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A publication of the Community Services Center Centered on TAIPEI Vol. 20|07 2020 APR 2020/3/26 上午10:47
Apr20 cover1.indd 2 2020/3/26 上午10:47 CONTENTS April 2020 volume 20 issue 7
CSC COMMUNITY From the Editors 5 Beyond Business: Successful Branding of April 2020 Center Gallery 6 Traditional Shops Using a Humanistic Touch 8 Book Club 6 Bai Win Collection Partners with Donors to April Activity Highlights 7 Support The Center 12 CSC Business Classified 34 The Center, Brogent i-Ride and TAS Orphanage Club Team Up for a Very Special Experience 14 OUTLOOK Excerpts from “Who’s Afraid of Greta Thunberg?” 16 Publisher Community Services Center, Taipei Editor Suzan Babcock Co-editor Richard Saunders REVIEW Advertising Manager Naomi Kaly Taiwanese Feet: My Walk Around Taiwan by John Groot 18 Magazine Email [email protected] Call Her Ganda 19 Tel 02-2836-8134 Fax 02-2835-2530 DESIGN Community Services Center Editorial Panel Siew Kang, Fred Voigtmann Dutch Architects for Green Urbanism 20 Winkler Partners, Attorneys at Law – An Urban Community Printed by Farn Mei Printing Co., Ltd. Leader in Green Building Practices, Rooftop Garden 1F, No. 102, Hou Kang Street, Shilin District, Taipei Design and Ecological Habitats 23 Tel: 02-2882-6748 Fax: 02-2882-6749 E-mail: [email protected] FOOD Centered on Taipei is a publication of the Community Services Center, Korean Food Culture in Taipei 25 25, Lane 290, Zhongshan N. Rd., Sec. 6, Tianmu, Taipei, Taiwan Made with Love 26 Tel: 02-2836-8134 fax: 02-2835-2530 e-mail: [email protected] HEALTH Correspondence may be sent to the editor at coteditor@ Seven Natural Healing Remedies to Keep You Strong and communitycenter.org.tw. Freelance writers, photographers and Healthy, and Keep Sickness at Bay 27 illustrators are welcome to contact the editor to discuss editorial and graphic assignments. Your talent will find a home with us! PHOTOGRAPHY Copyright 2020. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner. Photowalkers 30
COT is printed on FSC certified 100% post-consumer recycled fiber. The paper is certified in accordance with the rules of the Forest Stewardship TRAVEL Council which promotes environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and National Museum of Marine Science and Technology 33 economically viable management of the world's forests. https://ic.fsc.org/
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April 2020_p3-end.indd 3 2020/3/26 上午10:43 TIGER TOTS PRESCHOOL A LOVING PLACE FOR LEARNING
Crown’s service offerings include: Everyone needs • International & Domestic Shipments • Transit Protection to know why... • Pet & Car Transfers • Immigration & Legalization We’ll help your whole family • Home Search • School Search prepare for the big adventure. • Settling-in Services
PRE-K AND KINDERGARTEN (LOCATED INSIDE TAS) Tel: +886 2 2719 2618 [email protected] TIGGER'S(PRE-2S), 2S AND 3S PLAYGROUPS (TIAN YU CAMPUS) GRADE 1 & 2 : AFTERNOON LANGUAGE & LITERACY PROGRAMS North American Curriculum Engaging Outdoor Playgrounds Qualified Instructors Fun and Educational Daily Activities Go knowing Low Student/Teacher Ratios Fun After School Enrichment Classes www.crownrelo.com/taiwan Gymnastics and Music Class Mandarin Playgroups
We’d love to introduce you to our diverse and incredibly special community of learners! Please call to arrange a visitation. CR ad Euroview AprMay.indd 1 22/3/2016 3:40:25 PM
TYPA MAIN OFFICE: (02)2873-1815 www.typa.org.tw
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April 2020_p3-end.indd 4 2020/3/26 上午10:43 COVER IMAGE: Yenong Tudigong fireworks event at FROM Please send email submissions, comments, and feedback to Lantern Festival, Shezidao wetland, Taipei [email protected]. by Shyh-Shiun Jerry Wang THE
For more information, please go to our EDITORS website at www.communitycenter.org.tw “Community” is the theme for our April 2020 issue of Centered COT Team on Taipei (COT). Taipei is a vibrant city. It’s composed of many little neighborhood enclaves, multi-faceted cultures, architectural reminders of historic times gone-by, green urban-centered businesses and leaders committed to having a positive impact on the environment and for the promotion of healthy urban center communities and neighborhoods. There are many unique diverse Suzan Babcock Richard Saunders Naomi Kaly KC Editor Co-editor Advertising Manager Graphic Designer community and cultural threads that bind up the bundle of our coteditor@ [email protected] naomi@communitycenter. graphicdesigntaipei. Taipei community. communitycenter.org.tw org.tw weebly.com In this issue, Sun Kim gives us an insight into Korean food culture
Feature Writers and Photographers in Taipei, which includes two traditional favorites, kimchi and bulgogi (Korean B.B.Q.) Our youngest foodie, Tarana Wienrich, also shares how helping in her German Grandma’s kitchen led to her love of cooking. Kenneth Dickson rallied to our Community theme-call by asking
Lydia Chang Daniel Kenneth Sun Kim Jane Ogge- Maria Ting members of the popular Taiwan PhotoWalkers group to share Cunningham Dickson Cowan images that invoke a sense of community spirit. Their response was heartwarming. Writing and Photography Contributors Maria Ting recently accompanied Lillian Chang, a veteran Sue Babcock Jane Ogge-Cowan creative branding professional, on a Community Services Center Svenja Blanke Jairam Poupart Lydia Chang Richard Saunders tour to Dadaocheng, a century-old, commercially-important Daniel Cunningham Daria Scagliola historic district in downtown Taipei. In her article, Beyond Business, Carlos Delgado Angie Shih Maria explains in detail Lillian’s role in working with the Taipei City Kenneth Dickson SOHO Creative Management Consultants, Inc. Grandma’s Kitchen Rockburger Office of Commerce to revitalize this neighborhood and attract John Groot Rosemary Susa new visitors and businesses through cultural and creative branding Alicia Haddad Alton Thompson Lilli Hime Grace Ting solutions. Jing-Shung Hsu Maria Ting Visiting Fulbright Scholar Lilli Hime reviews PJ Raval’s award- Jade Boat 191 Shyh-Shiun Jerry Wang winning documentary Call Her Ganda, calling attention to the Jut Group Gail West Sun Kim Tarana Wienrich dangerous plight of trans individuals in the Philippines and around MVRDV Ulli Wienrich the world. Morgan Loosli Winkler Partners, Attorneys at Law Taipei has a strong sense of community spirit, as can be seen Pick COT up at: by the way that it has rallied in support of the government and Uptown: health leadership in their efforts to minimize the effects of the Community Services Center, No. 25, Lane 290, Sec. 6, coronavirus. Zhongshan North Rd. Sprout – No. 33, Sec. 7, Zhongshan North Rd. In closing, we wish you continued good health, George Pai’s Beauty – No. 14, Tienmu East Rd. Downtown: Ooh Cha Cha – 207, Sec.2, Nanchang Rd. Sue and Richard
Accountant Monica Cheng COMMUNITY SERVICES CENTER Programs Manager Rosemary Susa Events Coordinator Joy Meglasson Coffee Mornings Coordinator Mirjam Meidinger The Community Services Center (CSC) is a non-profit foundation. CSC provides Communications Morgan Loosli outreach and early intervention through counseling, cross-cultural education and Mandarin Chinese Teacher Gloria Gwo life skills programs to meet the needs of the international community in Taipei. Systems Manager Samson Debele CSC offers the opportunity to learn, volunteer, teach and meet others. Check out Ximena Lopez, Sofia Vintimila our website www.communitycenter.org.tw and drop by The Center to chat with us Counseling Interns about our programs. You can also email us at [email protected].
Volunteers Miyuki Boice, Michelle Collins, John Imbrogulio, Director Adam McMillan Ximena Lopez, Leslie McFarlane, Mirjam Meidinger, John McQuade, Bunny Pacheco, Sofia Vintimila Office Manager Grace Ting Benefactors Bai Win Antiques Counselors I-wen Chan, Katherine Chang, Hui-shiang Chao, European Chamber of Commerce Jung Chin, Chiao-Feng Chung, Cerita Hsu, Miranda Grand Hyatt Taipei Lin, Emilie Ma, Kuang-Shan Wan Premier Sponsors Concordia Consulting Consultants Wendy Evans and Michael Mullahy ICRT San Fu Global Counseling Admin. Joanne Chua
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April 2020_p3-end.indd 5 2020/3/26 上午11:25 CSC A percentage of all proceeds of items sold at the Gallery will go to the Center. Please remember that by displaying your items or shopping at the Gallery, you will be helping the Center to continue to provide valuable services to the international community. Gallery@CENTER APRIL AN EXHIBITION OF PAINTINGS BY VANA LIVING KATE CHETABUT Vana Living is a one-stop destination for everyone who wants to discover Scandinavian design and lifestyle products. Here you will find selected Scandinavian lifestyle products as well as carefully curated products from around the globe. At Vana Living we take pride in offering affordable, high quality products and design. An important part of our work is also reflected by our approach to sustainability and transparency – we value Nature! By this we mean that we place high and clear demands on our partners to minimize environmental impact and provide good working conditions at all levels
My art is in the mandala style, which originates in the Hindu and Buddhist religious traditions. The circular design of the mandala typically Birds represents the universe, and the art is often Boxes viewed and reflected upon while in a meditative state. It's the creation of my work that brings me into this same sort of state, where I'm able to Baskets express my life experiences, Buddhist beliefs, and influences from Thai culture. Each piece begins Spring is Arriving without an idea of how it will look in the end. SPRING Exhibition: Rather, my inspiration comes as I see my work April 4 until end May 2020 take shape.
DECORATIVE BAMBOO DESIGNS FROM
To keep spring in our hearts, and ward off negative GOLD BAMBOO ART CO. elements, Bai Win has gathered many bird cages, boxes and baskets from our collection for you to view. Though we can’t have our opening cocktail, we do invite one and all for a cup of coffee, tea, or glass of wine. A great time to visit since many of us can’t visit crowded public areas. So, please come.
Displayed on the sideboard this month, we have MORNING BOOK CLUB beautifully designed bamboo home décor from Empress Dowager Cixi: The Concubine Who Gold Bamboo Art Co., LTD. Mr. Hsu has been in Launched Modern China by Jung Chiang the bamboo furniture manufacturing business For times and locations, contact Julie Hu at: for forty years and has transformed his product [email protected] line from Chinese-style furniture to small items like vases, lamps and decorative ladders.
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April 2020_p3-end.indd 6 2020/3/26 上午10:43 CSC APRIL Please refer to our website for schedule updates Ready, Set, Vegan! Dishes for We will follow this path until we Taiwanese Please: Everyone's until Japan surrendered in 1945. the Whole Family to Enjoy! come to some steps (less than a Favorites (RESCHEDULED FROM These POWs were captured at Friday, April 17 hundred) that will lead us up to a FEBRUARY!) the surrender of Hong Kong, 10 am – 12 noon; $1,200 small temple and off-the-beaten Friday, April 24 Singapore, the Philippines and Instructor: Prashantha path trail that follows a stream. 10 am – 12 noon; $1,200 the Dutch East Indies. The Lachanna This trail will lead us up to a Instructor: Ivy Chen largest of the fourteen camps in In this class, Chef Prish will share mountain road where we will Join Ivy for a selection of Taiwan was in Kinkaseki, today's three easy, quick and nutritious continue our walk to enjoy some Taiwanese dishes that are well- Jinguashi. This fascinating, vegan recipes that you can cook lovely views of Yangmingshan known and loved, and often full-day historic tour led by up in no time at all. We start and the National Palace ordered in restaurants. On the Michael Hurst, Director of the with a creamy and fragrant Museum. We will pass old tombs menu for this class is Gong Taiwan POW Camps Memorial Beet Soup with Cashew, Sour on this road before finding a Bao Chicken; Taiwanese-style Society, will take us from Ruifang Cream and Olive Dust. Our main well-used concrete path leading Sweet and Sour Fish; Three Cups to Jinguashi via Jiufen, the route course is Doubanjiang Eggplant us back into a lovely forest. Mushroom/Tofu; and a delicious taken by the POWs. It ncludes a and Cheesy Polenta Porridge We will stop at the popular seasonal vegetable to round out visit to the Gold Mining Museum (doubanjiang is a fermented Laodifang Lookout for the first of the meal. Sign up for this one. (admission fee included) and the broad bean chili paste, which we many beautiful views of Neihu Your family will love you for it! POW Memorial Park on the site will combine with sesame paste and Dazhi before continuing on of the camp. Wear comfortable and maple syrup to create a to Jiantan Mountain, where our Hiking Tianshangshan walking shoes. Bring water, creamy, spicy, comforting sauce). walk will be mostly along flat Wednesday, April 29 a packed lunch and rain/sun For dessert, we will enjoy a Raw stone pathways. We will take our 9 am – 1:30 pm; $800 protection as needed. Vegan Banoffee Cake made with time and explore the mountain Instructor: Dory Chung toasted walnuts, date butter, before coming down about Tianshangshan is 430m high coconut cream, black pepper two hundred well-used stone and stretches across Sanxia, and olive oil roasted bananas steps that are not very steep or Xindian, and Tucheng. The area and pan-fried ginger. Your whole slippery. We will end our hike at is famous for its glorious Tung family will love it! the nearby Jiantan MRT station. tree blossoms that bloom from Our total trip is close to 6km. the end of April until early May, Shi Dong Market Tour or “What which we hope (but are not is That Vegetable, and How Do I Sky Lanterns, Waterfalls and Old guaranteed) to see on this trip. Cook It?” Streets: A Visit to the Villages The Taiwanese call it April or Saturday, April 18 of Pingxi Township (Revised May snow because the falling 11:30 am – 1:30 pm; $600 Itinerary and New Guides) blossoms that cover the area Instructor: Ivy Chen Thursday, April 23 look like falling snow. During this For all of our Center fans who 9 am – 3:30 pm; $1,300 hike we will visit the beautiful THE CENTER have asked us to offer this tour Guides: Rosemary Susa and Chengtian Chan Temple, built on a Saturday, here it is! Bright, Adam McMillan by monks in 1951. It is a quiet NEEDS YOU! colorful and noisy, the Shi Dong The first stop on this fun tour is and graceful place and a Market is the place for all your the beautiful Shifen Waterfall, popular tourist spot. The hike is Do you have a skill produce needs. Join Ivy and the widest in Taiwan. It’s a great moderately strenuous with many or talent that you learn some helpful hints and tips place to take some striking steep stairs. The trail, mostly would like to share? on what to buy, where to buy photos. From there we will go paved with stone and wood, is Or have you found it, and how to be sure it's fresh. to the quaint Shifen Village, about 10km long (including 3km some great places Ivy will also show you how to Pingxi township, famous for its on the road) with 500 meters select fresh fish, seafood and annual sky lantern festival. In ascending. We recommend a around Taipei that other items of interest. Time Shifen you may choose to send reasonable level of fitness for you would like to take permitting, this informative tour off a sky lantern (at your own this hike. Wear sturdy shoes with others to see? Then may include stops at various cost) or use the time to look a good grip; bring water, snacks why not consider smaller area markets. If you get around the village and shop. For and sun/rain protection. teaching a course or hungry or thirsty during the tour, lunch, there are several options, don't worry, there are many depending upon what appeals. POW Tour: In the Steps of the leading a tour for the options to satisfy your cravings! There are some small eateries Men of Kinkaseki Center in Fall 2020? and restaurants, places to buy Tuesday, May 5 If you are interested, Jiannan Mountain to Jiantan snacks and munch as you go, or 8:30 am – 3:30 pm; $1,500 or would like more Mountain Hike you may bring your own lunch to Instructor: Michael Hurst Tuesday, April 21 eat on the bus. If time permits, It is not a well-known fact, but information, please 9:30 am – 1:00 pm; $800 we will also stop in the little in 1942, the Japanese began contact Rosemary at Instructor: Jennifer Turek town of Pingxi for a quick walk bringing Allied POWs (Prisoners ce@communitycenter. This moderately strenuous hike about. After walking, browsing of War) to Taiwan from org.tw. starts off nice and easy on a well- and eating we will be ready for Southeast Asia and held them maintained path that is fairly flat. the bus ride back to Taipei. under horrendous conditions
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Beyond Business: Successful Branding of Traditional Shops Using a Humanistic Touch
TEXT: MARIA TING IMAGES: ROSEMARY SUSA, SOHO CREATIVE MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS INC, JADE BOAT 191, GRANDMA’S KITCHEN
sound branding strategy Lillian Chang was instrumental in transforming is key to a successful old stores into new brands business, particularly in today’s competitive Amarket. Business operators face many challenges, including competitors who may cross over to other industries or even borders. Information and communication technology is constantly evolving, as are consumption patterns. Economic conditions can also be unpredictable. The challenge is greater for traditional businesses for which focusing on building good relationships and credible reputation Listening to Lillian’s presentation at Daily Health used to be enough. Today’s businesses are expected to develop new Management Consultants (甦活創意管 products, focus on packaging, find new 理顧問股份有限公司). She has advised distribution channels, and promote over four hundred businesses of using social media. Moreover, they varying sizes across different industries need to understand how to effectively from Taiwan to Macau and Mainland communicate their brand, or story, to China over the past twenty years. She their customers. employs a humanistic approach to Lillian (Ting-Ting) Chang, a veteran helping her clients identify their core creative branding professional, is the values before naming their brand. Good health prescription from a medical sage General Manager of SOHO Creative This process takes into account her clients’ backgrounds and experiences, and translates them into an intimate expression of the brand that is unique and irreplaceable. Further exploratory conversations produce a name (in Chinese and English) and a catchy slogan which embodies the brand’s spirit. The brand’s story then is articulated visually through the design of its logo and corporate identity system, which are reflected in the storefront, packaging and merchandise displays. A comprehensive marketing strategy, product distribution, offline and online promotions finally follow, completing the third part of what Lillian
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Yao de Herb before (left) and after (right)
terms as “Branding with Humanistic the expression of culture, humanities, against the physical experience in the Touch Trilogy”: Brand PositiongBrand and stories through the power of space when visiting is dramatic. Day CreationgBrand Promotion. words. The third element is “art,” which trippers are drawn in by the cohesive Lillian recently led a tour for the includes product design, corporate and logical aesthetics. The story of each Community Services Center in Taipei’s identity, logo, store layout, website store can be read and touched from Dadaocheng (大稻埕) neighborhood, design, everything that is related the textured details on the walls and in a century-old, commercially-important to aesthetics. The fourth element the displays. New patrons open wallets historic district with many hidden is “E,” referring to the digital era of eagerly to take home a piece of this cultural gems. Lining both sides of E-commerce, which communicates experience, which is the ultimate goal Dihua Street (迪化街) are elegant to an audience simultaneously and of going through this transformative Baroque or Fujian-style old houses across multiple platforms using social process. All points of contention during with shops at street-level selling tea, media, new media, traditional audio/ the process between shop-owning traditional medicinal herbs, dried foods video channels, and which is constantly family members, such as resistance and fabric. Lillian began our morning evolving. to change, arguments over budgets, with a brief presentation of her work After seeking prescriptions for good decisions to overhaul outdated displays, inside Daily Health (德利泰), a Chinese health from the medical sage at Daily were quickly forgotten as younger Traditional Medicine wholesaler and Health, the group embarked on foot and more international visitors found a recent client. She explained her down Dihua Street as Lillian highlighted their way to Dihua Street through approach to transforming shops in this some of the shops in her presentation growing social media coverage, in many neighborhood through many telling along the way. The contrast of the instances increasing revenues up to photographs. These shops participated old storefronts seen in photographs five-fold. Most importantly through this in a pioneering project which Lillian transformation, each shop’s core values has spearheaded on behalf of Taipei and unique story, their brand, live on. City Office of Commerce since 2016, to great success. The project aims to Yao de Herb (姚德和青草號) revitalize the neighborhood and attract Address: 55 - 57 Minle Street new visitors and business by assisting (台北市大同區民樂街55 - 57號) traditional stores in carrying out Yao de Herb has over seventy years cultural and creative transformations. of history, selling refreshing cups of Lillian and her team spent countless herbal teas that are a fond memory of hours understanding each shop owner’s many Taipei residents visiting the area. background and motivation, values The shop’s founder, Mr. Yao de He, and expectations. Much effort was also grew up in the mountains of Ruifang spent educating them of today’s market Township, and was intimately familiar trends and demands. Throughout her with its every species of grass and tree. process, Lillian integrates four elements He took to gathering medicinal herbs she describes as equally essential for subsistence as the surrounding for long-term success. The first is mining industry waned. In 1946, he “business,” which takes in strategy, purchased a stall in Yongle market positioning, market, and distribution and started his own herbal tea shop, channels, all business considerations. but insisted on personally gathering The second element is “text,” which is the herbs daily until he succumbed to
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Grandma’s Kitchen, before (left) and after (right)
pneumoconiosis, a serious lung disease branding to attract tourists. The new common to miners. Fortunately, his son slogan emphasizes tea bags and bath had learned the trade from his father pouch product lines to expand into new since childhood and was able to take operational opportunities, especially over, relocating the shop to its current attractive to young customers. address. The shop became a hub for medical students and enthusiasts alike Grandma’s Kitchen (竹木造咖) for the study and knowledge exchange Address: 161, Dihua Street, Sec. 1 of medicinal herbs. As the third (台北市大同區迪化街一段161號) generation came on board, thought The Wang family of Grandma’s was given to popularizing the teas to Kitchen originally came from China, be enjoyed year-round. The family’s nine generations ago, and settled at willingness to evolve the business Dadaocheng. The present shopkeeper,
prompted them to join Taipei City Mr. Wang Tai Qin, is of the seventh Grandson Lee talking about the history of Government’s revitalization project generation, and also serves as the Dachun Soap to create a new look. In addition to deputy director for the nearby Taipei designing a new corporate identity, the Xia-Hai City God Temple, famous for has also been redesigned to move owners also decided to utilize the old its matchmaker deity. Mr. Wang grew away from the old-style grocery store storage spaces through creative use of up on Dihua Street and has fond impression to offer a comfortable scaffolding as shelves. This transformed memories of his grandmother and treasure-hunting experience, the texture of the whole store and mother, constantly being in and out of particularly enjoyed by Japanese and added an atmosphere to match its new the kitchen, to feed the faithful from Korean visitors. all over Taiwan sitting at the outdoor banquet tables set up each lunar Jade Boat 191 (澎玉191) May 13th to celebrate the birthday Address: 191, Dihua Street, Sec. 1 of Xia-Hai, the City God. The shop he (台北市大同區迪化街一段191號) operates now has undergone multiple Compared to surrounding shops that reiterations and name changes since have been around for decades, Jade his great grandfather began it a century Boat 191 (originally called Cheng Da ago. Faced with economic downturn, Hang) is a relative newcomer. In 1989 Mr. Wang left his job in the computer the young founding couple, Mr. and industry to help his stroke-stricken Mrs. Chen, arrived from a fishing village father with the family business. in Penghu with two toddlers in tow to Through his participation in the Taipei start their own business. With limited City Government revitalization project, funding and no local connections, the shop rebranded by focusing on times were difficult at the start. What traditional kitchen ware, such as the they lacked from their competition retro grandma bags and bamboo they made up for with hard work and steamers. Riding on the recent “maker” extensive knowledge of all things from trend, the common tools and wares the sea. Sardines, neritic squid, and Mr. Wang explaining his latest collaboration have been transformed through a new dried squid became their signature with Taiwan Tourism Bureau modern perspective. The store space products as the Chens, sweethearts
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Jade Boat 191, before (left) and after (right)
since their school days, recreated their store owner in Dadaocheng. He Lovely Intimate Apparel (樂芙莉) childhood memories through their took over a soap factory from the Address: 186, Dihua Street, Sec. 1 offerings to their loyal customers. Now Japanese in 1950, producing soaps (台北市大同區迪化街一段186號) in their sixties, the Chens have turned using vegetable oil without any added More than twenty years ago, Mr. the business over to their son, Ming- harmful chemicals. Many elders Chang came from Tainan to start Bang. In 2018, along with sister, Ming- remember using their soap from head- his own business as a lace supplier. Ting and her husband, the family to-toe. The Dachuns' clientele grew His success expanded overseas and decided to participate in the Taipei City its way from individual homes into included famous branded customers Government project. The rebranding hotels, yet their natural soaps still do such as Victoria’s Secret. In 2017, he centered on their grandfather’s fishing not leave pollutants like those created started the LOVELY brand with his wife, boat combined with the street number, by chemical cleaners. Protecting the building on their strong foundation in converting the brand into Jade Boat environment and maintaining the ODM and focusing on the specialized 191. The space redesign also used the delicate balance between humans handmade process to highlight Taiwan’s same motif and brought new products and the world has been a family exquisite craftsmanship. The shop from Penghu to distinguish its offerings. motto passed down from Grandpa appeals to the young generations Lee. After seventy years, the shop and international visitors through Dachun Soap Shop (大春煉皂) is back to where it started, making their continued education to break Address: 193, Dihua Street, Sec. 1 soap for people, respecting the earth, the stereotype that lace is only used (台北市大同區迪化街一段193號) appreciating nature, and paying for sexy lingerie. The redesigned Grandpa Lee started as a grocery forward blessings. workshop emphasized the visual effects to communicate specific marketing messages, that lingerie can be wonderful gifts to add beauty in life, and no longer just a necessity.
Maria Ting returned to Taipei in 2009 with her family after twenty years in the U.S.A. As a mother of two daughters, she is currently enjoying her time exploring her birthplace and sharing her experiences with friends near and afar. The tour ended in the courtyard behind Lovely’s Workshop in front of the designated landmark residence and original plaque that once hung over Chinese writer Lu Xun’s Three Flavor Study in Zhechiang Province
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Bai Win Collection Partners With Donors To Support The Center
TEXT & IMAGES: MORGAN LOOSLI
azing into the deep-set eyes of the tall, slight monk only hints at his long history. Flecks of gold shimmer on his forehead, reflecting the speckled light that filters throughG the trees. In his outstretched hands he holds an alms bowl, but he is not begging. His expression is unquestionably kind — happy and content. The monk is a stunning original Burmese piece from the Mandalay period (1800s), donated by Ivonne Kwok to Bai Win Collection, to sell on behalf of the Center. That Bai Win’s founder, Faye Angevine, would facilitate this charitable act will not surprise anyone who knows her. In addition to running Bai Win Collection full time, Faye is a non-profit supporter, small business innovator, and passionate dog rescuer. Perhaps the thread that ties it all together is that she asks everyone around her to care more, to do more, and always look for ways to help. She sees potential and demands that it be reached. Bai Win Collection’s commitment to doing good is clear: “We believe all living beings, on two legs or four, should be respected and cared for by all those capable. It is this belief that engenders our passionate involvement in local, regional and global causes that benefit the planet and all its occupants. You’ll find that community spirit in our gallery and at every event we sponsor or attend.” So when Ms. Kwok asked if Faye would help find a home for her antique teak wood Burmese monk, Faye agreed, and both determined that the proceeds of the sale should be donated to the Center. When other people in the community approached Bai Win about consigning antiques and collectibles, Faye broadened the scope of the project to raise money for the mental health services offered by the Center. Bai Win will continue to provide opportunities for both This original Burmese monk is from the Mandalay donors and buyers of antiques to have their purchases period (1800s), and is donated by Ivonne Kwok. make an impact at the Center. He is made of teak wood and has his original gilded The two items featured here are currently for sale at red lacquer finish. Stunning detailed eyes and face. Bai Win Antiques, and the proceeds will be donated to There is slight damage on the bowl. The monk’s the Center. The buyers of these pieces will not only gain face is crafted with a youthful appearance typically a stunning addition to their home, but their purchase known as “child Buddha” — with a slight smile, eyes will help the Center continue to provide needed support looking upon us all. The piece stands 68” [172cm] tall, services to the international community in Taiwan. The including a small stand. This beautiful piece is only Center encourages its readers to stop by Bai Win to look NT$350,000, and the buyer will be supporting the at these beautiful items. Center.
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This reconstructed cabinet is a wonderful example of the traditional, slightly splayed Chinese cabinet, featuring wide opening doors, a circular brass lockplate with a decorative floral design, a wide panel below for storing valuables, and drawers and shelves on the interior. Portions of the cabinet have been replaced Morgan Loosli is the but the doors with calligraphy are original. This beautiful piece Center's Communication most likely originates from Shanxi Province, and was originally used Manager. When she's for storing folded garments, as was the custom of the Chinese at not at work, she spends the time, but this sturdy and versatile cabinet can be utilized for her time taking advantage of Taiwan's any type of storage. Cabinet dimensions: height 203.5cm, width breathtaking outdoor experiences. 105cm, depth: 49cm.
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April 2020_p3-end.indd 13 2020/3/26 上午10:43 COMMUNITY The Center, Brogent i-Ride and TAS Orphanage Club Team Up for a Very Special Experience
TEXT: JANE OGGE-COWAN here is an audible gasp as the breathtaking experience in January, IMAGES: MORGAN LOOSLI students’ seats move forward when they visited the i-Ride Theater toward the immense black in Xinyi to take simulated flights over screen and their dangling Taiwan and the United States. Tlegs hang over the emptiness that had The visit by a group of children from been, moments ago, solid ground. A the Chung Yi Social Welfare Foundation breath later the dark room is now the and members of the Orphanage Club world all around, sea for miles and coast was part of a joint initiative between on the horizon. They are flying now, the Center, Brogent Group and the transported from the fifth floor of a Orphanage Club. At the Center’s mall in Xinyi to the breathtaking peak Auction Gala in October last year, guests of Xueshan [Snow Mountain, Taiwan’s bid on i-Ride tickets, knowing that for second-highest mountain], pausing every ticket sold, the proceeds would over the summit to watch (and feel) be donated to the Community Services white puffy clouds swirl past as the sun Center, and Brogent Group would gently touches the horizon. This is i-Ride, donate an equal number of tickets to an immersive experience designed in the Orphanage Club to take a group of Taiwan with unique technology that children from local orphanages to i-Ride allows each rider to get a bird’s eye view Taipei. On January 19th, the children on a panoramic flight across Taiwan. experienced the excitement of the i-Ride Thanks to the generosity of the and learnt about the sophisticated Brogent Group, guests at the 2019 technology behind it. A second group i-Ride Taipei opened in Taipei in 2019, Community Services Center Auction from Cathwel Orphanage, whose visit and is located in Breeze Nan Shan in Gala and the Taipei American School’s was postponed due to the COVID-19 Xinyi District (Across the Taipei 101, easy Orphanage Club volunteers, seventeen virus, will experience the ride soon. access by the 2F skywalk). young people from a local orphanage Brogent Group’s Corporate Social had the opportunity to enjoy this Responsibility (CSR) objective is to bring the ultimate immersive flying experience to people from all walks of life. Its motion-based technology helps inspire curiosity about technology, including some fascinating facts about the i-Ride and its development. In her role on Brogent’s CSR program, Ms Shane Wu, Special Assistant to Brogent CEO, sees first-hand how stimulating the ride is for children, parents and carers, and what a memorable shared experience the ride offers. “Sometimes the parents are even more excited about the ride than the
14 APRIL 2020 www.communitycenter.org.tw
April 2020_p3-end.indd 14 2020/3/26 上午10:43 COMMUNITY
cutting-edge technology, which was of additional interest to many students. The Community Services Center was delighted to play a role in bringing the i-Ride experience to a group of fortunate children from both Chung Yi and TAS, as well as our many generous supporters, through the Auction Gala. children!” she says. The Orphanage Club outing was a Everyone who bought tickets at the Founded in 2001 in Kaohsiung, valuable shared experience for all the Gala could enjoy a unique experience Brogent is a diverse technology company young people involved. The Club, which right in the center of Taipei (rain or with rich experience in digital content was founded in 1970, is TAS’ oldest shine) knowing that in doing so they creation. Its main lines of business student organisation, and arranges have given many children throughout include software and hardware research monthly outings and field trips for Taipei the opportunity to have the same and development, manufacturing orphans thanks to its relationships with opportunity - of hanging suspended and system integration, theme park Cathwel and Chung Yi Orphanages. Its with their feet dangling in front of a rides design, creative planning, filming many student members, from Grades 6 360-degree panoramic screen while and site operation. In 2008, Brogent - 12, volunteer in a wide range of social special effects amplify this high-tech developed its flagship product; the and fundraising events which benefit and hugely fun, simulated experience. i-Ride. Brogent now has over 35 flying these and other partner organizations. theaters globally offering high quality But as even their best-laid plans can immersive and emotive rides. Its first sometimes be affected by Taipei’s Jane Ogge-Cowan venue outside Taiwan was Vancouver unpredictable weather, partnering with is an Australian in Canada, and its most recent theaters an organisation like Brogent Group currently based in opened at DreamWorld on Australia’s meant it could organize an indoor Taipei with her family. Gold Coast in September 2019 and in event which provided a fun experience Reykjavik, Iceland in October. for everyone and an insight into
April 2020_p3-end.indd 15 2020/3/26 上午10:43 OUTLOOK
This message was shared in the Institute of Cultural Affairs Taiwan (ICA) Trends Newsletter. It seems to be even more relevant today, as we face the challenges related to our environment. — Gail West, Director
Excerpts from “Who’s Afraid of Greta Thunberg?” TEXT: SVENJA BLANKE IMAGES: WEB
The character of Greta Thunberg is part of a polarizing global confrontation regarding climate change. …her speeches have contributed to social mobilization and awareness of the climate crisis and the future of the planet.
he September 2019 #FridaysforFuture movement also fury from powerful media outlets. […] According to inspired and encouraged by the Swedish teenager, some observers, the adoration towards Greta is similar to a celebrated its largest recorded mass mobilization. religious awakening. But this is not her problem. It is, on the In almost every country in the world, young people contrary, a problem of the people and the media that react Tand adults took to the streets. It is estimated that about to her actions and her words. Within the political spectrum, four million people mobilized around the world. Despite her environmentalism is found mostly on the left and in the youth, she has become popular because of her knowledge of academic world. The right and many liberals deny Greta and climate and environmental problems, for the firmness of her her colleagues the right to formulate their own political ideas convictions and for the actions that she carries out. [...] she and goals, instead treating them as immature and spoilt. The has become an icon. Argentine journalist Sandra Russo calls this the first case of Greta Thunberg is the global face of this movement and her “global bullying.” presence is extremely influential. And it represents that the The criticism that Thunberg’s ideas about the climate younger generations are more intelligent than their parents. would be potentially “undemocratic” since they do not allow Others are angry: they see her as a naïve puppet of opaque for political compromise based on the idea that politics works adult interests and they make fun of her. “only step-by-step, always through compromise.” Thunberg’s In August 2019, when embarking on a trip from Europe sharp accusations do not take place in a vacuum, they are to New York on a ship that doesn’t produce carbon dioxide, stark, political interventions aimed at polarizing public she caused a sensation in the media and in the political opinion. Her statement that “the poverty of the many pays world. Furthermore, her interventions at the World Climate for the luxury of the few,” is according to some commentators Conference in Katowice (Poland) in December 2018 and at on the extreme right, “the product of socialization in the the World Economic Forum in Davos put the world’s powerful Swedish education system” and is a stupid left wing criticism in a very awkward position. This young girl, with her hair of capitalism. Everything seems to suggest that the more in braids threw slogans at them (“act” or “panic”) and was popular and disruptive the climate movement becomes, the able to attract the world’s attention. Especially the European more virulent the rejection from those who consider climate media. But her presence at the New York and Washington change as a conspiracy and the protection of the climate demonstrations, the meeting with Barack Obama, the as pure nonsense becomes. The severity of reactions to a appearance on the Daily Show and the speech before the 16-year-old teenager should make us reflect. The attacks General Assembly of the United Nations on September 23rd may be a sign that she, alongside the youth involved in also made her a popular figure in the US. the movement, have managed to hit a sensitive nerve. […] The activist triggered not only a political movement, but questioning the system.
16 APRIL 2020 www.communitycenter.org.tw
April 2020_p3-end.indd 16 2020/3/26 上午10:43 At the climate conference held in Katowice in December 2018, the young Swedish woman stressed that political elites had not yet understood the severity of the climate crisis. Since the political class acts irresponsibly, it is up to the younger generations to take charge of their future and do what adult politicians should have done a long time ago. Young people must understand what previous generations have done with climate change and respond to the chaos they have inherited. They need to ensure that their voices are heard. In all of her speeches, Greta makes it clear that if real and concrete measures are not taken to face the current situation, politicians will be acting irresponsibly. She maintains that rich nations have a greater obligation to reduce emissions quicker. This would allow emerging economies such as India and Nigeria sufficient time to adapt their infrastructure. The main concern of the #FridaysforFuture movement is, therefore, that climate protection measures be adapted in the widest, fastest and most efficient way possible. These positions do not seem to question the system itself; they are simply a call to reason and for fulfilment of objectives that have already been established. The power of persuasion of the movement doesn’t come from theoretical positions, but from simply saying “what is happening.” German climate movement activist Luisa Neubauer comments that “the battlefield is between those who benefit most from the status quo and those who are set to lose the most. We young people ask ourselves why things are the way they are when they could so simply be different? And we have to fight this as strongly as we can because we have absolutely nothing to lose, except our future.” Greta has also begun to be recognized in Latin America. The urgency of social and economic crises in many countries in the region forces the environmental issues to take a back seat. There is potential for generational conflict, but many adults are willing to change their behaviors and seek a change in policy. Greta has managed to create mass mobilization through her statements, actions in the public eye and intervention in the media. Its objective is not and cannot be to solve the climate crisis, but it has won a more immediate resounding political success: a generalized and global awareness of the urgency of climate change. What she says and what she does already influence political debates in different countries and first steps. There will come a point when we become aware that environmental issues cannot be resolved if we separate them from economic and social issues. They are inextricably linked and part of the same problem. Greta has challenged us. “How dare you! […] We are at the beginning of a mass extinction and all you can talk about is money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth. How dare you!”
www.communitycenter.org.tw APRIL 2020 17
April 2020_p3-end.indd 17 2020/3/26 上午10:43 REVIEW
TAIWANESE FEET: My Walk Around Taiwan by John Groot
TEXT: RICHARD SAUNDERS IMAGE: JOHN GROOT
“What? Are you crazy?” my smart and adorable Taiwanese wife said when I told her of my plan. “Maybe!” I replied, “But I’m going to do it anyway!”
o begins long-term Taiwan expat John Groot’s book, Taiwanese Feet, an account of his perhaps crazy, but most definitely utterly fascinating traverse – on foot – around the entire coastline of Taiwan. Completed in stages over a period of just under eight years, John’s Swalk (a total of 1,200 kilometers) was an epic achievement, in more ways than one. One of the main aims of the walk was (as John Ross explains in his Foreword to the book), “… a desire to forge a deeper attachment to his adopted land and its people.” Reading through the author’s account of his many exploits en route, meetings with colourful characters, and his sometimes hilarious misadventures, there’s no doubt that his journey was one of discovery, not just of the amazing natural beauty of Taiwan’s magnificent coastline, but also of the island’s eternally fascinating and diverse cultures and traditions (both Han and Aboriginal) into which the author’s long walk immersed him to a degree that very few others, local or expat, can hope to experience. John’s account of his adventure as he works his way, à pied, around the island are liberally scattered with fascinating little anecdotes which bring the narrative alive, from the mysterious trio of guys that accost him along a remote and all- but-forgotten stretch of track hewn into the vertiginous cliffs of the east coast, to his elation at finding a clean loo beside a highway in deepest Taitung County: “Hallelujah! Heavenly trumpets blared! […] Inside the spacious, very private stall, all was white, clean, new, and gleaming. An oceanside window near the high ceiling let in air and sunshine, and the odor was of the great outdoors with a tiny bit of detergent. Compared to my hotel room, it was heaven. This was a five-star shitter.” As in most good travelogues, no aspect or detail of his epic trip has missed John’s keen eye for quirky detail, and one of his friends, who accompanied him for the day along one of the more scenic stretches of his marathon trek, is described in affectionately humorous tones: Greg, being lighter and younger than me, bounced along like Tigger in front, while I slogged on stolidly behind like Winnie out for a hike, (except that I was wearing pants). Taiwanese Feet is a wonderful read, and a very welcome addition to the humble body of literature on the subject of this magnificent island. While Taiwan-related titles in English are more numerous than most of us would Richard Saunders is a imagine (check out camphorpress.com for nearly twenty titles), Taiwanese Feet, trained classical musician a charming and hugely enjoyable combo of travel diary, literary sketch book, and writer who has lived and history lesson, is the perfect gift for someone who has never been to this in Taipei since 1993, enchanted land, but who would like an insight into why so many of us love it so. and is the author of eight books about Taiwan.
18 APRIL 2020 www.communitycenter.org.tw
April 2020_p3-end.indd 18 2020/3/26 上午10:43 REVIEW
Call Her Ganda
TEXT: LILLI HIME IMAGES: WEB
he end of 2019 seemed pretty trans communities around the world good to Taiwan’s LGBTQ is an alarming and disproportionate community. Over 2,000 people number of deaths and murders. flooded the streets around Raval hopes his film can inspire TRed House in Ximending for Taiwan’s greater conversation about the trans first ever Transgender March. The day experience and how to advocate for after, Asia’s largest Pride eclipsed its the trans community, even in one of previous year’s attendance, no doubt Asia’s most progressive countries. in celebration of the recent legalization Even with this credit, only five of of same-sex marriage. The month after the nine core international human these victories, the South Taiwan Film rights instruments have actually been Festival chose a more somber note to adopted here, as we see the experience end Trans Awareness week, reminding of transgender individuals still reflects Movie poster of Call Her Ganda us with its panoramic film choice, global discrimination against the Call Her Ganda, that for transgender community in issues of employment individuals, most days aren’t exactly a discrimination, healthcare, domestic parade of baby blue, pink, and pride. abuse, and suicidal thoughts. In the no comprehensive review of LGBTQ The panoramic category highlights LGBTQ advocacy organization Tongzhi rights policies exists. a movie with universal themes, and in Hotline’s First Review of LGBTI Human And while Taiwan’s trans community Call Her Ganda, themes of transphobia Rights Policies in Taiwan (in which awaits such a response, Raval and the systemic disenfranchisement of they examined fourteen different encourages audiences to take matters the transgender community resonate aspects and 27 issues around LGBTI into their own hands. with every country. The award-winning rights policies) the organization’s basic “There's diff[erent] ways to achieve documentary unfolds the brutal murder conclusions all aimed at creating a more our concepts of human rights, and it of trans Filipina Jennifer Laude by the accepting and welcoming Taiwanese can happen at the very local level. In U.S. Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton. In community for all genders, one that the Philippines, you have cities passing the film, the audience witnesses the life included gender education in public these anti-discrimination LGBTQ+ city and dangers faced by trans individuals schools and personnel training for ordinances, which is pretty exciting. in the Philippines. As the audience exits government employees to improve I know the film talks about big issues the theater, they need not look far for understanding countrywide. The first like imperialism, colonization, but real world relevance. recommendation in a plea for long- realistically, people have been screening “The theme of trans individuals being term change was a request for more the film to say in our town, there's not discriminated against,” Director PJ Raval government-funded research about the an LGBT protection ordinance, can we said, “or being the target of violence community, so as to understand the pass one?" and hate is sadly a universal thing across needs and threats to the community Ultimately, the screening of Call Her the world.” Something that sadly unifies that need to be addressed. As of now, Ganda during Trans Awareness week begs not only awareness or even the patience for federal policy change, but rather local and immediate action for the trans communities today.
Lilli Hime is a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Yunlin County working to uplift her students' Taiwanese culture in the classroom and equip them with curiosity in the world, using language as a gateway.
www.communitycenter.org.tw APRIL 2020 19
April 2020_p3-end.indd 19 2020/3/26 上午10:43 DESIGN
Dutch Architects for Green Urbanism
TEXT: DANIEL CUNNINGHAM IMAGES: DANIEL CUNNINGHAM, MVRDV, DARIA SCAGLIOLA, ROCKBURGER & JUT GROUP
On the first weekend of March 2020, I was invited by Dutch architecture firm MVRDV to join a tour of the firm’s projects in Tainan. It was an opportunity for me to pick the brains of one of the world’s leading architects and Co-founder of MVRDV, Winy Maas. He shared his vision of how green urbanism will promote healthy communities in Taiwan.
Winy Maas (Co-founder of MVRDV), Hui Hsin Liao (Designer at MVRDV), and Li-Ju Li (Architect at The Urbanists Collective and LLJ Architects)
TAINAN MARKET
The first site we visited during the tour, Tainan Market is intended to become the hub of Tainan’s agricultural industry as well as a place where children can learn about where food comes from and how it is farmed. Right now, it just looks like a steel structured warehouse with a tin roof, but when it’s completed the roof will feature tiered gardens with fruits and vegetables growing all over it. Maas recalls that when the client first came to him with the project, they wanted a landmark for the county’s agricultural industry that could be seen from the nearby highway, but what they’re getting is a whole lot more! Maas envisions that farmers will arrive in the morning and leave in the evening, all at the same time, reserving the daytime for visitors only. Inside the market, there will be a restaurant serving fruits and vegetables harvested from the rooftop farm, adding another dimension to the whole experience. Each terrace on the roof will grow a different MVRDV Concept, Tainan Market crop such as pineapples, rice, roses, tea and more.
20 APRIL 2020 www.communitycenter.org.tw
April 2020_p3-end.indd 20 2020/3/26 上午10:43 DESIGN
MVRDV Concept, Tainan Market MVRDV Concept, Tainan Market
Tainan Spring TAINAN SPRING
The second stop on the tour was the pre-opening event of the new Tainan Spring urban lagoon. Built in what was, once upon a time, the basement of Tainan’s most haunted mansion, the project has been successful in transforming a massive eyesore into a beautiful tourist attraction. It offers space for retail, cafes and restaurants, under shaded eaves that encircle a shallow pool of water at its center. The whole development appears like a sunken amphitheater under the midday sun. Passersby lean over fences surrounding the development, gazing down at a spectacle of families enjoying its turquoise waters. Locals I spoke to during the tour hope that it will change people’s perspective of the haunted location and revitalize its surrounding streets. However, I have been keeping up with news about Tainan MVRDV Concept, Tainan Spring Spring since the tour and it’s not all good. Aside from the ubiquitous photos of politicians in the media, such as Taiwan’s vice president-elect William Lai and Tainan’s mayor Huang Wei-cher giving a thumbs up at the opening ceremony, some members of the public have not been respectful of the space. New reports claim that visitors allow their dogs to urinate in and around the pool, while other visitors have sat on and broken some of the poolside lighting. Only time will tell whether Tainan can properly maintain the site for the public, or whether it will fall into the hands of private investors.
Construction, Tainan Spring Tainan Spring
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MVRDV Concept, Taipei Twin Towers
GREEN URBANISM
Beyond the Tainan Spring and Market projects, Maas is forwarding his vision of green urbanism in Tainan, whereby the city’s architecture should harmonize with the natural surroundings. He hopes that it will be the beginning of a transformation, decreasing the number of motor vehicles in the city center and repopulating the streets with tropical Daniel Cunningham is gardens. These projects are a starting point for him and a way International Project PR & to communicate his vision to politicians as well as the public. Marketing Manager at DDG Not all MVRDV concepts in Taiwan are born out of Maas’ Taipei, specialising in cultural and vision of green urbanism though, as shown by the firm’s creative industries. He was the entry to the Twin Towers competition. They proposed a International Media Liaison of the “Times Square” for Taipei, featuring two skyscrapers, clad in 2018 Golden Pin Design Award and the Golden Pin ginormous LED screens, which would be built beside Taipei Concept Design Award. Main Station. Despite initially having won the competition, funding for the project led to controversy and it was eventually cancelled, then replaced with a much more vanilla-looking proposal. MVRDV’s very first project in Taiwan was a green auditorium space at Jut Group’s office in Taipei, which underwent construction in 2017. In the near future, MVRDV is hoping to land another proposal in Tainan called Y House. The Y-shaped residential villa concept features circular windows and an infinity pool with panoramic views of lush hills and fields surrounding the property.
MVRDV Concept, Y House
22 APRIL 2020 www.communitycenter.org.tw
April 2020_p3-end.indd 22 2020/3/26 上午10:43 DESIGN
Winkler Partners, Attorneys at Law – An Urban Community Leader in Green Building Practices, Rooftop Garden Design and Ecological Habitats
TEXT: SUE BABCOCK IMAGES: WINKLER PARTNERS, ATTORNEYS AT LAW
ince 2006, Robin Winkler, founder of Winkler Partners Attorneys at Law of Taiwan and Foreign Legal Affairs, has had a visionary mission. That mission is for his organization to have a positive impact on the Senvironment. THE BACK STORY - WORKING FROM THE INSIDE OUT One of the first steps was to set up a “Green Office” to begin implementing green initiatives for creating a responsible and healthy eco-friendly workplace environment. By achieving more efficient use of resources, reduction of waste, energy saving and money, a transformation took place: “the greening of their firm’s office environment.”
REDUCING WASTE Practical changes for reducing waste began by looking at the areas where waste was occurring. Paper consumption was one. Discussing options for making conscious choices such as when to print and when to use technology for information sharing and storage, practical ways to reuse and recycle paper were implemented. Between 2014 and 2018, they were able to reduce the amount of printing by 11%. A study of the firm’s food culture and what food practices were most popular with colleagues indicated that fast food and one-time use items were high on the list. Instead of throwing food scraps away, a food composter in the office provided a way to recover food waste. One-time use items such as disposable chopsticks wrapped in plastic, paper cups, plastic food wraps and containers were exchanged for reusable containers and utensils. Recycling bins were strategically placed for employees to recycle paper, plastics and non-biodegradable waste, thus establishing a 90% success rate for the firm’s recycling efforts. This created a ripple effect, which led to new purchasing and methods to use environmentally friendly products for the firm.
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RESERVING ENERGY Finding ways to address the architectural, structural systems and mechanical design of the Winkler Partners’ firm for reducing energy consumption required a careful study of its interior and exterior space. What transpired was the creation of an open courtyard space, vertical landscaping, and increased efforts to make full use of natural light and ventilation. The firm’s colleagues were actively involved in monitoring the use of air conditioners, the “sleep” setting on their computers and switching to using low-energy lighting appliances in efforts to reduce electricity usage during their time at the office. Since 2004, the firm has reduced its electricity usage by an impressive 61%.
CULTIVATING RESOURCES – THE ROOFTOP GARDEN In the 1970s, the majority of Taipei’s buildings were concrete four-storied flat-roofed buildings. So, it was with good fortune that the Winkler Partner’s firm was able to find such a building for their firm’s offices and rooftop garden. The garden, created in 2007, occupies 75 square meters of flat rooftop space. It is a year-round permaculture oasis offering greenery, shade, lower temperatures (especially in summer), natural insulation, a buffer for traffic noise and pollution, rainwater collection and a habitat for insects and birds. Permaculture is a philosophy. It is a way of knowing and understanding how to help create change and transition into a more ethical, sustainable way of life, honoring our environment. At Winkler Partners, a full-time employee supervises and coordinates the firm’s rooftop garden. He shares with colleagues specific and practical information about permaculture. Colleagues are encouraged to participate in the garden and cultivate their own small plots. To date, as many as 22 have accepted the “green thumb” challenge. Their efforts have produced a garden filled with greenery, a wild rose trellis, passion fruit trees, seasonal fruits and vegetables, herbs and flowers. Off to one side of the garden in a shady, secluded area is a table for colleagues to gather. It has become a favorite meeting spot, especially at lunch and break times. The garden is also popular with colleagues’ children, local school children and their teachers. Each visit teaches them something new about urban farming and a different lifestyle. In 2017, solar panels were installed on the rooftop to generate clean, renewable energy, which subsequently reduced electricity costs. It also met approximately 18% of the firm’s energy needs. Also in 2017, the firm began offsetting the emissions of their international travel. This accounted for 50% of the firm’s total emissions.
THE TAKE AWAY “As a certified B Corporation, Winkler Partners is honoring its commitment to meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability…”, standards that incorporate eco-friendly educational opportunities for the curious and the committed to visit them and learn more about their energy-saving initiatives and rooftop garden. Suzan Babcock is a long-time In an October 28, 2014 post to the Winkler Partners’ website, resident of Taiwan. During her the following quote from an ancient Chinese reformer and thinker, stay here, she has managed Guan Zhong, was printed and accurately sums up their on-going four successful careers in education, cross-cultural commitment: “If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are relations and counseling, although being a mother planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, has been her favorite. educate people.”
24 APRIL 2020 www.communitycenter.org.tw
April 2020_p3-end.indd 24 2020/3/26 上午10:43 FOOD
Korean Food Culture in Taipei
TEXT: SUN KIM IMAGES: SUN KIM & WEB
orean food is all about the art of spice. Its flavors are based on natural tastes, strong and light, fresh and spicy. Traditional Korean cooking is a gastronomical adventure with garlic, green onions, red chili pepper powder, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, vinegar, Kginger and sesame seeds. One important thing to understand about Korean cooking is its focus on individuality. The characteristic flavors of Korean food come from the methods of cooking and the ingredients, not from precise measurements. Proportions for the same recipe will differ from region to region, and from cook to cook. This is why Korean dishes have such a diverse range of tastes. Garlic and chili peppers are the most popular spices used by Korean cooks.
KIMCHI – THE NATIONAL DISH The Korean people love vegetables. One of their most famous vegetable Korean Food Items: dishes is kimchi, which is made with white Chinese cabbage, white radish and Kmart, 103, Shidong Road, Shilin District cucumbers that are salted and preserved in a spicy seasoning of red chili pepper powder, garlic, ginger, green onions and pickled fish sauce. Popular Korean B.B.Q. There are two main categories of kimchi, the common everyday kimchi and Restaurants: Korean Pig, 437, the annual winter kimchi. The common kimchi is prepared in spring, summer Zhongshan North Road, Section and autumn and does not have to be preserved. Winter kimchi is made in large 5, Shilin District batches and stored in vats that are placed in the ground for many months to ferment. The Maple Tree House, 585 It is said that kimchi has over a hundred different varieties, using different Guangfu South Road, Xinyi vegetables, which have been dried and then been pickled or fermented. District Fermentation adds a rich tangy taste and “crunch” to kimchi, which is a healthy food, boosting the body’s enzymes, and promoting good digestion.
BULGOGI – THE KOREAN B.B.Q. Sun Kim is a Bonsai Bulgogi is one of Korea’s most popular beef dishes. In Taipei, you can find Specialist. She this delicious food at Korean B.B.Q. restaurants. These usually have a charcoal believes everyone grill set into the middle of each table, on which paper-thin slices of marinated has different but bulgogi meat (bulgogi means “fire meat”) or beef ribs (kalbi) are grilled in front beautiful gardens in of you and cut into bite-size pieces. Then they are wrapped in small packets of their hearts, and we lettuce leaves with garlic, chili and soybean paste and popped whole into your get more beautiful when we love one mouth (it is considered very rude to nibble at a small bulgogi packet). Bowls of another. Put everything on love - that rice and side-dishes are also served. The Korean B.B.Q. is one of the healthiest is her life. ways to prepare for spring, especially here in Taiwan.
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April 2020_p3-end.indd 25 2020/3/26 上午10:43 FOOD Made withLove TEXT: TARANA WIENRICH IMAGES: ULLI WIENRICH
I can remember when I was seven years old, standing in my German Grandma's kitchen and helping her prepare a large family feast. It started in the morning and we finished ready for lunch. The kitchen had a distinctive smell that I can’t find anywhere else, and for me that smell is Germany.
The table was set and the family was ravenous. The food was delicious and I felt a sense of Ratatouille satisfaction, that it had been a Ingredients success. This experience was 1 medium pepper, chopped the start of my love of cooking, 3 medium tomatoes (2 chopped, 1 thinly watching cooking programs, sliced) helping my aunty in the kitchen 1 medium eggplant, thinly sliced and baking with friends. 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced 1 medium onion, chopped This month I’ve prepared one 2 tablespoons olive oil vegetarian meal, ratatouille, which I have never cooked Directions before. I would love to share 1. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F (190 it with you and hope you degrees C) enjoy cooking and eating it as 2. Wash all the vegetables and thinly slice much as I do. them. Pour the olive oil into a pot and quickly fry the pepper and two chopped I made this dish myself for a tomatoes. Add the chopped onion. Blend family lunch, and I wanted to the mixture into a sauce, and put it to one make it because I have never side to cool down. After it has cooled, tasted ratatouille before, and spread the sauce evenly into a rectangular when I was a kid my favorite Pyrex baking dish. Place the sliced movie was Ratatouille. When I vegetables, in alternating layers, into the finally made it, the end result was baking dish, and continue until the baking amazing, and everybody loved it. dish is full. Cover, place into a pre-heated oven and bake for one hour.
I saw a similar recipe created by Mary Berry and thought that it would be fun and easy to create my own version of this. So that’s exactly what I did; it’s almost like a pizza without the dough, and I make it all the time now as a healthy snack because it Tarana Wienrich is so simple and only takes a few minutes to is a student at prepare. TES.
26 APRIL 2020 www.communitycenter.org.tw
April 2020_p3-end.indd 26 2020/3/26 上午10:43 HEALTH
7 Natural Healing Remedies to Keep You Strong and Healthy, and Keep Sickness at Bay
TEXT & IMAGES: LYDIA CHANG
I grew up in a family that practiced yoga, and where medicine and vitamin supplements were banned from the house. Whenever I got sick, instead of bringing me to the doctor, my dad would take me outside to sit under the sun and sip on turmeric tea. Throughout my childhood and since becoming a yoga teacher, I’ve personally experienced and witnessed the healing effects of natural SLEEP BEFORE 10 PM remedies from ancient wisdoms of yoga, According to Ayurveda wisdom, the world’s oldest holistic meditation, and Ayurveda. healing system, different energies dominate different hours of the day that directly govern our bodily functions. It is I would like to share with you seven powerful important to be doing the right thing, at the right time, for the techniques that you can immediately start body, brain and hormones to function optimally. This concept doing to build a strong and healthy immune is supported by the scientific discovery of the human body’s system. These methods are backed up circadian rhythm, a 24-hour internal cycle that regulates all by modern science and will help you to living beings. prevent (or quickly recover from) the first Between the hours of 10 am and 2 am, pitta or fire sign of sickness. I have been practicing these energy dominates. The fire energy is responsible for internal methods for over ten years and they have cleansing, digestion and elimination of toxins from the body. kept me strong and healthy. I rarely get Sleeping by 10 pm1 ensures your body can dedicate and focus sick, and even if I do, I recover quickly. I 100% of its power towards removing toxins from the body and encourage you to try them out for yourself. keeping you healthy.
Lydia Chang is the founder of Origin Yoga DRINK LEMON WATER & Wellness, Drinking a large glass of warm water first thing in the first yoga the morning is essential to rehydrate and stimulate retreat center bowel movements. The custom of drinking water in Taipei. A former accountant in the morning is a prominent Ayurveda tradition turned yoga teacher and known as ushapan, whereby 500 to 750 ml of water spiritual entrepreneur, Lydia are taken first thing in the morning, before sunrise, rebuilt her childhood home on an empty stomach. by the beach into a healing You can choose to drink warm water by itself or sanctuary that attracts guests add a half or a full lemon to the water for an added from all over the world. Visit boost of vitamin C, antioxidants, and essential Lydia at Origin Yoga & Wellness nutrients for the immune system. Warm water will ’ for full day or multi-day yoga increase the body s temperature (thus increase the retreat by the sea: www. digestive pitta or fire energy), relax the abdominal muscles, and help to flush out toxins from the body. originyogawellness.com. 2
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SUN SALUTATION LION POSE Surya Namaskar or Sun If there is one useful yoga pose I recommend for preventing Salutation, is a series of twelve colds and flu, it would be Simhasana or Lion Pose. This is an easy yoga postures performed in practice combining both yoga and a breathing exercise. It works one graceful flow. Originating to activates the immune glands of the tonsils and the lymph in 1500 BC in the Rig Veda nodes in the neck, and it also helps prevent a sore throat from (the oldest collection of sacred developing. You can feel the benefits throughout the respiratory Hindu scriptures), sun salutation tract, relieving many imbalances of the mouth, throat, nose, builds strength, flexibility, eyes, and ears almost immediately. If possible, practice the Lion and connects with the life- Pose facing the sun to further nourish and disinfect. giving energy of the sun. It is Here's how to practice the Lion Pose: a complete practice by itself, Step 1 and 3by doing all the postures, Kneel on the floor4 and sit on your heels or a yoga block, then every part of our physical open the knees as wide as you can to at least as wide as your and energetic body can be hip. Rest the buttocks in-between the heels and bring your big awakened. toes in till they touch. Modern research shows yoga Step 2 movements such as the Sun As you inhale, do the following: spread the fingers wide like Salutation have a promising claws, draw your arms backwards, elbows towards your ribcage. anti-inflammatory effect in Lift the chest, and imagine opening the front part of your body the body, which counters the and filling it up with fresh oxygen. immune system’s response to Step 3 infections. Clinical trials also As you exhale, do the following: fingers still spread wide, revealed yoga exercises reduce press in towards the front and center, slightly round the upper inflammation at the DNA level back, compressing air out of the upper body. Like a lion roaring, by changing pro-inflammatory open your eyes wide and gaze at the tip of your nose, at the genes. Practice Sun Salutation same time sticking out your tongue as far as you can. The exhale for at least three rounds each should be audible and exaggerated as you make a "haaaa" day, in the morning and in the sound, emptying your breath. evening, and day by day, you’ll Step 4 observe and feel your mental Repeat three times, for at least three rounds. You can practice and physical health improve. the pose for as long as it feels comfortable.
MORNING SUN BATH Natural sunlight is crucial for our health and well-being. Sun exposure when done carefully at the right time and conditions, allows us to absorb the healing power of the sun without causing any damage. The light of the sun penetrates deep into the skin to cleanse blood vessels and energize the body. Natural sunlight is responsible for vitamin D production, and activates key immune cells. Being exposed to the sun daily also regulates melatonin production in the body to maintain the circadian rhythms of our body for a good night’s rest. The proper way to take a sunbath is when the sunlight is not very strong. Morning is best, and evening comes second. During winter time, you can be under the sun for up to twenty minutes. During summer time, up to ten minutes is sufficient. Lie down or sit somewhere with your back facing the sun and relax. Once you start sweating, it’s time to stop, move away from the sun and replenish by drinking water or taking a cool shower.
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EVENING FOOT BATH MEDITATION A warm-water foot bath Meditation is an important practice to help us reduce helps to boost blood circulation, stress, gain clarity, and physically affect our mind and body reduce fatigue and improve to decrease chances of illness from the inside out. It is one sleeping conditions. Research also of the best things you can do to improve your overall quality demonstrates that it improves the of life. Evidence from clinical trials repeatedly demonstrated immune system with a significant that meditation reduces pro-inflammatory processes, increase in white blood cell count. increases cell-mediated defence parameters, and increases Both Ayurveda and traditional an enzyme activity that guards against cell aging. Meditation Chinese medicine recognize the is the quickest method to help our body switch from flight benefits of soaking your feet in and survival mode into growth and repair mode. warm water. If possible, a warm foot For beginners, follow these three steps to start practicing bath should6 be followed by a few meditation: 7 minutes of gently massaging the feet. Step 1 By stimulating the pressure points Relax the body. You can scan your body, part by part, from in the feet with warm water and head to toe, relaxing each part as your attention passes by touch, blocked energy channels through. are opened up and the body’s own Step 2 healing mechanism stimulated, and Focus on the breath. After your full body is relaxed, blockages in the energy channels bring your awareness to the breath. Feel each inhalation leading to the related organs are and exhalation. Observe the quality of your breath. opened. When thoughts, emotions, or distractions arise, don’t be The best time for a foot bath is one discouraged. Just notice the distraction and come back to two hours before bedtime. You to the breath. The more you practice, the stronger your should soak for no more than twenty attention and connection with your breath will be. minutes in an open, airy space. The Step 3 water level should be 10-15 cm Be still. Resist any temptation to move or shift the above your ankles, covering both feet body, not even to scratch or adjust your seat. Being in entirely. After soaking, massage all complete stillness is the most effective way to cultivate your parts of both feet gently. Finish the concentration, and build tolerance against distractions. Sit in foot bath by drinking a warm cup of stillness and practice for at least twenty minutes each day. herbal tea or water.
Taiwan 101: Essential Sights, Hikes and Experiences on Ilha Formosa
by Richard Saunders Taiwan is a perfect illustration of the saying that good things come in small packages. In comparison with more popular tourist destinations in the Far East, Taiwan is very modest in size, but despite its diminutive scale, the island has an astonishing amount to offer the curious explorer. The two volumes that make up Taiwan 101 are the perfect guide for exploring the very best of Taiwan: not only the island’s finest hikes, but also its best historic towns and cities, brightest traditional festivals, unique Chinese and aboriginal cultural riches, and its little-known natural wonders such as eternal flames, mud volcanoes and badlands. Together, Taiwan 101 Volumes 1 and 2 present Taiwan’s finest attractions to anyone who wishes to get to know this island of kaleidoscopic charms, and comes with detailed information on getting around by public transport, and accurate GPS coordinates of nearly 800 fascinating places.
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April 2020_p3-end.indd 29 2020/3/26 上午10:43 PHOTOGRAPHY Photowalkers April Gallery by Photowalkers Taiwan
TEXT: KENNETH DICKSON IMAGES: PHOTOWALKERS MEMBERS
I. CRACKIN' THE DIVINE CODE hotowalkers Taiwan is a group of photographers who love to get out and take photographs. In this month's gallery, photographersP share images that consider the idea of “community.” We also reflect on the diverse, colorful nature of Taipei's communities. At the same time, we aim to highlight the wide range of photography that captures the imagination, creativity and lenses of Photowalkers. Enjoy! If you're interested in taking photos with any kind of camera, you are welcome to join us on our photowalks.
PHOTOWALKERS TAIWAN This group is for Photowalkers with a connection to Taiwan. We enjoy getting out and taking great photos in Taiwan in KENNETH DICKSON any genre: street, architecture, culture, Restoring the Faith, Hongludi Temple, Zhonghe, New Taipei City history, landscape, and more. Kenneth Dickson is an active member of Photowalkers. He loves Tamsui for Find us at: https://www.facebook.com/ its cooler evenings and gentler pace. It's a great place to discover with his groups/photowalkerstaiwan/ camera. He also enjoys coffee, writing articles, and walks by the ocean front. https://www.lookthroughthelens.com
Shyh-Shiun Jerry Wang is a photography tutor and artist from Taipei. His photographs have appeared in Taiwan Photo, Taipei Art Photo, Tamsui Historical Museum, and online. Now he focuses on sports, events, and street photography when he has time. IG/@shyhshiunjerrywang
SHYH-SHIUN JERRY WANG International students participating in Taipei Hakka Yimin Festival at the Presidential Palace, Taipei
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II. COMMUNITY CULTURE CLUB
JAIRAM POUPART ALICIA HADDAD Flight of Hope: Writing wishes and hoping for luck Women in costume taking part in the 1920s Parade, Beimen during Lantern Festival, Shifen Station, Taipei
Jairam Poupart is a Canadian teacher living in Hsinchu. Alicia Haddad's creative passion for photography, especially night He's been learning about Taiwanese culture since and street photography, has already taken her to South America, 2018. Since becoming a tour guide in California and Europe, Africa, and Asia. She is also the co-producer of Taipei Hawaii in 2017, he has developed his passion for Shorts, an English-language theater collaboration. photography and traveling. IG/@amhaddad IG/@jairam_travels
ALTON THOMPSON Harmony, played by National Taiwan Normal University Symphony Orchestra, Da'an Park, Taipei
Alton Thompson is a classical musician and art photographer. A CARLOS DELGADO native of Florida, USA, he has made his home in the Beautiful Old Lady Praying at Longshan Temple, Taipei Isle since 2004. His photographs have been seen in numerous publications, journals and books. Carlos Delgado is based in Tainan. He has only recently https://altonsimages.blogspot.com started in photography, and enjoys exploring new locations around the island. The atmosphere of Taiwan surprises him, as do its traditions, history and culture. IG/@carlos_fdp
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III. COMMUNITY DREAMS & CHALLENGES
ANGIE SHIH Climbing with friends at Longdong Cliffs, Northeast Coast, Taipei
Angie Shih's interest in photography began in her teens. She absolutely loves photography and expresses her creativity and passion through her art. She also ALICIA HADDAD enjoys spending time in the garden, yoga, traveling, and rock climbing. Scene in Count Mount, a humorous one-act https://angieshihphotography.com play from Taipei Shorts II
JING-SHUNG HSU Photographers capture sunset at Hsinchu Fishing Port
Jing-Shung Hsu has fallen in love with photography since his first Nikon FM2. He feasts on touching moments he encounters every day, capturing them on KENNETH DICKSON camera. His social media shares those wonderful moments worldwide. Annual Songkran (Thai New Year) Festival IG/@js_hsu_photos event at Hwaxin Street in Zhonghe, New Taipei City
Kenneth Dickson has been an active member of TEPC for the past couple of years. He loves Tamsui for its cooler evenings, golden sunsets, and a gentler pace of life. It's a great place to discover Taiwan with your camera!
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RICHARD SAUNDERS EXPLORES TAIWAN'S LESS-TRODDEN PATHS
National Museum of Marine Science and Technology
TEXT & IMAGES: RICHARD SAUNDERS
he warm, nutrient-rich ocean surrounding Taiwan is such a fascinating place that over the last decade not one but two exceptional museums have been established on the island. The National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, appropriately located close to Kenting, on the Tsouthern tip of the island, showcases all the things most of us associate with sub- tropical oceans: coral reefs, exotic tropical fish, strange invertebrate creatures, whales and other marine mammals. In Keelung, at the other end of the island, the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology explores what makes the marine environment tick, Richard how man uses it, and how we can conserve it. It’s a trickier subject to sell to the Saunders is a general public, but the museum is extremely successful in presenting a lot of trained classical factual information without ever becoming dry or tedious. Both museums are musician and among Taiwan’s finest, and well worth a visit, even if the idea of learning about writer who has the ocean may be less immediately appealing than the thought of being beside lived in Taipei or in it. since 1993. He has written several books Far from being a dry, even academic experience, the National Museum (available at the Center and in bookshops of Marine Science and Technology features an explosion of colorful, creative around Taipei), including Yangmingshan: the displays. An even finer achievement is the clever way the museum manages to Guide (a complete guide to the National Park make subjects that are of rather specialist interest (such as the workings of ports on Taipei’s doorstep), Taipei Escapes I and and the utilization of the ocean’s resources) accessible and attractive to the 2, which together detail sixty day trips and layman, and enough detailed information is provided to make the museum as hikes within easy reach of Taipei city, and interesting for adults curious about the subject as for families with kids in tow. The Islands of Taiwan, a guide to Taiwan’s The museum occupies the restored buildings of a former power station, built offshore islands. His latest book, Taiwan in 1939 on reclaimed land just east of Keelung, on what is now the neck of the 101: Essential Hikes, Sights and Experiences Badouzi peninsula. Coal from nearby coalmines was brought to the power station around Ilha Formosa, is out now. via the twelve-kilometer-long Shenao Branch Railway Line. Long closed, the
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April 2020_p3-end.indd 33 2020/3/26 上午10:43 stretch between Ruifang and Badouzi was reopened in time for the official opening of the museum, and makes a great way to get there. To get the most out of the museum, budget a half-day, as there’s an awful lot to see. If time is limited though, the Main Exhibition Building is naturally the main attraction, divided into eight large exhibition spaces, each dedicated to a branch of ocean sciences. A couple of hundred meters east of the museum, beside highway 2, is the Datum Benchmark, a rod, fourteen meters long, sunk into the bedrock for maximum geological stability. You could easily walk past it without even noticing its existence, but it’s of great importance for surveyors. The rounded tip of the rod, which just pokes its head above ground level, is the national benchmark for measuring mean sea level in Taiwan.
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