TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taipei Performing Arts Center’s main plaza unveiled a new sensory experience Thursday with the debut of “Fading Breeze,” a large-scale public art installation by artist Kou Tak-leong (高德亮).
Suspended from the building’s upper levels, “Fading Breeze” features 42,000 nylon threads, curled and stretched. The strands are interwoven with 48 laser lights.
The lasers respond in real time to changes in foot traffic, airflow, temperature, and humidity. Integrated with the center’s architectural lighting, they create a constantly evolving display that mirrors subtle shifts in the environment, according to a Taipei Performing Arts Center press release.
At night, the installation enters a dynamic lighting sequence. From 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., soft white lights illuminate the interior of the center while warm orange tones light up the walkways.
From 11 p.m. to 1 a.m., the interior lights are turned off, leaving only subtle red laser beams to bathe the plaza in a gentle glow. The effect pays homage to Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas’ design vocabulary.
Designed by Koolhaas, the Taipei Performing Arts Center reflects his belief that architecture should remain open, flexible, and responsive to the urban environment. The plaza was conceived as a communal space for movement, rest, and spontaneous encounters.
Kou said the concept for the piece emerged after a weekend visit to the newly completed venue, where he was struck by the openness of the plaza and the quiet interplay between people and the surrounding architecture. “That openness is the spirit I wanted ‘Fading Breeze’ to share with the building,” he said.
Curated by Huang Wei-lun (黃偉倫), “Fading Breeze” serves as a conceptual anchor for the center’s Close Architecture initiative. Huang said he and the artist selected a muted red tone after jointly observing the building’s nighttime lighting environment, aiming to create a soothing urban nightlight that offers a moment of stillness for passersby.
Looking ahead, Huang said the project will continue to explore new ways to guide public interaction through design, including works that emphasize the relationship between lines and surfaces, and the use of space for expanded public activities. By incorporating responsive installations into public areas, the center aims to engage a broader audience beyond traditional theatergoers.
