Taipei architecture firm wins contract for World Vegetable Center research infrastructure modernization
EDS International selected to design new laboratory and other facilities for international agricultural research institute in southern Taiwan
8 March 2019 – EDS (Environmental Dimension Studio) International, a Taipei-based architectural firm, was awarded a contract to develop plans and oversee significant elements of a major construction project to modernize the research infrastructure of the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) headquarters in Shanhua, Taiwan.
The contract was signed by EDS Principal Architect Yuan-Liang Tsai and WorldVeg Director General Marco Wopereis.
The World Vegetable Center, an international nonprofit institute for vegetable research and development, has operated since 1971 on a 112-hectare campus near the Southern Taiwan Science Park. WorldVeg’s globally important genebank, improved varieties, production, and postharvest methods help farmers increase vegetable harvests, raise incomes in poor rural and urban households in Asia and Africa, create jobs, and provide healthier, more nutritious diets for families and communities.
After 40 years of use the WorldVeg laboratories are in urgent need of renewal. The Taiwan Council of Agriculture (COA) is providing US$ 22 million (NT$ 660 million) for the Research Infrastructure Modernization (RIM) project. Improvements will include a new seed treatment facility, capacity for field phenotyping, and upgraded laboratory facilities.
“We’re grateful to Taiwan COA for the financial support that will allow us to start making our vision of a modern open science center for vegetable research a reality,” Wopereis said.
EDS, established in 1993, was selected through a rigorous competitive bidding process. The firm’s flexible, modular lab design and reimagining of the campus landscape as a garden won high marks from the proposal review panel. Recent EDS projects include the Agricultural Biotech Building of Academia Sinica Southern Campus (2018), National Cheng Kung University Medical School Second Research Building (2016), and Nueva Segovia Hospital, Nicaragua (2014).
Land surveys and soil testing for the RIM project have begun. The project is expected to be completed by 2021.
EDS International’s design for the new lab and WorldVeg campus grounds.
Contractors have begun taking soil samples to assess the site’s ability to support structures.
