Qigu Visitor Center Introduction
Due to tidal factors, the Liuhau Island Trail is covered during high tide, making it impossible for visitors to walk. To avoid the impact of tides on the visitor experience, you can check the tide times at the Central Weather Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation. The main concept of the building at the Qigu Visitor Center is based on "dykes." To reduce the visual disconnection between human structures and the natural environment, local elements such as coastal dikes, river dikes, and salt dikes were used as design elements. Utilizing a folding panel system, it transforms "dykes" into space, resembling piled salt blocks, shaped by rainwater erosion into steep cliffs or gentle slopes, which also reflect the shapes of valleys, embodying the forces of nature acting on the earth. The main structure is based on gray and white tones, shining brilliantly against the blue sky, giving this "dyke" diverse appearances at dawn and dusk. The architectural structure creates the imagery of salt mountains in the space, enhancing compatibility with the local landscape. This building symbolizes the unique natural landscape of the area and embodies the original intention of caring for the marine environment and highlighting the beauty of the coastline. As an information hub connecting nearby attractions, the Qigu Visitor Center has become a new tourist landmark and provides a coastal deep travel base, offering friendly and diverse services to visitors. The charming water cottage at Liuhau Island is not only a popular photo spot but also won the 2022 MUSE DESIGN AWARDS in the United States. The location of "Liuhau Island" coincidentally corresponds to the sixth production area of the Qigu South Salt District during the Japanese occupation 80 years ago, hence the name. The work is based on the changes in salt production at the Qigu Salt Field, interpreting the mindset of residents who experienced salt industry changes and encapsulating the essence of salt workers' lives into a water installation art of an island and a cottage, combining the imagery of early salt fields’ "salt windmills" to convey a sense of "silent beauty.” Like a cottage on a solitary island, it undergoes different light and shadow variations throughout the day, with its "salt" color representing the natural elements of salt production: sunlight, seawater, and sea breeze. The work intentionally creates an elusive opportunity to "land on the island," as the water level in the landscape pool changes with the tides. When the water level covers the trail, it will not be open for access; visitors can quietly appreciate the isolated cottage from the shore or check the Qigu tide table before visiting. Environmental art installation at Qigu Visitor Center - Liuhau Island Designer | Chen Yu-Liang Location | Qigu Visitor Center Landscape Pool
