MECANOO

The Taichung Green Corridor in Taiwan transforms a disused 1.7-kilometre railway into a sustainable urban park, reconnecting fragmented parts of the city. Mecanoo preserved key historical elements, blending heritage with contemporary landscape architecture. Pedestrian pathways, cycling lanes, and vibrant green spaces enhance urban mobility and promote ecological health. Extensive planting improves air quality, encourages biodiversity, and reduces the urban heat island effect. By reimagining underutilised infrastructure, the project minimises environmental impact while providing dynamic spaces for recreation and cultural activities. The Green Corridor demonstrates how sustainable regeneration can revitalise cities, fostering a harmonious relationship between people, history, and nature.

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library in New York City revitalises the Mid-Manhattan Library into a contemporary, sustainable space. Mecanoo introduced a dramatic central atrium that floods the interior with natural light, reducing energy consumption and enhancing the user experience. The addition of a rooftop terrace creates accessible green space within an urban setting. Sustainable features include energy-efficient systems, eco-friendly materials, and adaptive reuse of the existing structure, minimising construction waste. This innovative project balances functionality and heritage preservation, transforming the library into a modern, inclusive cultural hub. It highlights Mecanoo’s ability to deliver sustainable, future-ready designs for urban communities.

The LocHal Public Library in Tilburg, Netherlands, transforms a historic locomotive hall into a contemporary cultural and learning centre. Mecanoo retained the industrial character of the building while introducing adaptable spaces for collaboration, events, and learning. Large textile screens offer flexible divisions within the open-plan interior, and natural light reduces the need for artificial lighting. Energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials minimise the building’s environmental impact, while green areas provide tranquil spaces for visitors. LocHal exemplifies innovative adaptive reuse, blending industrial heritage with sustainable modern design. It has become a vibrant cultural hub, fostering community engagement, learning, and creativity.

The National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying) in Taiwan blends cultural innovation with sustainability on a grand scale. Inspired by the local Banyan trees, Mecanoo’s design features an undulating roof that integrates indoor performance venues with expansive public spaces, creating a seamless flow between architecture and nature. The building incorporates natural ventilation, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient systems, reducing its environmental impact. Nestled within a lush park, Weiwuying fosters a connection to nature while serving as a hub for the performing arts. This visionary project exemplifies Mecanoo’s ability to deliver functional, sustainable, and architecturally beautiful spaces that engage communities.

The Delft University of Technology Library in the Netherlands is a groundbreaking project that seamlessly integrates sustainability, innovation, and design. Mecanoo created a partially underground library with a vast, sloped grass roof that blends into the surrounding landscape, providing natural insulation and a public gathering space. A striking steel cone rises through the centre, flooding the interior with natural light and reducing the need for artificial lighting. The building also employs energy-efficient systems and durable materials, ensuring minimal environmental impact. This visionary design redefined modern library architecture, combining functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability while fostering an inspiring environment for study and collaboration.