Architecture, Building and Structure Design Material Dialogue Mixed Used Building by Chih Ming Tu Material Dialogue is a mixed-use building that combines corporate offices with a production workshop. The four-story front volume faces the main road and holds the offices, while a double-height rear volume contains the workshop. The facade uses a dark grey stone frame with white vertical masses, recalling the raw materials of casting. Deep balconies on the east and south sides give shading and sheltered outdoor space. Inside, a double-height lobby holds an open cast iron staircase and a tile wall. Greenery and a reflecting pond soften the industrial setting.