Chiao Yi Tang and Wan Shih Yang · CLIENT: Ruentex Interior Design Inc.
The research building integrates new and existing volumes, aiming to create a highly experimental environment. The design draws from the diverse pulsations of natural landforms, symbolizing the Earth's rhythmic breath. The design multiplies and extends spatial layers. It creates an open and infinitely extendable order. The visual narrative unfolds from the Earth's core to the galactic scale, expressed through seismic wave imagery, highlighting the coevolution and harmonious development of earthquake engineering and the land.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The research complex unites new and existing structures to form an experimental architectural environment. Inspired by the pulsating dynamics of natural landforms, the design evokes the rhythmic breath of the Earth through layered spatial multiplication and extension. Visualized from the Earth's core to the galactic scale, seismic waveform imagery anchors the concept. The project ultimately expresses an approach to earthquake engineering that evolves in harmony with the land.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The NCREE, located on the NTU campus, expanded by adding seven steel stories atop the original six-story reinforced concrete structure, forming a 13-story composite building with floor heights of 3.2-5.2 m. The addition integrates elevators, stairs, and utility shafts, and combines seismic monitoring, technology demonstration, intelligent conference systems, and flexible spaces, creating an international platform for earthquake engineering and disaster-mitigation research.
- Tags
- Geological Stratification, Landform Pulse, Seismic Design, Resilient Architecture, Research Public Interior, Earthquake Engineering, Public Interaction, Taiwan Earthquake Research
- Production Technology
- The space is crafted with a refined palette of mineral paint, eco-friendly coatings, PP film, metal, stone, glass, engineered stone, ceramic tiles, and flame-retardant carpet, creating a calm and tactile atmosphere. Acoustic softness comes from sound-absorbing cork, wool felt, and protective corner detailing. The equipment room employs the National Earthquake Center's patented Sloped Rolling-Type Isolator and a seismic-resistant ceiling system, ensuring stable operation after a quake.
- Design Challenge
- The main challenge was translating technical earthquake concepts into intuitive spatial forms while extending the layered paths. Seismic-resistant and isolation technologies were integrated to ensure structural safety without compromising research needs, conveying the connection between earthquake engineering and the land, and reflecting the idea of coexistence and harmony. This process required multi-level innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
- Project Duration
- The National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering collaborated with National Taiwan University on an expansion project, integrating new and renovated buildings within the campus. Construction began in July 2019 in Taipei, with the donation inauguration held on the morning of November 9, 2020, and the entire project completed in June 2021.
- Operation Flow
- Visitors begin at the Earth's core and follow layered paths out toward the cosmos, with natural elements woven throughout to create an engaging, hands-on experience. The space includes open interactive exhibits, informal "plaza-style" meeting and social areas, focused research zones, and flexible spaces for brainstorming and developing ideas, with smooth transitions guiding users through different conceptual layers.
- Research
- This applied architectural research integrates earthquake engineering into spatial narrative. Through collaborative sessions with NCREE, the team used structural simulations and seismic prototypes. Architects and engineers worked together to create a symbolically layered, resilient space. The project improves public awareness, safety integration, and environmental storytelling in institutional design. It impacts society by promoting disaster preparedness and advancing design in earthquake-prone areas.
- Inspiration
- This design draws inspiration from geological stratification and seismic wave rhythm, transforming natural geomorphic processes, including weathering, erosion, and deposition, into the generative logic of form and space. Its narrative unfolds from the Earth's core, mantle, and surface, expanding outward to the atmosphere and into galactic scales, shaping a layered architectural environment that echoes the planet's inner forces and embodies human resilience and adaptability.
- Image Credits
- Image #1: Photographer Xiaoxiong Liangyan, Earth Rhythms, 2021.
Image #2: Photographer Xiaoxiong Liangyan, Voices of Insight, 2021.
Image #3: Photographer Xiaoxiong Liangyan, Gateway of Trust, 2021.
Image #4: Photographer Xiaoxiong Liangyan, Aurora Research Studio, 2021.
Image #5: Photographer Xiaoxiong Liangyan, Resonance Corridor, 2021.
Video Credits: RUENTEX INTERIOR DESIGN INC., 2021. - Patents
- Copyrights belong to RUENTEX INTERIOR DESIGN INC., 2021.
Press releases are available in 1 languages.