Swooping Green Land Bridge Design Turns Abandoned Taiwan Railway into a Lively Hub

Designed for an international competition focused on revitalizing the Kaohsiung Port Station in Kaohsiung, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/paradise-lost-but-found-again-at-abandoned-taiwanese-factory-turned-greenery-filled-oasis/" target="_blank">Taiwan</a>, this gorgeous swooping design by Jason Lee and Patrick Koschuch of <a href="http://www1.cie.nl" target="_blank">De Architekten CIE</a> took first place. The project proposed by the duo will transform an abandoned railyard and port station into a spectacular and sustainable housing complex and public meeting space. Their design hopes to break the barrier that now exists between the Hamasen and Yancheng districts of the city, fusing them instead into one lively hub. CIE’s new plan will also preserve the historic structures to create a new sector for the thriving city that calls to both the future and the past.

A gorgeous new park, commercial zones, cultural buildings and museum are in the works.

Integrating Hamasen and Yancheng, the goal of the project is to revitalize the industrial area, while also paying tribute to Taiwan’s industrial past by creating a present day cultural hub and residential zone.

One of the most unusual features is a lush park, which is built atop the gridwork of the abandoned railways. <a href="http://inhabitat.com/gorgeous-wind-chime-sculpture-sings-splendidly-with-the-forest-winds/" target="_blank">Paths</a> throughout the park create specific zones that separate pedestrians and cyclists, for safety and relaxation.

With the railways as inspiration, CIE has created quite a sit. The pathway will extend over a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/lush-green-pedestrian-bridge-revitalizes-abandoned-parisian-roadways/" target="_blank"> landbridge</a> that arches above the park below, creating an undulating series of green hills. <a href="http://inhabitat.com/bmws-new-motorrad-e-scooter-concept-is-a-blazing-electric-ride/" target="_blank">Cyclists</a> and walkers can ascend and descend the slopes that will also be home to curated museum programs.

The new plans, which enhance the existing architecture, will also be <a href="http://inhabitat.com/el-hierro-the-worlds-first-renewable-energy-island-or-is-it/" target="_blank">energy efficient</a>. The position of the commercial and residential buildings will minimize <a href="http://inhabitat.com/inviting-glass-town-library-wins-breeam-rating-of-excellence-in-enfield/" target="_blank">solar gain</a>, take advantage of the cross breeze and allow serene views for residents.

The entire project will be a giant leap forward for the expanding city, attracting tourists while providing locals with an innovative and historically rich place to live.