The Hualien development is a utopic undertaking that seeks the perfect intersection between nature and the built environment. The building form changes depending on the views – from the mountains and the sea, the buildings are a complete reflection of the natural. The complex is located on a prominent site facing the coast and near the Hualien River and Papaya River deltas, surrounded by Taiwan’s spine of mountains to the west, the ocean to the east and the city of Hualien to the north. 

The proposal describes a landscape of parallel stripes that emerge from the terrain and fold to create an artificial topography, with the residential and retail spaces underneath. These stripes rest on a structural grid of 8.4 x 8.4 meters, the optimum dimensions for the parking, whose half module of 4.2 meters defines the breadth of the band, suitable for residential spaces. The stripes generally run east to west to frame the best views while also acting as a sunshading mechanism for Taiwan’s hot and humid tropical climate. The roofs, flora-covered and walkable, create a continuous landscape. Gardens, running paths and swimming pools are placed towards the center of the compound.  BIG