Residential patterns are inextricably linked to societal dynamics. It is imperative to examine the broader context, drawing insights from historical shifts, changes in political regimes, housing policies, social movements, and population demographics. “What factors have culminated in the present residential landscape of Taiwan?”

In Taiwan, social housing leases typically last three years with an option to extend once. The typical lifespan of a reinforced concrete structure is approximately 50 years. The majority of such structures remain unchanged from the day of their completion. Confronted with significant demographic challenges such as declining birthrates and an aging population, “How do we anticipate the direction of residential spaces 50 years hence, after fifteen three-year cycles, or the future trajectory of public spaces?”

The Taoyuan Railway Underground Project in Taiwan, estimated at NT$104.8 billion (US$3.70 billion), aims to improve the transportation network in the rapidly developing Taoyuan metropolitan area. This project involves constructing a 3.734 km underground twin-bound railway track and a station at PingZhen to enhance mobility and reduce traffic congestion. It includes revamping existing stations at Taoyuan, Neili, and Jhungli and building five new stations at Fongming, Jhungli, Taoyuan General Hospital, Jhungyuan, and Pingjhen. The project focuses on improving the urban landscape and land utilization by dismantling 8 viaducts and 8 underpasses, eliminating 20 level crossings, and integrating various railway systems to form an efficient commuting backbone in Taipei City, New Taipei City, and Taoyuan City, facilitating a one-hour track life circle in the Green Transport Corridor​.

The configuration has begun to arrange through the program I set up. I am attempting to fragment space, and then trying to incorporate three-dimensional space into the calculation. Next, I focus on the optimization of public space location, field of view analysis, and volumetric daylighting, each through the Galapagos component in Grasshopper.

I commenced my design on a site located between a hospital and a school. In this post-pandemic era, my intent is to delve into the interrelationships between education, sports, and therapeutic residences. In Aalto’s Paimio Sanatorium, the architecture itself serves as an integral part of the healing process. Open-air school assisted physically frail children in recuperating with the aid of sunlight and fresh air. In my design, social housing proactively offers a plethora of public amenities, focusing on education, rehabilitation, and sports.

Over time, as the population ages, the social housing will gradually be occupied by the elderly. The design has been adapted with flexibility to accommodate various degrees of societal change. The layout is divided into public and private floors, achieving both plan and façade liberty, with the capability to adjust according to function. I have also incorporated multiple sky corridors to ensure optimal lighting and ventilation. Whether for general housing or assisted living, the design ensures sustainability and promotes health.