Project Overview

This is an architectural design project of the Pingtung Digital Youth Center at the former Pintung City Youth Activity Center. After 40 years, the original occupants were relocated, allowing the building to be repurposed to establish the center for the Labor and Youth Development Department of Pingtung County Government. With the primary goal of educating and fostering technical talents among the younger generation, the facility boasts a diverse range of spaces, including offices, meeting rooms, restaurants, exhibition halls, common studios, technology interaction spaces, and lecture halls. Moreover, the design prioritizes both functionality and digital technology while also seamlessly incorporating eco-friendly elements to create an aesthetically pleasing, flexible, comfortable, and healthy environment for its users.

Organisation

Sanpen Architects and Partners

Team

Chao-Yi, Lee
Ya-Han, Hsu
Yuan-Sung (Kris), Hsiao
Ching-Hao (Howard), Hsu
Hsuan-Hao, Chang
Rooster Lighting Co., Ltd.

Project Brief

The building’s exterior features a minimalist style that preserves the original window openings and column configurations. The use of baked metal expanded mesh adds a delicate and simple aesthetic through geometric shapes and lines. The architect's clever design creates a connection between the interior and exterior spaces. For example, digital lighting equipment is combined with metal lacquer expansion mesh to create a light sculpture backdrop on the south plaza during events, increasing interaction between the environment and the building.

Project Innovation/Need

The east side of the building has windows, and the terrace and dining space on the south side are open, promoting interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces. The restaurant's pavement on the south side extends to the plaza, and the original base fence is replaced with a movable fence. This design allows users to adjust the space according to their needs.

Design Challenge

The building’s design prioritizes environmental protection through its double-layer façade exterior walls. This design allows natural light to enter the interior through the external windows and softens the harsh light with a semi-permeable diffusion mesh curtain, resulting in gentle and soothing interior lighting.

Sustainability

This feature enables users to meet their lighting needs during the day without turning on additional lights, reducing the use of electric lights and extending their lifespan. Furthermore, the building is equipped with digital lighting equipment that controls the light source through digital signals at night, reducing unnecessary energy consumption and allowing for various façade effects during events. Moreover, the building also incorporates original structures such as the Japanese wooden truss system and reduces waste generated during the construction process, achieving significant carbon reduction.