Kaohsiung Science Park - Searching for Public Art Introduction
Kaohsiung Science Park is located between the Luzi, Gangshan, and Yong'an districts of Kaohsiung City, covering an area of about 570 hectares. The main industries in the park include optoelectronics, precision machinery, and biotechnology (medical devices). It can be accessed via the Gaoxing Interchange on National Highway No. 1 through connecting roads. Public transport options include the Taiwan Railway Luzi Station and Gangshan Station, reaching the park via Provincial Highway No. 1; there are also shuttle buses from Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit that connect to the park. A free shuttle bus from Luzi Station goes directly to the park, and future extensions of the Kaohsiung MRT will reach Luzi, significantly improving transportation convenience. The park is approximately 35 kilometers from Kaohsiung International Airport and about 40 kilometers from Kaohsiung Port, giving it a geographically advantageous position for international transport. The park integrates local agricultural products known as the "Luzi Four Treasures" (tomatoes, cauliflower, eggs, and milkfish) to maintain resource sustainability and promote technological industry development, featuring various public art that embodies local characteristics through historical and spatial cultural transmission. Different materials (mosaics, stainless steel, galvanized steel, pebbles, fiberglass, etc.) express the beauty of local culture and industry, such as Gene "35", Spatial Memory, Blue Magpie, Bear Good Days, and Dance of Vibrant Life. ◆ Gene "35": Inspired by large eggs, this piece highlights the specialties of the Luzi Three Treasures (tomatoes, cauliflower, and eggs) and carries the connotation of "production," aiming for a development goal of a "three lives park" focusing on production, life, and ecology. The cracks on the egg symbolize the birth of human wisdom, suggesting that the development of the biotech medical device industry is rooted in care and connection to human interfaces. ◆ Bear Good Days: Maintaining ecological balance and sustainable development of natural resources is one of humanity's most urgent challenges in the 21st century and a global issue of interest at the intersection of modern technology and art. A good day for everyone not only means clear streams and an abundance of fish for little bears, but also ensuring that humanity can coexist harmoniously with the natural environment, achieving a win-win situation of "having both fish and bear's paws." Let us strive together with technology and art for such good days to arrive soon! ◆ Spatial Memory: The science park has evolved from farmland and parks to its current state; while the environment constantly changes, the love and recognition for this land remain unchanged. It expresses transcendence beyond time constraints, leveraging technology to store the beauty of the world in a memory time difference, integrating regional landscape concepts to enhance interaction and communication between the public and the park, creating beautiful memories together. ◆ Dance of Vibrant Life: Just as large-scale biological forms are recorded in tiny genes, fractals offer a new perspective to observe the world. ◆ Blue Magpie: The main structure utilizes membrane structures for the wings and tail, while steel structures serve as the spine and supporting framework of the bird. ◆ Spring Breezes a New Life: By using the metaphor "wildfires can’t burn out; spring breezes bring new life," it symbolizes the resilience of vibrant things that cannot be suppressed by any force. Committed to developing biomimetic technology, "Miraculous Restoration" becomes within reach, mainly producing artificial joints for orthopedic applications. These products are used to replace damaged joints through surgery, helping patients regain mobility and long-term use. Joint orthopedics serves as a spring breeze for joint patients, using technological wisdom to support life’s happiness, signaling rejuvenation through joyful faces. ◆ Mother Duck with Ducklings: This piece, inspired by the colorful image of a mother duck leading her ducklings, presents a warm feeling within the science park. The mother duck with ducklings symbolizes sustainable operations and longevity. Additionally, this collection of artworks invites the public to engage, embrace, rest, and enjoy. ◆ Inspiration Points, Creativity Turns: Based on the computer mouse as a symbol of technological transformation, it features streams of inspiration extending from it. The overlapping and intertwining mechanical gears represent the diverse development and rich technology of the tech industry, while the rotating gears implicitly signify the transformation of traditional industries. This concept resonates with the park's historical culture and future development, adding spiritually meaningful landmarks to the park. ◆ Adding Color to Life: Nature is inherently colorful, but what can be perceived by the naked eye is limited compared to what is processed through optical technology. The international lithographic industry in Taiwan is dedicated to adding more colors to our lives, innovating developments that allow colors to flourish, intensifying happiness in life. ◆ Mirror Reflection: The sculpture, composed of dual elliptical mirrored surfaces, serves as a dynamic vessel that absorbs the surrounding environment, silently recording the changes in moments. One side reflects the past pedestrians, while the other mirrors the broad sky. The semi-open environmental base presents a blurred relationship between inside and outside, with the artwork offering people a chance to reflect on nature. ◆ The Mighty Power of QR Screws: Drawing inspiration from digital imagery and futuristic technological living, this piece combines QR codes and screws as symbols. Viewers can scan the QR code to quickly connect and learn about the Southern Science Park, transitioning from physical space to digital space. This interactivity fosters connections between observers, the artwork, and the science park. Furthermore, using a simple screw as an image symbolizes the solid strength of tech innovators, supporting a vast world. This once tiny, precise object expands into a grand visual force, taking significant steps from the small scale to the globe. QR screws represent not just small screws but reflect the infinite potential cultivated locally and spread globally. ◆ Companionship: The developing Nankang Kaohsiung Park has an incomplete identification system, making it difficult to recognize despite the presence of large corporations and buildings. Therefore, vibrant, creative, and eye-catching large signs designed in a fun modern style have been created for the Nankang Kaohsiung Park, making the artworks intriguing and memorable for people passing by, even if they aren't visiting the park.
