When I first saw the jumble of pipes on the facade of the Pompidou Center, it seemed like a mockery of common sense. One can’t help but wonder: what’s the catch, and why is this inverted complex showcased in a square surrounded by historic buildings? Academically, Pompidou is one of the visionaries of high-tech style. On a personal level, this realization came gradually, much like with olives. Renzo Piano created a universal reference that can be applied to almost any office or art space. Just look at the ceiling in any modern shopping center, or at GES-2, or the ventilation shafts in Gelendzhik Airport; you’ll find a piece of Pompidou everywhere. It’s a canonical thing, and sometimes it’s hard to believe it’s been around for nearly half a century.
Today’s project is located in Taipei and, in a way, serves as a modern interpretation of the facade chaos of Pompidou. It’s unfortunate that this reference isn’t mentioned in the architects' description—they emphasize stylized integration with local culture and environment. But we won’t be fooled!)
By the way, the exterior with staircases resembles Ricardo Bofill’s "Red Wall," another iconic building from the 70s