Far Eastern Department Store

Design Concept

Originally designated as a public parking zone under the city’s urban plan, the site was redeveloped in accordance with Taiwan’s Regulations for Multi-Purpose Use of Public Facilities, integrating a department store and public parking into a single, multifunctional structure. The result is the largest retail complex in Hsinchu to date.

Hsinchu is home to a significant Hakka population, and the developers sought a design that would resonate with local cultural identity. Inspired by the iconic Fujian Tulou—traditional earthen structures known for their communal living and circular forms—the architecture adopts a tiered, recessed massing strategy. This terraced form evokes the surrounding hills while incorporating four Tulou-inspired volumes connected by a rectangular trellis-like corridor, forming a distinctive and recognizable urban landmark. A sky garden wraps around the ninth floor, offering panoramic views, green respite, and enhanced environmental value.

To achieve spatial efficiency, the project adopts a dual-function planning model: every two retail floors are paired with three levels of parking, compressing the building mass while optimizing the integration of commercial and parking functions.

Inside, the double-height main atrium on the second floor features a dramatic ceiling installation made of custom Hakka floral fabric by a Japanese artist. Backlit and stretching nearly 100 meters, the fabric creates a theatrical centerpiece that connects modern retail with cultural storytelling.

The themed dining zone on the seventh floor recreates the atmosphere of a traditional old street, using red brick and historic-style facades to evoke a nostalgic cultural setting within the contemporary mall.

Beyond cultural symbolism, the building also embraces sustainability. The rooftop gardens on the 7th and 8th floors are certified green spaces, while the tiered, greened façades help regulate the urban microclimate. Altogether, the project enhances traffic flow and public amenities while elevating the quality of life in the area—an example of how modern commercial architecture can integrate heritage, sustainability, and urban vitality.