Taipei 101 Observatory Entry Plaza

Lobby Design by Tai+Associates

This project, located on the 5th floor of the iconic Taipei 101 building, serves as the gateway for tourists to experience Taiwan's rich culture and geography. The goal is to create a welcoming and memorable experience for visitors while also maximizing commercial benefits. In the 30 minutes before and after their visit to the 88th-floor observatory, the design focuses on fulfilling the tourists' mental needs, managing queues, and providing refreshments and souvenirs. The wall lights are uniquely carved with family names written in traditional characters, while the front desk is designed to resemble Taiwan's highest peak, Jade Mountain.

The plaza is surrounded by curved LED walls, showcasing videos of Taiwan landscapes, leading visitors to have a better understanding of Taiwan. With moving light balls, hanging fiber lights, souvenir shops, and the 101 Café, the plaza has become a multi-function space for waiting, photographing, shopping, and exhibition.

The hanging light plates are designed to represent Taiwan's topography and geography, connecting people from different parts of the world through changing lighting effects. This design not only pays homage to Taiwan's rich history but also represents the present and future of the country. The lighting effects change frequently, creating a dynamic atmosphere that captivates visitors and encourages them to explore Taiwan further.

The project incorporates landscape architecture principles and geographic design to create a unique and visually appealing space. Additionally, traditional Chinese calligraphy is incorporated into the design to add cultural significance and a touch of authenticity to the project.

The project faced challenges due to its location in a busy tourist spot. Construction work had to be done only at midnight to minimize disruptions. Despite these challenges, the design team successfully created a space that showcases Taiwan's beauty and culture.

This Design was awarded Bronze in A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2023. The Bronze A' Design Award is bestowed upon outstanding and creatively ingenious designs that authenticate experience and resourcefulness. Esteemed for incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology, they exhibit strong technical and creative skills and contribute to quality of life improvements, making the world a better place.