By MOOK Travel Editor Team

The estimated budget is NT$1.8124 billion, with the main construction contract budgeted at NT$1.407 billion. Among this, the procurement cost for the "Design, Planning, and Supervision Services for the New Construction of Tainan Municipal Library Main Branch" is approximately NT$80 million. The selection process sought a forward-thinking and creative planning and supervision team for the Tainan Municipal Library Main Branch, and the results are out—the first prize went to the joint architecture firm of Michael Lin Architecture & Associates and partner Dutch firm Mecanoo, while the second to fifth places were awarded to Jiudian Joint Architects, Dayuan Joint Architects, Dayu Joint Architects, and Pan Yi Joint Architects, respectively.

The winning team led by architect Michael Lin adopted a minimalist and user-friendly design, focusing on the building’s functionality while ensuring spatial flexibility, light permeability, and budget practicality, which won over judges both in Taiwan and abroad. Beyond aesthetics, the judging panel emphasized "space," "circulation," and "feasibility." With its natural materials and organic structural lines, the building gradually extends outward from low to high, providing shade for readers and creating bright, simple, and friendly semi-outdoor spaces. Slender columns resembling bamboo support the structure, while the exterior features an engraving of a Qing Dynasty map of Tainan, reflecting local historical and cultural heritage. The design showcases a fusion of old and new, tradition and modernity. The architectural team hopes the Tainan Municipal Library will become a space for reading and living for citizens, a green oasis of knowledge within the city.

The first-place winner gains priority negotiation rights, while the second and third-place firms receive prize money of NT$600,000 and NT$500,000, respectively, and the fourth and fifth-place firms receive NT$200,000 each. The Tainan Municipal Library Main Branch is expected to open in 2018. The Dutch firm "Mecanoo Architecten," founded in Delft in 1984, is also working on projects such as the Weiwuying Arts Center in Kaohsiung (slated to officially open in October 2016) and the undergrounding of the Kaohsiung Railway Station. This award-winning competition entry has garnered significant attention and admiration.

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