The Taipei Weather Station
Meteorological Instruments Center for IMO Architecture + Design
The design of the Taipei Weather Station is a manifestation of the environment that it inhabits and observes, going beyond just adapting to the environment by establishing an observable dialogue with nature. Movable fins are activated by wind currents, rain threads their undulating surfaces who's Corten material is an expression of environmental forces, all while a waning sun composes a dance of filtered light and shadow across the building's wind flow derived form. The whole is a reflection of the belief that architecture can enable creativity, inspiration, mental health, and well-being.
Download Press Kit № 172221
Download Press Kit № 172221 Meteorological Instruments Center for IMO Architecture + Design by Lain Satrustegui to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.
Available Now for Your Next Story
At design|newsroom, we understand the pressures and deadlines journalists face. That’s why we offer exclusive access to our curated press kits and high-resolution images, tailored for accredited journalists. These resources are designed to enrich your stories with depth and visual appeal, spotlighting the world's most innovative designs.
Please Note:
- Credit the work's creator and/or photographer.
- Mention design|newsroom as your source.
- Share your published pieces with us; we love to celebrate and promote your work on our platform and social media.
Let’s Collaborate: Your stories matter. design|newsroom is here to support you with quality, accessible content. Once you are accredited, reach out for the images and content you need. We will provide the specific images and content directly, along with recommendations on works to feature.
Get Accredited Easily: Quick access to our resources requires media accreditation. Apply for media accreditation to join our network and start exploring a wealth of design stories.
Taipei Weather Station by Lain Satrustegui
Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.
Meteorological Instruments Center by Lain Satrustegui
Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.
Lain Satrustegui Taipei Weather Station
Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.
Lain Satrustegui Meteorological Instruments Center
Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.
IMO Architecture DesignBrand Logo
Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.
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.
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
Project Overview
The Taipei Weather Station Meteorological Instruments Center has been a Golden winner in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design award category in the year 2025 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Gold A' Design Award is granted to designs that demonstrate a high level of innovation and a significant impact on their intended audience. Recognized as a major achievement by the A' Design Awards, these designs are characterized by their visionary approach and the exceptional skill of their creators. Winners of the Gold A' Design Award are noted for their ability to push the envelope in art, science, design, and technology, delivering solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations. These designs serve as benchmarks for excellence, encouraging further innovation and inspiring future generations of designers.
Golden Recognition
Lain Satrustegui was recognized with the coveted Golden A' Design Award in 2026, a testament to excellence of their work The Taipei Weather Station Meteorological Instruments Center.
Lain Satrustegui Newsroom
Access Lain Satrustegui Newsroom to delve into the world of top-tier design and accolades.
