NL Architects' Taiwan Tower #2: Tower of Change

In the previous post, we published tower concept #1 "Tower of Power" that Amsterdam-based NL Architects recently submitted to the Taiwan Conceptual Tower International Competition. In this post, we're having a closer look at entry #2 "Tower of Change". As NL Architects team member Kamiel Klaasse told us: "This time we had too much inspiration; we made two entries... but didn't win anything." No worries, Kamiel - it's now up on Bustler!

The "Tower of Change" design team comprised Pieter Bannenberg, Walter van Dijk, and Kamiel Klaasse in collaboration with Gen Yamamoto.

Project Description:

Tower of Change is a proposal for the Taiwan Tower in Taichung.

Tower of Change is an attempt to break out of the usual confinements of architecture.

Tower of Change is a building that perpetually changes in height.

Tower of Change contracts and expands. It develops from to a pagoda like figure in its most compact position to a slender elegant funnel when erect. Tower of Change is an animated building.

Tower of Changefeatures a glamorous restaurant with a small publicly accessible satellite that can be propelled into the air, an observation space that can be jacked up to a height of over 300 meters. The observatory can be described as a rotating elevator without shaft.

Tower of Change is a dynamic hyperbolic structure; it deploys a system of rings that are carried by straight bars. One ‘cylinder’ is placed inside the other with bars in opposite directions. If inner ring is turned relative to the outer ring the system is set in motion. Once the upper ring turns relative to the lower ring the height of the unit as a whole will change; the connecting bars from an upright position will slowly ‘fall’ into an oblique arrangement. And back again.

Tower of Change is a new type of revolving restaurant: it grants continuously changing views over the landscape. In its lower position visitors will be able to focus on direct surroundings: the new urban plan that is being developed at this very moment. When completely stretched into its upright position, visitors will be able to see the sea. After a drink or two your horizon will be expanded…

Tower of Change holds a city under its ‘skirt’. It features a museum, offices, conference center, parking and restaurants. The lower part of the building with the largest rings can be pulled up; it transforms from a sarong into a miniskirt: welcome!