Warm terracotta vertical fins cascade rhythmically across two sculptural pavilions in IMO Architecture's Meteorological Instruments Center, their oxidized copper tonalities creating a striking dialogu

Crimson-brown vertical fins rise rhythmically across a sculptural facade establishing a dominant syncopated pattern that creates simultaneously permeability and enclosure, the slender orthogonal eleme

IMO Architecture's Meteorological Instruments Center presents a striking composition wherein slender vertical elements establish a rhythmic architectural cadence across the picture plane, their rich b

IMO Architecture's Meteorological Instruments Center emerges as a sophisticated architectural composition demonstrating exceptional integration of built form with natural topography, where a sweeping

The Meteorological Instruments Center by IMO Architecture establishes a commanding spatial intervention through four towering perforated metal screens that flank a central pedestrian pathway, their su

Gold Architecture, Building and Structure Design · 2026

The Taipei Weather Station Meteorological Instruments Center

by IMO Architecture and JC Cheng Associates

A' Design Award 2026 Gold Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design
Awarded April 15, 2026
CLIENT: IMO Architecture + Design
Estimated Number of Design Views: 57,223
Verification code 8B7F35D08A · Verify this award

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About The Taipei Weather Station Meteorological Instruments Center

The Taipei Weather Station is a meteorological facility built in New Taipei City, Taiwan. Three buildings hold two weather bureau departments and a multifunctional room, joined by an undulating three-dimensional roof. Reinforced concrete gives resistance to typhoons and earthquakes, while Corten steel fins and deep roof overhangs provide shade, light and views. The fins move with the wind and return to their original position through a cable suspension system. The outdoor space between the buildings holds weather measurement instruments.

IMO Architecture's Meteorological Instruments Center represents a distinguished contribution to the typology of scientific institutional architecture, wherein functional imperatives of atmospheric observation find eloquent expression through a formal vocabulary that celebrates the very phenomena the facility exists to study. The design demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of how architecture might embody its programmatic purpose, the undulating canopy element suggesting wind currents and atmospheric flows, while the vertical screening system evokes rainfall and the measuring instruments that quantify precipitation. The choice of warm oxidized tones for the facade establishes a respectful dialogue with the surrounding natural environment, suggesting weathering and temporal passage while simultaneously providing practical solar control for the spaces within. The composition achieves a compelling balance between the two primary volumes, their differing scales and subtle variations in curvature creating visual interest while maintaining coherent formal language throughout the ensemble. Technical accomplishment is evident in the precision of the louver spacing and the seamless integration of the connecting canopy, which appears to flow effortlessly between structures as though shaped by prevailing winds. The inclusion of a figure releasing a weather balloon provides crucial programmatic context and introduces human scale into the architectural tableau, while simultaneously creating a moment of poetic action that transforms scientific procedure into visual poetry. The careful siting allows the architecture to emerge from its landscape setting as though grown organically from the terrain, with the forested hillside providing both backdrop and ecological context. Viewers might contemplate how this design invites reflection upon humanity's enduring desire to understand atmospheric forces, and how architecture might honor that aspiration through forms that speak to both scientific precision and natural wonder.

Press Kit

Unique Properties: The Taipei Weather Station is a manifestation of the environment it inhabits and seeks to observe, forming a visible dialogue with nature. Wind activates movable fins; rain threads their Corten surfaces, expressing time and weather. Sunlight filters through, casting shifting shadows on wind-shaped forms. The design reflects a belief that architecture can foster creativity, inspiration, mental health, and well-being.
Dimensions & Packaging: Client Name: New Taipei City Government
Size: 3,283 square meters.
Project Budget: 4,200,000.00 USD
Tags: Environmental integration, Experiential Architecture, Corten Steel, Moving Architecture
Production Technology: The design features 3 buildings housing two weather bureau departments and a multifunctional room, all connected by a 3D undulating roof blending seamlessly with the natural environment. Inspired by synoptic weather charts, the form withstands Taiwan's high precipitation, humidity, strong typhoons, and earthquakes. Reinforced concrete ensures resilience, while Corten fins and deep roof overhangs provide shade from the subtropical sun and allow light and views. These fins, with a novel cable suspension system, return to 0 degrees after wind gusts. The outdoor space between the buildings is dedicated to weather measurement instrument data collection.
Design Challenge: This project faced tight budget constraints and complex scientific requirements. The wind tunnel’s size, vibration, and noise posed challenges near sensitive instruments. Weather devices required both isolation and accessibility with strict adjacent structure height limitations. The building also had to withstand earthquakes, typhoons, and power outages. The low sprawling plan of the design with the wind tunnel located below grade is tuned to address each of these, while fostering scientists’ well-being in day-to-day operation.
Project Duration: The Taipei Weather Station project was initiated in April 2014 as a competition entry. The design phase took place between 2014 and 2019, developed collaboratively in Taiwan and Spain. Construction began in 2019 and was completed in 2023 in New Taipei City, Taiwan.
Operation Flow: This design redefines what a weather station can be by reconnecting the observer with natural processes. Unlike traditional methods that reduce weather to mere data points, it makes weather phenomena also experienceable for scientists. Wind-reactive fins reflect invisible air currents, while sustainable Corten material captures the passage of time and precipitation. The facade visualizes the sun and nature's movement, creating dynamic murals of light and shadow. This approach balances scientific activities with the experience of nature, fostering mental health and well-being.
Research: This research explored how to design a building that meets laboratory standards, integrating meteorological instruments and a wind tunnel. Objectives included achieving international‑level weather measurements and reducing vibration and noise by placing the tunnel underground. The tunnel tested facade resilience against typhoons, inspiring wind‑activated fins on a novel cable system that make airflow visible. Digital analysis shaped a 3D roof to harvest rainwater for irrigation. Results improved performance, sustainability, and user experience, with impacts on design practice, society, and community value.
Inspiration: As technology reshapes the world, monotonous jobs are giving way to dynamic roles valuing leadership, creativity, and communication. The design imagines spaces beyond data points and utility, reconnecting observers with the natural environment they study to harness nature's positive effects on productivity, mood, memory, and stress relief. Material, form, and planning emphasize connections with the environment, encouraging engagement, while common spaces foster community among scientists.
Image Credits: IMO Architecture + Design