Jiujiu Island Introduction
(1) A unique settlement type with three kinds of cultural heritage status, it is the only fully preserved century-old historical prison site in Taiwan. It possesses multiple cultural heritage values including a national historic site, historical architecture, and a cluster of settlement buildings. The old prison, which spans over a hundred years since the Japanese colonial period, showcases the imagination of an ideal penal space through its unique Pennsylvania-style architecture. The buildings, constructed collaboratively by inmates, represent a rare model of public architecture, featuring high spaces and diverse forms of ventilation designs. These architectural characteristics, alongside the use of cypress wood materials, reflect distinct architectural thoughts from different historical contexts. The special spatial configuration facilitates the experience and discussion of social issues such as "freedom" and "restriction." The dormitory area, as an extension of the old prison, served as essential support for the daily lives of prison staff in the past, softening the serious atmosphere of the area. Today, it retains a gentle and rustic living feeling, becoming an important stop for visitors to relax and connect with the heritage site, and allowing them to find rich historical contexts through the perspectives of the residents. (2) The reconstruction of the wooden capital historical site plan shapes the "Wooden Capital Work Settlement." In addition to embodying cultural values from its historical context, the dormitory area closely ties with the core of Chiayi's wooden capital. Through the past "Reconstruction of the Wooden Capital Historical Site Plan," it revitalizes old houses for local teams to occupy, gradually progressing toward the vision of a "Wooden Capital Work Settlement." Furthermore, there are still relatives of prison staff residing within the settlement, with the co-residence of new and old tenants creating a complete historical narrative space that resonates between the old prison and the dormitory area. This allows the public to see that it is not only a relic of the past but also an important cultural asset in contemporary society and urban life. (3) The settlement's innovative "repair in lieu of rent" occupancy model showcases the potential for revitalization of cultural heritage sites through ten years of public-private collaboration. Another significant feature of the old prison dormitory cluster is its innovative "repair in lieu of rent" occupancy model. In the past, a total of 3,223 youths from 20 universities participated in its development, with 16 private units applying for occupancy, and the public sector independently restoring and managing 14 of them. During this period, the partnership between the government and private entities demonstrated how diverse private expertise, grounded in the public sector's trust, can foster richer, place-based operational models while genuinely supporting local development, achieving substantial revitalization. This also provides more opportunities for interpreting and developing cultural heritage sites, adding a new cultural dimension to the accumulated past and bringing symbolic significance to the model of public-private collaboration.
Base Overview 2 - Old Prison Settlement Street 1
Old Prison Settlement Street 2
