Renovation Trends in Taiwan
I went to Taiwan again.
Although I had some work to do this time,
the purpose was mostly sightseeing.
I went to see some buildings I was curious about.
I feel that Taiwanese people really cherish old buildings.
Buildings from the Japanese colonial period remain here and there in Taipei,
and I often see them beautifully renovated and in use.
Since the colonial period lasted until 1945,
these buildings are at least 80 years old (as of 2025).
The place I visited this time is called Songshan Cultural and Creative Park.
It is located right near the Taipei Dome.
This place was originally a tobacco factory where many people worked.
It finished its role as a factory around the end of the 20th century,
and was subsequently designated as a historic site by Taipei City.
Since then, the entire site has been renovated and opened to the public.
The building is vast and very large,
and the interior is used as galleries and design studios.
So, what I liked about it was this library.
The curved walls, the ceiling that follows them, and the large wooden windows are impressive.
Do you know what this room was originally used for?
This is a bathroom.
It seems it was for the people who worked at the factory,
but when I asked a local, they coincidentally said, "I used to bathe there too!"
It seems it was also open to the general public to some extent.
The exterior is a garden full of greenery.
I wonder if the people back then also relaxed around here after their baths.
Don't you think both the original design and the current usage have a great sense of style?
I make new discoveries every time I go to Taiwan.
I feel this way, and I imagine others might feel a sense of nostalgia as well.
Actually, this country, including major cities like Taipei,
was bombed during World War II.
However, it seems that was limited, and many buildings remain.
They are treated with care like this and continue to exist today.
It is no wonder that it feels somewhat like Japan, is it?
Once you get on a plane, it's about a 2 to 3-hour trip one way.
A country that is close in distance and close in heart.
I highly recommend it.