Tao Zhu Yin Yuan (Agora Garden),
designed by Vincent Callebaut Architectures
Rising in Taiwan's capital, Taipei, is the Tao Zhu Yin Yuan, also known as the Agora Garden, a building that combines an innovative approach to architecture with concern for the environment. Designed by Belgian architect Vincent Callebaut and his Paris-based studio Vincent Callebaut Architectures in collaboration with DNA Concept, it was completed in 2018. Its spiral form and ubiquitous greenery stand out against a backdrop of urban development dominated by geometric skyscrapers such as nearby Taipei 101.
Tao Zhu Yin Yuan skyscraper in Taipei - aerial view
© BES Engineering Corporation
architecture to serve the climate
The studio's main goal was to create a building that actively supports the fight against carbon emissions. In the face of climate change and the need to reduce greenhouse gases, the project proposes a building model in which advanced technologies interact with natural bioclimatic systems. The developers were inspired by Fan Li's philosophy, which emphasizes the community dimension of action - the changes made to the building serve not only its residents, but also the wider environment and nature. The tower's form, reminiscent of a DNA double helix, refers to the symbolism of life, dynamism and coexistence, emphasizing the idea of harmony between man and the environment.
The lump of Tao Zhu Yin Yuan skyscraper in Taipei resembles a DNA double helix
© BES Engineering Corporation
The lump of the building, reaching 93 meters in height and comprising 21 floors, is distinguished by a 90-degree twist from base to top. Each floor is offset by 4.5 degrees from the previous one, giving the structure a fluid, organic shape. This layout has not only visual appeal, but also practical applications. First, it conforms to Taipei's urban planning regulations, which require a pyramidal profile for buildings with retracted floors. Second, it allows green terraces to be increased beyond the required minimum, since cascading gardens do not count toward the floor area ratio. Third, it provides residents with panoramic views, including of Taipei 101. Fourth, through changing geometry and protruding consoles, it reduces direct view axes between apartments, offering greater privacy.
Tao Zhu Yin Yuan skyscraper in Taipei is distinguished by a 90-degree twist from base to top
© hsiangyun mai
A green oasis in an urban jungle
Ecology is at the core of Tao Zhu Yin Yuan's design. Some 23,000 trees, shrubs and plants have been planted on the first floor, balconies and terraces , enabling the project to absorb nearly 130 tons of carbon dioxide per year. The total area of greenery is 246 percent of the plot, far exceeding local standards. The vegetation, selected by botanists for its effectiveness in absorbing carbon dioxide, includes species that provide shade in summer and thermal insulation in winter. Green terraces produce oxygen, raise humidity and dampen urban noise, creating a multi-level park that changes with the seasons. The building is also equipped with rainwater recovery systems, solar panels, wind turbines, LED lighting controlled intelligently, and natural ventilation chimneys that filter air in the central core. These solutions promote energy self-sufficiency and reduce the structure's environmental impact.
Tao Zhu Yin Yuan skyscraper in Taipei - some 23,000 trees, shrubs and plants have been planted on the first floor, balconies and terraces
© BES Engineering Corporation
robustness in the face of nature
The design of Tao Zhu Yin Yuan takes into account the seismic characteristics of Taiwan, a region prone to frequent earthquakes due to its location at the junction of tectonic plates. The central core, which serves as the "body" of the building, relies on a seismic isolation system. Above the 21st floor is a truss with a span of 5 meters, which, together with lateral mega-columns, transfers loads to the foundations. The interiors of the apartments have been stripped of columns, allowing freedom of design and opening up the space for glazing overlooking the surrounding greenery.
Tao Zhu Yin Yuan's design takes into account the seismic characteristics of Taiwan, a region prone to frequent earthquakes
© hsiangyun mai
air purification tower
Tao Zhu Yin Yuan also acts as an "anti-smog" structure. A central core with a double façade functions like a vertical chimney - air drawn in at the base is heated by solar energy in a greenhouse, filtered and released at the top in a purified form. Backed by vegetation, the solution improves the city's air quality. Hedges and about a hundred trees were planted at ground level, creating an urban forest, while the set-back base allowed for a wide sidewalk accessible to all. Each apartment offers 165 square meters of garden height, 14 large trees per floor and 270-degree views, combining comfort with proximity to nature.
Architect Vincent Callebaut at a model of the Tao Zhu Yin Yuan high-rise building
© Vincent Callebaut Architectures
the future of urban construction
Tao Zhu Yin Yuan is changing the way we think about urban housing, integrating avant-garde form with ecological functionality. The project responds to the problems of climate change, air pollution and urbanization by offering residents a space conducive to sustainable living. In Taipei's landscape, the building stands out against the geometric skyscrapers, bringing a naturalness and fluidity to the city that harmonizes with nearby parks.
Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures.
