Impression of Railway: A New Era of Urban Landscape

Ching-I Wu's Award-Winning Design Revitalizes Taichung City

The heart of Taichung City has been shaped by the growth of railways since the opening of the Taiwan Trunk Line in 1908. As the city continues to evolve, the "Impression of Railway" project aims to preserve its history while reimagining its future. This project serves as a reminder to local citizens of the importance of preserving history and culture, while simultaneously renovating the city's image with its magnificent cultural assets.

The design team, led by Ching-I Wu and Fu-Chu Hsu, faced the challenge of integrating the areas around Taichung Railway Station with the urban environment, land utilization, industrial development, urban image, and cityscapes. The result is a 15,287.57 square meter urban recreational area that enriches the cultural development of the city center. This area features diverse ecological, cultural, and lifestyle elements, transforming the once closed railway facilities into a vibrant public space.

The "Impression of Railway" project is a testament to the power of public participation in municipal construction. Initiated by advocates for the preservation of the old railway, the project was implemented by the municipality, presenting a new paradigm of landscape urbanism. The Eco-Museum, a key component of the project, is composed of century-old railway heritage, offering a unique blend of history and modern urban life.

Four different themed sightseeing tours have been designed to attract visitors to the area. Each tour starts from Taichung Railway Station and offers a unique experience of local culture and food. The final spot of each tour is accessible to other business districts in Taichung City, providing tourists with the freedom to extend their visit.

The "Impression of Railway" project is a shining example of how design can be used to preserve history while driving urban development. It is a testament to the vision and creativity of Ching-I Wu and his team, and a worthy recipient of the Platinum A' City Planning and Urban Design Award in 2021.