Design from the Perspective of History and Memory

The flowing history of the Railway Workshop is broken down into large slices of time.

When each layer is added in time, in space we observe critical moments of the new and the old touching, and oftentimes changing the circulation, program and atmosphere of the predated project.

This dynamic understanding of the material accumulation allows us to treat history treats itself, and even project it into speculative future.

The new structures can always be inserted so it reenacts the old while touching it lightly.

The scale, which used to be for vehicles mainly, requires readjustments for human bodies so there’s not only observation but also the active occupation of the historical spaces.

Upon the entry of each visitor, we want to trigger consciousness of the thickness of the time as it reveals itself in juxtaposed spaces.

1935s Construction Period

After the Japanese period, the Taipei Railway Plant completed 24 workshops on the site, which included the Engine Room, Forge and Metallurgy Shop, Erecting Shop, Coach Shop, Bathhouse and so on.

1950s US Assistance

As the increasing passengers and the replacement of power locomotives, the old factory could not meet the demand. The second stage factory includes the expansion of the general office, the Diesel – Electric Locomotive Shop on the west side and the new car manufacturing plant belonging to the Sheet Metal Workshop.

1960s Work Bank Period

Under the reduction of US Assistance, the World Bank’s loans helped Taiwan to enter the electrification era. The Songshan Materials Shop Parts Laboratory, East Electric Second Workshop and the Timber Workshop continued to expand.

1970s Under Construction

Grand Auditorium, Work Machine Workshop, Technician, Dormitory, high pressure laboratory and other equipment plants are gradually complete, in response to technological advances.