Flowing Paperscapes: A Memorial Landscape with a Twist

Willy Yang Architects and Planners Transform a Historic Paper Mill into a Unique Urban Oasis

The design team, led by Tsung Wei Yang, Janmichael Antoni, and Zi Ling Wei, took inspiration from the geometric array of scars inflicted on humanity during the war. The landscape is designed to resemble these scars, gradually healing through the soothing waves of the flowing paperscapes. The design is a testament to the resilience of humanity, moving forward into a new world while never forgetting the past.

What sets the Flowing Paperscapes apart is its unique interpretation of the papermaking process. The landscape, made of reinforced concrete, metal, and local vegetation, is designed to mimic the delicate yet flexible nature of paper. This concept is transformed into waves of landscapes that continuously flow, directing the axis of the landscape and creating a unique urban oasis.

The design team faced the challenge of controlling the curvature of the waves to ensure a smooth appearance while also making the construction phase easier. They overcame this by creating a rule of 90cm, 180cm grid and 20cm height on the landscape. The result is a set of moving waves emerging from the landscape, providing a playground for children and intimate spaces for relaxation.

The Flowing Paperscapes is not just a memorial landscape but also an outdoor activity and leisure space. The different heights of the waves are designed for children to play in, and the spaces between the waves provide smaller, more intimate spaces for relaxation. The design team believes that a memorial park does not always have to be melancholy but can also be enjoyable for visitors.

The Flowing Paperscapes project, which took five months to complete, has been recognized with a Silver A' Landscape Planning and Garden Design Award in 2022. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation, and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder. The Flowing Paperscapes certainly fits the bill, preserving the importance of Chunghsing Paper Mill while creating a unique, engaging space for the community.