巷弄 XIÀNG LÒNG STRUCTURES
the spirit of the lanes and alleyways of taiwan
台北市召會第十六聚會所
Taipei City Church Assembly Meeting Place No. 16
Taipei, Taiwan, 2026
A line of plants (all different, in every way) line the perimeter of the building, filling the space right up to the lot line and under the canopy. There is a break in the plants at the entrance, which creates a soft grandiosity at the threshold. Cross over, through the wall of plants, into whatever state-of-grace awaits.
The grand red signs state plainly that God Loves the World, and displays the humble, numbered name of the meeting hall in tall, clear letters that can’t be missed.
Beach House
Taipei, Taiwan, 2026
The orderly Scandinavian quality of the first story, with its divided light, wood-mullioned french doors, mock-ship-lap canopy, and clean white paint delivers stark contrast to the mish mash above, with a large HVAC unit ornamented by the day’s laundry and corrugated metal sectioning off something on each story, irregular and regular at the same time. Both suggest the seaside, in their own way.
There seems to be no parking available except in front of the grand entrance, which obscures the doorway. This suggests the building front can only be fully experienced when its occupants are away. Otherwise, it’s a private matter.
Sky View Tower
Taipei, Taiwan, 2026
This otherwise drab building has an ever-changing picture of the sky on its facade.