Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects(LOHA)
Botanical Bridge
Conceptualized as both a landscape and a building, the Botanical Bridge seeks to combine the waterfront park and the ferry terminal building. This creates a new unique parkscape for the travelers and residents of Kinmen and informs a dynamic terminal building with panoramic views of the outside park punctuating the space.
The project’s form weaves together the island’s intersecting cultural axis and coastal parkways. Lifting the passenger service center above the ground plane provides clear views from masterplan spiritual axis to the sea. The elevated building then has a prominent presence for inbound ferry passengers with its peaks and folds undulating in harmony with the island’s terrain. Visitors are allowed views from the rooftop park and the glass promenade running along the north face of the building. Passengers are provided sweeping views from waiting lounges, shopping and restaurants. The administration tower, at a slightly higher vantage point affords views back towards Kinmen Island’s lush landscape.
The project utilizes a grid of folded triangular planes to weave the public park through and above the passenger service terminal. The folding planes create ideal opportunities for natural daylighting, smooth circulation flows, and the integration of natural park space throughout the building. The new park will house a number of amenities for travelers and residents, including: orchid gardens, plum tree orchards, cascading water features, fishing pier overlooks, meditation gardens, performance seating, event space, trellis shade gardens, bird watching, and island scenic overlooks. Inside the building, the green space will become a backdrop for passenger activities and a visual respite for busy travelers.
The Botanical Bridges melds functional performance with cultural heritage. As Kinmen Island has become Taiwan’s 6th national park, and the first with the theme of historic preservation and cultural assets, the success of this project relies on the its ability to accommodate thousands of daily passenger visits and still maintain a graceful presence on the island’s waterfront. The building is seen as a microcosm of Kinmen Islands greater aspirations to infuse nature and culture.
The Botanical Bridge serves as a gateway and a destination. Integrating the parkway into the form of the ferry terminal creates a distinct typology of terminal building uniquely suited to Kinmen’s future as hub at the intersection of history, nature and commerce. This new form of public space can be enjoyed by traveler’s waiting for the next ferry, tourists exploring the island lush scenery, and residents looking for new spaces of leisure and commerce.
