This year’s “Open House Taipei” event will team up with the New Taipei government for the first time to open up previously inaccessible private spaces to the general public.
Being held Nov. 27-28 this year, “Open House Taipei” is patterned after the event that started the concept, “Open House London,” in which buildings of architectural importance are opened for free tours to foster a better understanding of architecture.
Among the spaces that will be opened in New Taipei will be the New Taipei Fire Department building in Sanxia District and the incineration plant in Bali District, with tours available to give visitors an understanding of the facilities’ inner workings.
Most of the 90 previously inaccessible private spaces being opened for the first time will still be in Taipei, however.
One of them is the Taipei 101 Sky Park lounge, located on the 35th floor of Taiwan’s tallest skyscraper and normally only accessible to the building’s tenants and their employees.
The site, according to the organizer’s website, houses a slew of amenities such as a convenience store, laundromat, pharmacy, and a lounge area furnished with sofas.
Another highlighted site is the presidential suite at the Regent Taipei Hotel, where tours will be provided by a seasoned personal butler who will share stories of serving Hollywood celebrities and political and business leaders who have stayed in the room.
Most of the tours at the sites are free, but some involving workshops or that are led by performing artists will charge admission.
Several of the spaces require prior online registration via the “Open House Taipei” website until 11:59 p.m. Thursday, with eligibility offered to those selected in a random draw, the organizer said. The results will be announced on Friday.
The idea behind the concept is to have people directly experience unique spaces and give them the chance to learn from or discuss ideas with experts and others, according to Open House Worldwide, the network that links over 46 organizations hosting festivals and dialogue about architecture, design, and cities across the globe.
The concept has since spread around the world to some 40 cities, including New York, Melbourne, Milan, Vienna, and Jerusalem.
“Open House Taipei” was held for the first time in November last year.
Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel