2025 | Professional

NY Architectural Design Awards Gold Winner Winner

SKY ISLAND

Entrant

Wang Architects & Associates

Category

Residential Architecture - Multi-Family and Apartment Buildings

Client's Name

Country / Region

Taiwan

Located on Jingmao Road in Xitun District, Taichung, the project is rooted in the philosophy of “continuity of home.” Inspired during his studies by the belief that “architecture must extend stories,” the designer later drew deeply from his years of work in New York, where Central Park became an enduring symbol of respite amid urban bustle. Bringing this concept back to Taiwan, he envisioned a “city sanctuary” that would allow people to gather, celebrate, and reconnect while also offering peace within hectic lives. At the same time, the project sought to introduce an international architectural style into Taiwan, creating a landmark capable of reshaping the city’s identity.

The architectural expression emphasizes elegant beams and columns that run throughout the project, breaking away from the rigid image of exposed structural elements often seen in Taiwanese buildings. The shared spaces on the lower levels are clad in mirrored stainless steel panels, juxtaposed with matte finishes to present a graceful yet powerful presence.

Floors 1 through 4 are designed as full double-height terraces, bringing greenery upward into the vertical dimension of the tower. With terraces soaring up to nine meters high, the building exudes grandeur and a welcoming gesture. Inside, expansive transparent glass weakens the boundary between interior and exterior, allowing residents to feel as though they are in a park while still within their homes.

Additionally, the design uses low window sills and framed views to transform every household’s perspective into a personalized canvas. As afternoon sunlight casts shifting patterns across façades and frames, a dialogue between people and nature unfolds—residents realize they are no longer merely “living in the city,” but breathing in sync with it, sharing life with light and shadow.

Credits

Wang Architects & Associates.
Jason Wang
Reggie Wang
AIA
NCARB
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