Award
2023 Taiwan Landscape Architecture Awards (11th Edition) – Honorable Mention, Communication & Interpretation Category

Project Background

This project was initiated as an environmental enhancement program for the linear park located between Yuanshan MRT Station and the elevated section of Minzu West Road. Beyond improving the quality of the public space, the project sought to cultivate a stronger sense of place and reintroduce the unique spirit of the Yuanshan district.

Drawing inspiration from the area's history, culture, collective memories, ecological characteristics, and strategic urban location, the design team employed large-scale public art installations, street furniture, lighting design, and planting strategies as creative media. The project invites visitors to embark on a journey through Yuanshan's vibrant past, establish meaningful connections with the local environment, and explore new possibilities and future imaginings inspired by the site.

Site Context

The MRT system has accelerated pedestrian mobility throughout the city and expanded the range of destinations accessible within a single day. As major transportation nodes, MRT stations serve as gateways to their surrounding districts and act as important introductions to local urban identity.

Although the green corridor surrounding Yuanshan MRT Station benefits from healthy stands of Golden Rain Trees, which contribute distinctive character to the streetscape, the landscape beneath the elevated structure had previously suffered from poor vegetation coverage and exposed soil, resulting in an underutilized and neglected appearance. The corridor functioned primarily as a passageway for pedestrians and cyclists, offering little opportunity for social interaction, placemaking, or deeper engagement with the history and identity of the Yuanshan area.

Dialogue with the Past

Through extensive site research, historical investigation, community consultation, and expert engagement, the design team compiled a collection of local memories and cultural narratives as the basis for the project. These stories are expressed through translucent metal cladding that wraps the massive concrete bridge columns, transforming infrastructural elements into storytelling devices that celebrate local heritage and identity.

Dialogue with Nature – Enhancing Biodiversity through Planting Design

Yuanshan's warm, humid climate and proximity to both rivers and mountains create favorable conditions for biodiversity. The landscape introduces more than 17 species of shrubs, enriching habitat diversity throughout the site.

Located northeast of the project area, Yangmingshan National Park is one of northern Taiwan's most significant butterfly habitats. To encourage butterfly activity within the corridor, the planting design incorporates a wide range of nectar-producing and host plants. These colorful flowering species attract butterflies and other pollinators, bringing seasonal vitality to the space while reflecting Yuanshan's unique position at the intersection of urban and natural landscapes.

Dialogue with Dreams – Fantasy Plaza and the Vine-Curved Theater

A circular plaza defined by a large mirrored stainless-steel installation forms one of the project's signature spaces. Through repeated reflections of the surrounding environment and its visitors, the installation creates an immersive and theatrical atmosphere. The space accommodates a variety of activities, from dance practice and martial arts training to quiet observation and personal reflection, while encouraging visitors to imagine new spatial experiences through the interplay of light, movement, and reflection.

Adjacent curved seating elements establish an outdoor theater setting. In addition to supporting cultural performances and community events, the design embodies the idea that everyday urban life itself is a performance—one in which everyone is both participant and audience member. Every seat becomes a front-row view of the city's unfolding stories.

Dialogue with Community Needs

During the early stages of design, the project team conducted neighborhood visits, community workshops, and public presentations to better understand local expectations regarding the environment and public amenities.

In response, features such as a Tea Pavilion and the Joy Bar were incorporated into the design, transforming the space beneath the elevated roadway from a simple transit corridor into a vibrant community destination. The green corridor now supports individual relaxation, social gatherings, and organized events, fostering a place that residents can identify with and enjoy. The result is a lively public environment that balances everyday functionality with creativity, imagination, and a strong sense of community.