality requirements on site.

Project Duration

The project finished in June 2022 in Taiwan.

Operation Flow

Travelers will not only be able to buy souvenirs and agricultural products in the South Link Service Area but also get a connection with the local area. In addition to rest, souvenirs, and agricultural and fishery products, visitors can learn more about the culture and art of Taitung. To emphasize the local characteristics, the layout is based on the angle of the drone to capture the most beautiful sea view and to create a smooth route between the architecture, interior, and surrounding environment.

Research

To emphasize the location advantage, 'natural environment development' and 'in-depth tourism' are the core. The project is in the image of a lighthouse. The double-story building is eye-catching with its special and innovative curved shape. In addition to the spire design, the top floor features a planned walkway and observation deck. The observation deck offers a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and a large area of greenery. Outside, one can see the curvature of the building in earth tones that blend with the environment without borders. Ingenuity in connecting the land and the sea.

Inspiration

The base is on Highway No. 9 and is a must-see for in-depth travel to Eastern Taiwan. Dawu Fishing Port is a perfect resting place during the journey, with a rich natural landscape and a gentle topography, offering a view of the sea in the front and a view of the luxuriant mountains in the back. The architect hopes that this project not only serves as a service area for relaxation and shopping, but also connects the local characteristics to convey the culture, art, and nature of Taitung, and become the core building that establishes the value of the tourist fishing port.

Image Credits

C.M.Chao

Project Overview

Heart of Dawu Service Area has been a Bronze winner in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design award category in the year 2023 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Bronze A' Design Award is given to outstanding designs that showcase a high degree of creativity and practicality. It recognizes the dedication and skill of designers who produce work that stands out for its thoughtful development and innovative use of materials and technology. These designs are acknowledged for their professional execution and potential to influence industry standards positively. Winning this award highlights the designer's ability to blend form and function effectively, offering solutions that enhance people's lives and wellbeing.

Bronze Recognition

C.M CHAO ARCHITECT&PLANNERS was recognized with the coveted Bronze A' Design Award in 2024, a testament to excellence of their work Heart of Dawu Service Area.

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