Project Description
The Taiwan Photon Source at the National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center hosts one of the world’s brightest synchrotron facilities. Measuring 220 meter-wide in diameter, the main research facility’s ring reflects the Photon Source’s immense scale and research requirements. An auxiliary building comprised of 75 guestrooms, a light-filled cafeteria, and indoor sport courts facilitates academic exchange; dedicated mechanical equipment at the basement supplies the necessary pipelines for water, electricity and chilled deionized water.
Because of site restrictions, the new facility is integrated with the existing laboratory, presenting the design challenge of allowing the existing administrative center to remain operational during construction. Furthermore, the main ring structure is partially sunken into the ground to provide the highest level of vibration, humidity and temperature stability, satisfying the most stringent research environment requirements.
The main entrance to the research facility reflects the theme of “Light Transmission” – figuratively employing the spectrum of light to exemplify the potential knowledge one may extract from scientific studies. A grand entry plaza welcomes arriving guests while open green spaces retain a sense of openness. To minimize impact on an existing tree grove, the auxiliary building is sited to the Southwest, forming clusters of buildings and greenery. The auxiliary building visually emphasizes an interplay of vertical and horizontal elements, echoing the language of light in the main building to create a cohesive campus for synchrotron research.