This is not a typical urban gentrification project nor a fancy case which seen frequently across modern urbanism study. What this project presents, is how a collapse industry town in northern Taiwan, might work on its own to catch the opportunity to survive. Shitze, a town once thrived by its coal washery business in the 60s is now filled with thousands of illegal factories and warehouses.
The area that the site located has been trapped for decades by the industrial recession as well as the flooding threat from the river. A determined developer stepped up, hoping to reverse the circumstance by carrying out an industrial park, which was also the very first commercial development among this area over the last 40 years.
Looking from the top, the fact that how poor the public space was allocated under city’s planning policy is utterly obvious. That is why creating a decent square and quality sidewalk for the public was considered as the project’s top priority. Instead of imposing a huge box efficiently contains all the programs such as offices, shops, restaurants and facilities, a setback trio aligned with the site’s organic rear property line was proposed. An intimate park embraced by setback buildings with a delicate skywalk emerge and shape the first impression of this project.
To deal with the noise impact from the busy traffic, the ground level is slightly lifted and edged by lush vegetation to pose a welcome gesture to citizens. Moreover, while walking around the square, there are sculptures handcrafted by young contemporary artists and carefully planted landscaping elements help to compose a vibrant square, which is also adaptable for comprehensive events such as festivals and open market.
The facade is neatly covered by unitized curtain wall interlocked with different colors and patterns to avoid homogeneity. But the architectural expression actually meant to be humble and invisible as the square is the protagonist. Connected by arcades and covered corridor, the three 12-storey buildings work as a system. They are vertically independent but tightened up by the skywalk in connection with other facilities on 2F. The horizontal flow will break into two levels, strengthening up the environment atmosphere. We hope the project could be an urban oasis among such an intense area, encouraging citizens to experience the notion of open space. Furthermore, provoking followers and companions to join the action which may make this town a better community.
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