Houtong Visitor Center Introduction
The Houtong Visitor Center is located near the North Road of the Dalan Ancient Trail and the Jinzi Monument, and was completed in June 2022. The design emphasizes sustainability and integration with the surrounding environment, featuring a semi-enclosed roof and an open corridor that allows natural light and airflow to flow through the atrium. The roof uses a red-hued membrane system, connecting with the red-brick old houses around the settlement and the surrounding greenery. The low-hanging roof serves to define the internal and external spaces of the building and directs rainwater to a rain garden, responding to the natural environment and emphasizing ecological circulation, creating a landmark effect of a splash of red in the lush greenery of the forested hillside. In addition to continuing the function of a visitor center, the new design will provide more resting and shaded areas for hikers and cyclists to temporarily rest and recharge after environmental improvements. The exhibition space on the right side of the building promotes the century-old Dalan Ancient Trail and the intertwining cultural history of the Keelung River's century-old mining industry through curated exhibitions, allowing the public to gain a deeper understanding of the local cultural history.
