mecanoo to transform taichung railway line into green corridor that connects the city

mecanoo has released images of its plans to transform a former railway line in taichung, taiwan into a bio-diverse green corridor. the site, which measures a total length of 1.7km (1 mile), was a catalyst for the development of the old city, traversing its downtown. although formerly an important means of connection, today the disused railway divides the city and impedes circulation from one side of the tracks to the other.

all images courtesy of mecanoo

mecanoo’s proposal uses the rail line to reconnect the different parts of the city in a sustainable way. as part of the plan, an inviting green corridor will include bike and pedestrian lanes to better cater to the needs of the community.
 at the same time, the scheme seeks to maintain the area’s strong historical character with a layout that relies on the railway’s configuration to integrate the site’s existing and future functions.

the proposal reuses the rail line to connect different parts of the city in a sustainable way

according to the design team, the green corridor will: support the conservation and development of the area’s flora and fauna; improve connections for pedestrians and bike users in taichung center; and integrate existing and newly added functions to the area into a coherent linear park

. meanwhile, amenities such as gardens, fitness areas, a playground, and a waterpark will create an urban destination for leisure and recreation activities.

 an inviting green corridor will include bike and pedestrian lanes

the railway tracks help integrate the site’s existing and future functions

an aerial view of the site

site plan

former rail infrastructure on a dike with slopes on both sides:
keep the existing slopes and create public routing up and down the dike

former rail infrastructure on a dike with walls:
keep the existing walls and create public spaces in the upper and lower level

connection to other infrastructure:
activate the connection to the water level

former rail infrastructure bridges:
keep existing bridges and create new relations and public connections

project info:

program: vision for the redevelopment of the 1.7km existing dyke, former railway track, into a linear park with herb garden, street fitness, tribune, playground, viewpoint and waterpark

design team: mecanoo and local landscape firm s.d atelier, ARIA architect & planners

design: 2017

construction: 2018-2019 

client: taichung city government, taichung, taiwan
location: jianguo road, central district, taichung city, taiwan