Taichung Green Corridor in Taiwan by Delft-based architecture firm Mecanoo is an example of reusing existing infrastructure to rejuvenate the urban realm. It transformed a 1.7-kilometer-long disused railway track crossing downtown Taichung, the second most populous city of Taiwan – which once served as an important catalyst for the growth of the old city – into a dynamic linear park offering walking and cycling paths. By renovating train tracks and the surrounding areas, the architects worked towards the goal of achieving urban renewal by upgrading the travel experience of users, improving the quality of life of residents and enhancing the appearance of the city.
Taichung Green Corridor in Taiwan
What is the impact of the project on the surrounding landscape?
The 1.7-km long former railway line crossing downtown Taichung was an important catalyst for the development of the old city. The railway’s historical value plays an important role in the revitalization of the urban realm on which it sits. Although in the past the rail line functioned as a way of connecting people, the disused railway acts more as a barrier due to its challenging location on the dyke, which impedes circulation from one side of the tracks to the other. The design reuses the rail line to connect the different parts of the city in a sustainable way by creating a green corridor for biodiversity and including bike/pedestrian lanes to better cater for the needs of the community. Within this linear site, the sustainable development covered a wide range of planning and design factors including urban regeneration, public participation, historic preservation, green and water resources, and circulation routes for pedestrians and bikes. Relying on Mecanoo’s extensive urban planning experience, the design shapes a people-oriented green corridor, complementing the Green River’s waterfront.
How does the project impact the local community? Does it involve the participation of the local community in terms of the design and/or construction; or factor in their livelihoods?
The project is located on a unique and complicated location. Many stakeholders are related to the site, such as a state-owned enterprise, a private landowner, the water bureau of the city, the Ministry of Transportation and, of course, residents. The client is aware of the importance of the public’s participation. Therefore, a major part of the design commission was to host public hearings and interviews with residents, which ensured the design proposal was aligned with the majority’s wishes.
What resources and raw materials (wood; bricks, etc.) have been used?
Some of the railway infrastructures (railway track and truss poles) were reused as public furniture. Besides the reusing of building materials, the project’s main intention was to reuse the railway dyke and bring new function to the dyke without destroying the historical artificial landscape.
An abandoned train track is transformed into a linear park
How have they been used or made? Please detail the processes involved.
The former railway infrastructures were reused on site as landscape elements, which enrich the character of the project and preserve the memory of its history. This provides a unique opportunity to connect with the past, while also enjoying the modern amenities of the present.
What were the challenges (site, budget, timing, etc.) and how did the project team overcome them? What design features highlighted those efforts?
As an important project with many stakeholders, the design proposal of an architect is always just the beginning of a discussion. Many workshops with different authorities, local neighborhood leaders and property owners were organized during the design process. The local feedback reshaped the design vision from various aspects. It took great effort for the local coordinating team to keep communication open and to keep a good balance between professional and local opinions.
