2011 » Taiwan » Architecture Section

Taiwan Theatre 2.0: In Search of Cultural Identity

Theatre is a window on culture, the personification of a society. The design and establishment of a theatre inevitably defines the character and style of the cultural landscape. In 1987, the National Chiang Kai-Shek Cultural Center was inaugurated in downtown Taipei with the physicality of a classical European opera house merged with traditional Chinese palace architecture. Despite the many incongruities of this form of theatre space, it has dominated the cultural scene in Taiwan for more than two decades ever since. Today, rising political sentiment in favor of a balanced development of the north and south of the island has finally led to the birth of another world-class theatre in a city other than the capital. After two decades, what progress has been made in the design and establishment of a theatre building? Do we possess the clear insight as to what kind of theatre is needed in Taiwan today? Taiwan presents the Wei Wu Ying Center for the Arts as the feature exhibit in this architecture exhibition. For the Wei Wu Ying Center, an international design competition was hold and Dutch architect Francine Houben was selected to design new building. The art center’s design does not limit itself to oriental imagery. It blends local characteristics while envisioning itself as an urban landmark that, in planning the theatre’s comprehensive functions, takes the individuality and styles of local performing troupes into consideration. The design aims to reflect the unique landscape of modern theatre in Taiwan. As an example of new theatre architecture in 21st-century Taiwan, it no doubt echoes the firm footsteps of modernization in Taiwan and shows confidence and refined maturity.