Kaohsiung Music Center (Aihe Bay) Introduction
Located in the central area of Kaohsiung's Asia New Bay Area, the center was designed by a Spanish architectural team in collaboration with a Taiwanese team. The design incorporates marine elements, creating unique building shapes that not only serve as the core of popular music performances in southern Taiwan but also stand as an international cultural landmark for music. It highlights popular music while continuing maritime culture, establishing a new hub for music and leisure. The project was approved by the Executive Yuan in 2009 and was commissioned by the Ministry of Culture to the Kaohsiung City Government for planning, design, and construction, operating under a new "administrative corporation" model known as the Kaohsiung Popular Music Center. It aims to cultivate domestic talent in popular music and support industry development, serving as a core venue for popular music performances in southern Taiwan. Besides music performances, it also integrates harbor scenery to create a new space for tourism and leisure. The Kaohsiung Popular Music Center is situated at the confluence of the Love River and Kaohsiung Harbor, specifically at Love River Bay. It consists of various components, including high and low towers, coral reef areas, whale embankments, dolphin walkways, and a LIVE WAREHOUSE area. The high and low tower area includes a high tower, low tower, sea breeze plaza, and sea sound hall, designed with a forward-thinking aesthetic that reflects the ebb and flow of ocean waves, connecting to Kaohsiung's identity as a "harbor" city. The sea sound hall can accommodate 4,000 to 6,000 people, filling a gap in medium-sized performance venues in Taiwan, while the sea breeze plaza can accommodate 8,000 to 10,000 people. The coral reef area is a multi-functional commercial space designed in the shape of coral reefs, featuring two independent levels for experiences, exhibitions, and mixed-use commercial activities. The whale embankment, inspired by whale pods, includes six independent performance spaces, with eSports and KKBOX currently occupying Whale Halls 3 and 5. Located at the front row by the sea and complemented by landscaped viewing platforms, it offers stunning sunset views and is adjacent to the Glory Pier Light Rail Station, making it convenient for visitors with available parking, ideal for leisurely strolls during weekend afternoons. The dolphin walkway is an independent commercial space that connects the high and low towers, coral reef areas, and whale embankments with a 735-meter long sky walkway. The design concept is based on the imagery of dolphins leaping out of the sea, with an interior height of 5 meters and transparent floor-to-ceiling windows on both ends, providing unbeatable ocean views. The south's premier music base, the unique waterfront live sound experience, LIVE WAREHOUSE, is Kaohsiung's first professional concert venue with a capacity for 1,000 people and the only waterfront warehouse music space in Taiwan. It features a diverse range of performances and actively nurtures popular music talent, creating a unique sound experience that integrates local characteristics. Located in the Pier-2 Art Center's D3 area, the small warehouse (230 people) and large warehouse (1,400 people) host live performances weekly, attracting music fans and rapidly accumulating the energy of southern popular music!
