55 Timeless – the Perfect Subject for Taiwan
Richard Meier & Partners is proud to unveil the new CDC “55 Timeless” Xin-Yi Residential Tower in Taipei, Taiwan. Commissioned as an urban landmark by Continental Development Corporation, the tower rises 127 meters and will set a precedent in Taiwan as a private building that dedicates its entire landscape to the public realm. The building is currently under construction and on target to complete the superstructure by the end of this year with an opening expected in 2017.
The design of the tower is based upon geometric clarity and an openness that are reflected in its horizontal and vertical organization. The building consists of two complimentary volumes, a transparent south volume and a solid north volume. The relationship between these two main elements is emphasized through a subtle shift in both plan and elevation creating a dynamism and variation in scale that responds to the immediate urban environment.
The solid north volume contains the core of the residential units that flows towards the transparent south volume which is a natural light-filled space where living, social and the more public programs are located. A carefully crafted geometric organization allows viewing corridors towards the mountains in the far distance.
Richard Meier comments: “Natural light is a very important element of the CDC “55 Timeless” Xin-Yi Residential Tower and the architectural grid helps to bring all the elements of the building into a rational organization so that all of these elements are interrelated both horizontally and vertically. This by consequence affects the structure and the detailing of the building bringing everything into a harmonious whole. As a city rooted in tradition, as well as one of the global hubs in technological innovation, Taipei encapsulates the history of Taiwan. We hope this building will contribute to the vitality and the public life of the city center.”
The massing and proportions of the building are in harmony with the existing context, creating a lower and upper tower volume. The lower part of the building will have two apartments per floor and the upper portion is designed for one large apartment unit per floor. Luxury amenities, including an exterior swimming pool and roof deck, are located on the top floors of the tower with views towards Taipei 101. This building aims to contribute to the continuing growth of the Xin-Yi district as well as to the city of Taipei, a modern and vibrant urban center in Asia.
Richard Meier & Partners
