Kaohsiung Exhibition and Convention Center 高雄世界貿易展覽會議中心
Kaohsiung Exhibition and Convention Center
◎English Written by Peng Hsin-yi
◎Photos courtesy of Construction Office, Public Works Bureau
On October 25, 2010, construction began on the much anticipated Kaohsiung Exhibition and Convention Center. The 3 billion NT project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2013 and will be the largest of its kind in Southern Taiwan. The project is expected to generate approximately 2,000 new jobs and 310 million NT in tax income.
The 44,992m structure will be located on the west side of Cheng Gong and Linsen Roads. It will be conveniently situated at the heart of Kaohsiung's Multifunctional Commerce and Trade Park, with Pier 22 to the west, Kaohsiung Software Science Park to the south and several international hotels and shopping complexes nearby. The facility will also be conveniently located near Kaohsiung's port, international airport and MRT stations.
Mayor Chen Chu's vision for the Kaohsiung Exhibition and Convention Center is to interconnect it with Kaohsiung's First Harbor, the Maritime, Cultural & Popular Music Center and the future Travel and Transportation Complex. The completion of these projects will generate foreign investment, greater industry and an entirely new landscape. It is also expected exhibition, conference and convention opportunities will significantly increase.
Lee Ming Construction Co. Ltd. will utilize sustainable techniques in the development of a modern but local, Green architectural masterpiece. The design will reflect the intimate relationship of mankind and water, with a curved roof and crisscrossing black-and-white pattern to resemble waves. This will embody the nearby ocean and the very spirit of Kaohsiung as Taiwan's Maritime Capital. The space will include the capacity for 1,500 exhibition booths, a 2,000 seat conference hall, two 800 seat conference rooms and several smaller venues suitable for 20 to 40 people. It is anticipated the center will showcase Southern Taiwan's agriculture, yacht construction and heavy machinery, along with other key industries. This center will facilitate Kaohsiung in hosting a variety of international symposiums. The new center will be truly a sight to behold and key in Kaohsiung's regional economic development.
高雄世界貿易展覽會議中心
◎文／王大衛 ◎照片提供／高雄市政府新工處
眾所矚目的「高雄世界貿易展覽會議中心」新建工程已於2010年10月25日舉辦動土典禮，預計於2013年底完工。耗資近30億元，為南台灣規模最大、最完善的展會中心，可望吸引更多企業及廠商進駐，預計將創造約2,000個就業機會，每年增加3,100萬稅收，帶動高雄地區產業升級，及會展產業的發展，對於提升高雄經濟發展，發揮關鍵性的功能及作用。
高雄世貿展會中心基地位於高雄巿成功路與林森路口西側之多功能經貿園區範圍內，面積約44,929平方公尺，西臨高雄港22號碼頭，南緊臨高雄軟體科技園區；鄰近國際觀光飯店、大型購物中心、港口、國際機場及捷運車站，周邊機能完善且交通便利。
陳菊市長表示，未來展會中心將與第一港口、流行音樂中心、旅運大樓等連成一氣，整個區塊的景觀、發展，將完全不同，高雄世界貿易會展中心，落成後，不但能聚集展覽的能量，更將吸引外商投資，屆時可望開展大高雄會展產業蓬勃新局面。
高雄世貿展會中心由麗明營造團隊統包設計，規劃設計具國際性且融合地方色彩，強調綠建築、永續發展及人與水的親密互動，波浪造型的屋頂外觀，不但與周邊環境大海生命相呼應，亦符合高雄海洋城市的特色。
高雄世貿展會中心，內部規劃有容納1500個展覽攤位的展覽場地、2000人的大型會議廳1間、800人中型會議廳2間及20至40人小型會議室數間，高雄世貿展會中心啟用後，可提供南部地區特色之產業，如農產品、遊艇、重機械等展覽，並可舉辦國際級大規模展示活動及大型研討會議，完工後，除可期待其經濟效益，相信更將成為亮眼的新地標。