Community-driven transformation in Taipei
In Taipei’s Songshan Yulin Yuan Community, residents shape Taipei’s unique cityscape by taking the innovative step of appointing OMA to redefine their aging housing block. Departing from conventional urban renewal strategies, this project seeks to embrace the essence of collective living while addressing modern needs.
A significant part of Taipei’s housing, over 70 percent, is more than 30 years old, with many pre-1974 buildings failing to meet seismic standards. Taiwan‘s 2024 Disaster-Prevention Urban Renewal policy encourages the reconstruction of such structures. This initiative allows the community to prioritize their values in redevelopment, ensuring cherished aspects of neighborhood life are preserved as these individuals shape Taipei’s evolving landscape.
David Gianotten, Managing Partner at OMA, explains the project’s heart: “We were appointed by the residents, not a developer, which emphasizes their desire to maintain the neighborhood’s connectivity and greenery. Our proposal builds on this essence.”
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Innovative architectural vision: How residents influence Taipei’s future
OMA reimagines the housing complex with two 24-story towers, featuring four interlocking slabs. This design reduces the scale and introduces strategic openings for natural light and ventilation. The configuration evokes the original neighborhood’s indoor-outdoor living style, with living spaces oriented outward and service areas centralized. Citizens advocate for designs that reflect their community’s spirit and contribute to Taipei’s architectural landscape.
David Gianotten remarks, “Our goal is to echo the existing spatial patterns of connected buildings and lush greenery.” Each tower’s distinct massing is designed to respond to the existing neighborhood’s character and the community’s desire to preserve connected buildings and greenery.
Integrating community and leisure spaces
A network of amenities weaves through the towers, bridging the development to the broader neighborhood. On the second floor, a semi-open platform nestled in the trees links with local parks, hosting sports and leisure facilities. Meanwhile, ground-level facades invite interaction with nearby schools and paths.
Rooftop gardens crown the lower structures, offering panoramic views of Taipei, while underground lounges provide tranquil retreats. This cohesive network extends residential life beyond apartment walls, nurturing an inclusive community space that shows the influence of the local population on Taipei’s urban community.
Redefining urban density
The Songshan Urban Renewal Residence challenges the notion that higher density means detached tower blocks. Instead, it aspires to merge density with quality living. Chiaju Lin, OMA Project Director in Taiwan, notes, “We aim to preserve character and domesticity, reimagining massing and public spheres.” This innovative approach highlights how locals impact Taipei’s approach to urban density.
This project underscores resident involvement in shaping their future dwellings by emphasizing natural surroundings and shared spaces. Currently in schematic design, the endeavor invites community participation in realizing housing that respects and enhances their way of life.
Project details and future outlook
- Project Name: Songshan Urban Renewal Residence
- Architect: OMA | @oma.asia, @oma.eu, @omanewyork
- Client: Yulin Yuan Urban Renewal Residence
- Location: Taipei, Taiwan
- Site Area: 6,825 square meters
- Partner in Charge: David Gianotten
- Project Director: Chiaju Lin
- Project Leader (Rotterdam): Gabriel Duarte
The proposal reinforces the community’s vision for a harmonized living space, setting a precedent for resident-led urban renewal and showing how the people of the area shape Taipei’s future urban realm.
Explore how dynamic designs shape spaces by reading about the Bihailou Art Village in Shenzhen, an architectural marvel of bold colors and creativity.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
Who appointed OMA for the Taipei project?
The residents themselves appointed OMA, emphasizing their desire to maintain the neighborhood’s connectivity and greenery.
What is the goal of the Taipei housing project?
The goal is to echo the existing spatial patterns of connected buildings and lush greenery, reflecting the community’s spirit and contributing to Taipei’s architectural landscape.
What innovative approach does the Songshan Urban Renewal Residence employ?
The project challenges the notion that higher density means detached tower blocks by merging density with quality living, integrating natural surroundings and shared spaces.