Kaohsiung Music Center (Love River Bay) Introduction
Located in the center of the Asia New Bay Area in Kaohsiung, the facility was constructed by a team of Spanish architects in collaboration with a Taiwanese team. The design incorporates marine elements to create uniquely shaped buildings, serving not only as the core of pop music performance in southern Taiwan but also as an international cultural landmark for music. With a focus on popular music and the heritage of ocean culture, it aims to establish a new base for music and leisure. The project was approved by the Executive Yuan in 2009 and planned, designed, and constructed by the Kaohsiung City Government under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, operating as a new form of "administrative corporation" known as the "Kaohsiung Pop Music Center." This facility aims to become the central venue for pop music performances in southern Taiwan, nurturing local talent in the industry and fostering connections. In addition to music performances, it integrates harbor scenery to create a new space for tourism and recreation. The Kaohsiung Pop Music Center is situated at the intersection of the Love River and the Kaohsiung Harbor, specifically in the Aihe Bay area. It includes various zones such as the high and low towers, coral reef area, whale promenade, dolphin walk, and LIVE WAREHOUSE area. The high and low tower zone comprises the high tower, low tower, Sea Breeze Plaza, and Sea Music Hall, with the design of the towers reflecting the ebb and flow of ocean waves, connecting with Kaohsiung's identity as a "harbor" city. The Sea Music Hall can accommodate between 4,000 to 6,000 people, filling a gap in medium-sized performance spaces in Taiwan, while the Sea Breeze Plaza can hold 8,000 to 10,000 people. The coral reef area is a complex commercial space designed with a coral-like shape, offering experiences, exhibitions, and multi-functional commercial spaces over two floors. The whale promenade features a design inspired by whale pods, with six independent performance spaces; Esports Alliance and KKBOX have established presence in the third and fifth whale halls. Situated in the prime marine-view location, the area includes landscaped viewing platforms for enjoying stunning sunset views and is conveniently adjacent to the Glory Pier Light Rail Station, with parking spaces available, making it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls on weekends. The dolphin walk is an independent commercial space consisting of a 735-meter-long skywalk connecting the high and low towers, coral reef area, and whale promenade. Its design is inspired by dolphins leaping from the sea, featuring a 5-meter high indoor space and transparent floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking ocean views. As the strongest music base in the south and the only waterfront live venue, the LIVE WAREHOUSE in southern Taiwan is the first professional concert venue in Kaohsiung capable of accommodating 1,000 people. It is the only warehouse music space by the harbor in Taiwan, hosting a diverse range of performances and actively nurturing pop music talent to create a unique soundscape that integrates local characteristics. Located in the Pier-2 Art Center's D.I.Y. Zone C10, the smaller venue can accommodate 230 people while the larger one seats 1,400. Regular live performances attract music fans, rapidly accumulating the energy of pop music in the south!
