Hinoki and Song won the Cultural Environment and Planning and Design categories, respectively. The competition involves the creme de la creme of the nation’s real estate project designers.
The top-spot finishes also qualify both sites to represent Taiwan at the International Real Estate Federation FIABCI Prix d’Excellence Awards, the Oscars of the global real estate industry.
“Hinoki and Song reflect the richness of Taiwan’s history of Japanese wooden buildings,” an official from Chiayi Forest District Office said. “In fact, Hinoki boasts the largest concentration of such structures on the island.”
Covering 3.4 hectares, Hinoki contains 28 Japanese-style dormitories and offices built more than 60 years ago. The village, which commenced trial operations in January, was renovated under a four-year local government program.
Song, a park designed by artist Wang Wen-chih, resembles iconic aspects of Alishan Forest and its historic railway. Launched in September 2012, its eye-catching installation artwork has quickly made the park a new landmark in the city.
“The site perfectly encapsulates Chiayi’s former reputation as the city of wood,” the official said.
Hinoki is part of the ROC government’s i-Taiwan 12 infrastructure projects launched in 2009, while Song is one of six iconic urban renewal projects Taiwanwide. (DF-JSM)
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