Teal Sea: A Landscape Project Redefining Urban Ecological Design

Creating a Win-Win Situation for Architecture, Microclimate, and Ecological Quality

Teal Sea is a groundbreaking landscape project in Taichung, Taiwan, designed by Fu Chu Hsu. This innovative design redefines urban ecological design by releasing 60% of the land as open space, adjacent to the park green space, and expanding the urban ecological island-hopping benefit.

Facing the first row of the forest park, Teal Sea breaks away from the traditional volumetric configuration of high-rise buildings and prioritizes open space. By abandoning the plan for three high-rise buildings with the largest indoor area, the project releases nearly 70% of the land for greening and public use. This unique approach not only enhances the urban ecological quality but also creates a harmonious connection with the surrounding environment.

The subtropical climate in Taiwan is perfectly suited for the south-facing residential units in Teal Sea. Each household enjoys a picturesque view of the park's large green space and benefits from a comfortable microclimate. The strategic allocation of land and the implementation of landscape courtyard garden design techniques contribute to a win-win situation for urban architectural development, residential life microclimate adjustment, and urban ecological quality optimization.

One of the key features of Teal Sea is the use of sightlines to guide the design. The multi-layered forest belt, complemented by winding water and clusters, creates a captivating experience for passersby. Small bridges allow visitors to cross the curved water, immersing themselves in the natural sounds of the stream. The design seamlessly integrates the building colonnade spaces with the surrounding landscape, highlighting the green landscape's level and the distinctive sense of design. The result is a dialogue between the courtyard landscape and the forest park, creating a harmonious and artistic atmosphere.

Teal Sea also overcame creative and technical challenges to enhance its visual appeal. On the corner of the street welcoming the park and the crowds of large-scale IKEA, a wide square center features a public artwork composed of multi-faceted diamond-shaped metal. The ground's anti-colored metal reflects the colorful paintings on the carvings, creating a mesmerizing kaleidoscope effect during the day.

Completed in December 2019, Teal Sea stands as a testament to the power of innovative urban ecological design. By prioritizing open space, harmonizing with the natural environment, and optimizing the microclimate, this project sets a new standard for sustainable and aesthetically pleasing urban landscapes.

Image Credits: Photographer Chi-Min Wu, Teal Sea, 2019.

Awards and Accolades: Teal Sea was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Landscape Planning and Garden Design category in 2021. This prestigious award recognizes the project's well-designed, practical, and innovative approach, meeting professional and industrial requirements. Teal Sea's integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics contributes to a better world, providing fulfillment and positive feelings to its users.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Hsu Fu Chu
Image Credits: Image #1-5: Photographer Chi-Min Wu, Teal Sea, 2019.
Project Team Members: Designer: Fu-Chu Hsu
Project Name: Teal Sea
Project Client: Hsu Fu Chu


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