OMA's groundbreaking Metropolitan Village, also recognized as the Taipei Xinyi–Wenchang Residence, is rapidly advancing towards its final stages in the bustling Xinyi Central Business District of Taipei. This ambitious project, spearheaded by the visionary duo David Gianotten and Chiaju Lin from OMA, in collaboration with HCCH & Associates Architects Planners & Engineers, redefines urban living with its innovative "vertical village" concept. Spanning an impressive 11,961 square meters of residential space on a compact 736 square meter plot, the 95-meter, 23-story high-rise epitomizes the architectural response to the shifting paradigms of living and working in a post-pandemic Taipei. Having commenced construction in 2024 under the patronage of Continental Development Corporation, the structure is slated for completion in 2027, with recent photographic evidence showcasing the installation of its uppermost structural components, a significant milestone in its development.
Metropolitan Village: A Fusion of Urban Landscapes and Modern Living in Taipei's Xinyi District
In the vibrant heart of Taipei's Xinyi Central Business District, the Metropolitan Village, a distinguished residential high-rise from OMA, is on the cusp of completion. Conceived by David Gianotten and Chiaju Lin, this 23-story edifice, also known as the Taipei Xinyi–Wenchang Residence, embodies a "vertical village" philosophy, reflecting a modern understanding of urban living where the lines between professional and personal life are increasingly blurred. The structure's unique design features interlocking volumes centered around a core services shaft, each adorned with a distinct façade of aluminum panels and a sophisticated curtain wall system. This architectural marvel thoughtfully responds to its surroundings; its main façade commands attention on Xinyi's wide commercial thoroughfare, while its rear respectfully integrates with the narrower streets of the Wenchang district. This thoughtful aggregation of forms bridges the contrasting urban scales, connecting the expansive Xinyi district with the more intimate Wenchang neighborhood. Furthermore, the lower levels are elevated, carving out a new pedestrian artery that physically links these two distinct urban realms.
The façade, a blend of curtain wall and coated aluminum, incorporates patterned glass—a material often found in Taiwanese interiors for partitions. Where less privacy is needed, this glass serves as balustrades, weaving a "mosaic-like expression of domestic activity." This intricate composition yields over 30 distinct residential layouts, from efficient 68-square-meter studios ideal for remote work to expansive 165-square-meter apartments featuring generous kitchens. The majority of units, approximately 120 square meters, offer adaptable spaces for living, working, or leisure. Beyond individual residences, the building dedicates various floors to shared amenities. The ground floor hosts a business center and meeting rooms, catering to the demands of remote work. Higher up, a library, bar, and restaurants are strategically positioned to align with the rooftops of neighboring buildings, fostering a sense of community. A state-of-the-art gym and communal rooftop terraces provide sweeping vistas of Taipei's cityscape, all contributing to a supportive infrastructure designed to enhance work-life balance for its inhabitants.
The Metropolitan Village stands as a testament to OMA's forward-thinking approach to urban development, acknowledging and integrating the evolving dynamics of contemporary life into its very fabric. The development's progress signals a significant addition to Taipei's skyline, offering a fresh perspective on high-density residential living that prioritizes both functionality and community well-being.