Qigu Visitor Center Introduction
Due to tidal factors, the Sixth Island Trail is covered with water during high tide, making it impassable for visitors. To avoid tidal impacts on the visitor experience, please check the tide schedule at the Central Weather Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation. The main structure of the Sihgu Visitor Center is inspired by the concept of "dikes." To reduce the visual disconnection caused by human-made structures to the natural environment, local elements such as seawalls, river dikes, and salt dikes were utilized in the design. The folding plate system transforms the "dike" into spaces, resembling piles of salt blocks that have formed after being eroded by rainwater, steep like cliffs or gently sloping, reflecting the forms of valleys, embodying the forces of nature acting on the earth. The building's main color scheme is gray and white, shining brightly against the blue sky, giving the structure various appearances in the morning and evening. By creating the imagery of a salt mountain landscape within the architectural structure, the compatibility between the building and the local landscape is enhanced. This building symbolizes the unique natural landscape of the area and reinforces the intention of protecting the marine environment and highlighting the beauty of the coastline. As an information hub connecting nearby attractions, the Sihgu Visitor Center not only serves as a new tourism landmark but also provides a point for in-depth coastal tourism, offering friendly and diverse services to visitors. The charming Sixth Island, a floating hut, is not only a popular photo spot but also won the MUSE DESIGN AWARDS in 2022. The location of "Sixth Island" coincides with the sixth production area of the Sihgu South Salt District during the Japanese colonial period 80 years ago, hence its name. The work is based on the evolution of the salt industry in the Sihgu Salt Field, interpreting the sentiments of residents who have experienced changes in the salt industry and the essence of salt workers’ lives, transforming it into a floating art installation of an island and hut that also incorporates the early salt fields' "salt windmill" imagery, conveying a sense of "silent beauty." Like a hut on a deserted island, it experiences different light and shadow changes throughout the day, and the exterior 'salt' color represents the natural elements of salt production: sunlight, seawater, and sea breeze. The work deliberately creates the elusive opportunity of "landing on the island," as the water level of the landscape pond fluctuates with the tides. When the water level covers the trail, it will be closed to visitors, who can enjoy the solitude of the island hut from the shore or check the Sihgu tide schedule before visiting. Sihgu Visitor Center Environmental Art Installation - Sixth Island Designer | Chen Yu-Liang Location | Sihgu Visitor Center Landscape Pond
