Hushan Reservoir Environmental Education Center / KDS Architects

Text description provided by the architects. The Hushan Reservoir Environmental Education Center in Douliu City, Yunlin County, Taiwan, was founded as part of the nature conservation and local remuneration efforts during the construction construction. The center was originally proposed as an environmental and ecological educational hall and was later added to meet the expectations of the residents. Together with the reservoir, the ecological nature reserve and the nearby settlements, it forms a comprehensive environmental park park that promotes natural ecology, cultural heritage and development of community life.

An essential cultural element is the stone god, an important local landmark that was relocated due to the construction of the reservoir. Traditionally, the residents circled it three times to protect the huts of cattle. Together with the Wanshan god and the natural god, it was moved into an open room in front of the dam and formed the Three Gods Park. The education center, which is positioned between the park and the dam, symbolizes both the conservation and the mood.

The design of the center comes from the natural elements of stone, water and earth and integrates historical, ecological and emotional topics:

1. Architectural expression of history: The placement and shape of the auditorium symbolize the unveiling of the stone god and reflect historical changes.

2. Emotional connection: its trapezoidal shape reflects the dam and combines the reservoir, the stone god and the settlements nearby.

3 .. Environmental harmony: A pillar -free interior enables the free spatial flow, which swings with the reservoir and the nearby stream.

4. Memory Evocation: The circulatory route uses the ritual circle of the stone god and strengthens historical memory.

5. Landscape integration: Large window frames of the dam, the stone god and the nature reserve, strengthening the location connection.

6. Sustainability: shaded windows, natural ventilation and foldable doors minimize energy consumption and keep comfort.

7. Exploration of land transformations: Green and wind turbines on the roof underline the balance between development and maintenance.

8. Symbolical journey: stairs to the south remind shepherds of mountaineers and add cultural depth.

9. Water as a topic: The water droplet shape and the pelvis of the roof symbolize the role of reservoir when maintaining life.

10. Local materials and textures: regional stone, recovered wood and metal elements mix the building in its surroundings.

11. Low-tech, inexpensive approach: The center is seamlessly emphasized with the landscape with the landscape.

The Hushan Reservoir Environmental Education Center is not just an architectural unit, but a reconciliation between human development and environmental protection. It serves as a hub for ecological training and cultural heritage and promotes awareness of the sensitive balance between nature and community.