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Ted Cube Building by BIG ArchitectsWe've admired some <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/07/23/giant-shell-shaped-conch-house-made-from-local-materials/">oddly-shaped buildings</a> in our day, but there is something about this simple <a href="http://www.evolo.us/architecture/ted-cube-building-in-taiwan-big-architects/">cube building</a> by <a href="http://www.big.dk/">BIG Architects</a> that is refreshing and elegant. Called TED, the 57m x 57m x 57m building resembles a gigantic sugar cube, and is meant to serve as a mixed use area for Taiwan. But there's more to the seemingly straightforward structure than meets the eye - a series of strategic hollows that have been tunneled out of the block add interest to the space and a green park that spans the entire rooftop will surely be a new favorite hangout spot for locals.1
Ted Cube Building by BIG ArchitectsThe main cutout in TED's facade acts as a street, allowing visitors to walk right through the building.2
Ted Cube Building by BIG ArchitectsTo make the smartest use of the space, the large tunnel coils upwards in an ascending spiral.3
Ted Cube Building by BIG ArchitectsThis tunnel leads from the ground floor all the way up to the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/08/10/casa-v-house-has-a-green-roof-room-with-a-view/">verdant roof garden</a>.4
Ted Cube Building by BIG ArchitectsThe rooftop park will serve as a performance area, and restaurants on the penthouse level will open up onto the space, making it an ideal place to meet.5
Ted Cube Building by BIG ArchitectsThe rooftop will be a dynamic meeting place.6
Ted Cube Building by BIG ArchitectsThe hollows in the cube are all shaped differently and serve varied purposes.7
Ted Cube Building by BIG ArchitectsThe tunnel maximizes airflow by starting at the ground floor and making its way all the way to the roof.8
Ted Cube Building by BIG ArchitectsThe site of the building has not yet been disclosed.9
Ted Cube Building by BIG ArchitectsComposed of concrete lamellas that provide <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/index.php?s=solar+shading">solar shading</a>, the structure only appears to be a solid block from afar.10
Ted Cube Building by BIG ArchitectsThe building will house hotels, shops, showrooms, galleries, offices, and restaurants, welcoming in a mixed group of visitors.11
Ted Cube Building by BIG ArchitectsThe spaces between the ribs allow for increased daylighting and natural ventilation.12
Ted Cube Building by BIG ArchitectsA model of the TED building.13
