Located adjacent to the lush Weiwuying Metropolitan Park in Kaohsiung’s Fengshan District, the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying) is a world-class cultural venue that redefines the relationship between architecture, environment, and community. Spanning a 9.9-hectare site with a 3.3-hectare floor area, this architectural marvel is one of the largest performing arts centers in the world under a single roof.
Inspired by Nature, Engineered for Performance
Designed by renowned Dutch architect Francine Houben of Mecanoo, the building draws inspiration from the sprawling canopies of southern Taiwan’s banyan trees. The undulating roof structure and flowing interior spaces reflect the organic forms of nature, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments.
To withstand Kaohsiung’s tropical climate and coastal conditions, the building’s skin was developed in collaboration with local shipbuilders, ensuring durability against humidity and salinity. The result is a structure that is not only visually stunning but also built to last.
A Space for Everyone
Weiwuying is more than a performance venue—it’s a vibrant public space. Its fence-free plaza, open 24/7, invites the community to gather, stroll, and enjoy outdoor activities. This openness reflects the center’s mission to make the arts accessible and integrated into daily life.
Inside, the center houses a Concert Hall, Opera House, Playhouse, Recital Hall, and an Outdoor Theater, supporting a diverse range of performances from local and international artists.
ROCKWOOL’s Contribution
- From 2014 to 2016, ROCKWOOL played a vital role in bringing this visionary project to life. We supplied approximately 500 tons of high-performance stone wool insulation products, including:
- ThermalRock Slab for the expansive roof structure
- CurtainRock 80 & CurtainRock Safe for the curtain wall systems
- These solutions were chosen for their exceptional thermal performance, fire resilience, and acoustic properties, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient environment for performers and visitors alike.
A Lasting Legacy
Since its grand opening on October 13, 2018, the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts has become a beacon of creativity and innovation in southern Taiwan. It continues to foster cultural exchange, support artistic talent, and serve as a model for sustainable, community-centered design.