'Vertical courtyards' will spur occupant interaction at Taiwan's planned Chinatrust Bank HQ

            
       
Inspired by Chinatrust's corporate philosophy, which emphasizes a family-like relationship between the bank and its clients, the design for the company's new headquarters in Taiwan incorporates a series of vertical courtyards that will help break the typical horizontal orientation of the high-rise office tower and add a vertical dimension. The goal, according to design architect NBBJ, is to amplify the visual and physical communication within the workplace.

Designed by NBBJ's Los Angeles office in collaboration with local architect Fei & Cheng Associates, the 2.5-million-sf facility will consist of a 30-story headquarters building, a 21-story commercial office building, a 10-story hotel, and a four-level retail center.

The development, which is designed to LEED Gold standards, will feature roof gardens, floor-to-ceiling glass, narrow floor plates, and daylight sensors. Completion: 2012.