Maritime Culture / Kun Shan (Whale back)Taiwan came into existence at the coming of Age of Discovery, i.e. maritime culture. Its sea shore was called Kun Shan, meaning “whale back”, a metaphor reflecting the magnificence of sea, which becomes the main icon of the Design.

The City, the citadel, and brick wallThe City, as ancient capital, is left with many relics of brick walls. They are the remains of past city, citadel, temples, and memory, and is the second icon of the Design.

Modern capital of technologyThe City has been booming due to the development of Tainan Science Park. There are many green energy research facilities near Hi-Speed Rail station. This ambiance provides the third main icon of the Deign.

STRUCTURE OF THE EPOCH: LIGHTWEIGHT CABLE TRUSS
Image 1: Kun Shan & Ship StructureKun Shan, the whale back, is a metaphor for the long span truss over exhibition hall.By clearly defining compression and tension members, the cable truss design, so much reminiscent of whale skeleton, provides the required span while using minimum weight of steel, which is very environmental conscious. This cable truss also is reminiscent of skeleton of whale as well as maritime ship, the origin of Tainan.

EXPO CENTER OF THE EPOCH: CONVERGING, COMPACT, & INFINITE POSSIBILITY
Image 2: Brick Wall CitadelWhat is a Expo Center? It is a place of convergence, it is a venue that generates curiosity, interchange, and imagination, like a “Black Box” that provides a variety of activities. We therefore embrace the Center like surrounding the old city center by wall.The Brick Wall therefore provides an enclave to provide the best environment to manipulate into many types of uses, and also “peeps” into the surroundings. The compactness provides the most efficient circulation, energy saving, and an ambiance of converging, like the Expo should be.