Zuo Wang Lin

Exposed concrete and geometric shapes have consistently defined Shen-Chiang Mao's architectural expression. The "Zuo Wang Lin Geometric Pavilion" in Tainan, serving as a reception center for property sales, is constructed from stacked geometric volumes. The design team envisions the city as a stage for artistic expression, transforming the pavilion into a functional piece of art. The structure maintains a human-centered philosophy while seamlessly blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior. Through the interaction of people, architecture, and the environment—both during the day and at night—it creates a powerful visual impact, establishing itself as a landmark that cannot be overlooked within the urban landscape.

To naturally guide visitors into the building, Shen-Chiang Mao skillfully integrated the relationship between the streetscape, roads, and pedestrians. The geometric pavilion, situated on a rectangular corner site, was angled to enhance its visibility. In the open space along the roadside, loose gravel stones were placed to subtly mark areas restricted from pedestrian access. A triangular geometric security pavilion, visible on the site plan, functions as a guiding element. A vertical path in front of the pavilion seamlessly connects with an accessible route, offering a smooth and intuitive circulation. This thoughtful design ensures that visitors are naturally led into the building along a well-defined pathway, with the flow of movement clearly articulated within the simplicity of the layout.

This geometric glass structure, reminiscent of a modern art museum, showcases a free and creative structural design. However, this sense of freedom often stems from the courage to challenge oneself and break conventions. Shen-Chiang Mao continuously seeks to overturn established norms, aiming to create architectural works that have never been done before. He embraces every project as an opportunity to tackle challenging designs. To fully express the artistic tension of this pavilion, the team adopted square steel structures and employed a demanding, time-intensive full-welding technique—both reflecting their commitment to pushing the boundaries of design. In addition, controlling airflow and temperature within the glass structure posed a critical technical challenge. Shen-Chiang Mao raised the entire structure by 90 centimeters and installed multiple air vents between the elevated base and the interior floor. These vents, combined with motorized skylights on the irregularly shaped ceiling, precisely regulate air circulation and integrate with a rainwater drainage system.

The staggered and angled ceiling houses concealed lighting, while natural light from various angles is drawn into the interior, allowing light and shadow to flow and intersect throughout the space. This interplay creates dramatic layers between reality and illusion. The lighting effect not only brings a sense of natural freedom and joy but also enhances the magical atmosphere for nighttime photography, adding an enchanting allure to the entire space. In the sample house within the reception center, Shen-Chiang Mao employs simple, rustic colors and forms to create a space that embodies the comfort, tranquility, and freedom a home should provide. The extensive use of natural wood preserves traces of life. Over time, the materials carry everyday moments, weaving them into an ongoing story.

As time passes, the urban landscape will inevitably change. In response to this impermanent structure, which resembles a work of sculptural art, Shen-Chiang Mao carefully selected materials that, like the natural light streaming into the building, embody a continuous and cyclical nature. The architect opted for sustainable and recyclable materials, such as glass, wood, and engineered stone, deliberately avoiding non-renewable resources like marble and granite. By doing so, he infused the pavilion with a sense of sustainability, offering a tribute to the beauty of nature through a structure designed to stand the test of time.

Design | Nine Mao-Arc & Co. 

Photographer | Kuo-Min Lee @kuominl