Interview about Pride Of The City Public Art, winner of the A' Fine Arts and Art Installation Design Award 2022
Pride of the City is the Public Art in Maple Garden, the urban oasis and an ecological park in Taichung City. This work expresses the image of four birds flying upward and presents multiple images similar to trees, flowers, and birds from different angles to show the cycle of four seasons and the harmonious coexistence of all living things. This public sculpture leads the visitors to approach nature and brighten nights in Maple Garden.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsGrand interview #135954Question 1:Your innovative approach to integrating four birds in Pride of the City Public Art creates multiple perspectives and seasonal interpretations—could you elaborate on how this dynamic symbolism emerged during your creative process?During the creative process, I was deeply inspired by the cyclical beauty of nature and its harmonious diversity. The four birds not only symbolize the upward motion and freedom but also embody the coexistence of all living things throughout the changing seasons. This symbolism emerged as I observed how urban parks, like Maple Garden, transform with the seasons—from blossoming spring flowers and vibrant summer greenery to autumnal hues and tranquil winter stillness. By blending these ideas, the sculpture invites viewers to perceive different forms—such as trees, flowers, or birds—depending on their angle of observation, reinforcing the notion that nature’s beauty is multifaceted and ever-changing.問題一：您將四隻鳥融入城市公共藝術的創新方法創造了多種視角和季節性解釋——您能詳細說明一下這種動態象徵主義是如何在您的創作過程中出現的嗎？在創作過程中，我深深被大自然的循環之美及其和諧的多樣性所啟發。四鳥不僅象徵向上的運動和自由，也體現了萬物生靈在季節變化中的共存。當我觀察到楓園等城市公園如何隨著季節而變化時，這種象徵意義就出現了——從春天盛開的花朵和充滿活力的夏天綠色植物到秋天的色彩和寧靜的冬天的寂靜。透過融合這些想法，雕塑邀請觀眾根據觀察角度感知不同的形式，例如樹木、花朵或鳥類，強化了自然之美是多面向且不斷變化的觀念。Question 2:The structural mechanics of Pride of the City Public Art presented unique challenges with wind load optimization—what specific engineering solutions did you develop to maintain the sculpture’s delicate appearance while ensuring its stability?Wind load was a significant challenge, particularly given the sculpture’s intricate and open design. To address this, we worked closely with structural experts to analyze the pressure caused by airflow on the engineering structure. We optimized the sculpture’s angles and curves to reduce resistance while preserving its artistic integrity. The structural frame was meticulously designed with lightweight yet durable materials to ensure stability without compromising its visual brightness. By collaborating with stainless steel forging specialists and conducting rigorous structural analysis, we achieved an ideal balance between aesthetics and functionality, ensuring the sculpture’s durability under varying weather conditions.問題2：城市之傲公共藝術的結構力學對風荷載優化提出了獨特的挑戰－您開發了哪些具體的工程解決方案來維持雕塑精緻的外觀，同時確保其穩定性？風荷載是一個重大挑戰，特別是考慮到雕塑複雜且開放的設計。為了解決這個問題，我們與結構專家密切合作，分析氣流對工程結構造成的壓力。我們優化了雕塑的角度和曲線，以減少阻力，同時保持其藝術完整性。結構框架採用輕質耐用的材料精心設計，以確保穩定性而不影響其視覺亮度。透過與不銹鋼鍛造專家合作並進行嚴格的結構分析，我們在美學和功能之間實現了理想的平衡，確保了雕塑在不同天氣條件下的耐用性。Question 3:As Pride of the City Public Art serves as a landmark at the intersection of three movement paths in Maple Garden, how did this strategic location influence your design decisions regarding scale, orientation, and visual flow?The sculpture’s location at the convergence of three pathways heavily influenced its design. I envisioned it as both a visual anchor and a welcoming gesture. The scale was carefully calibrated to stand out amidst the garden’s natural surroundings without overpowering them. The upward motion of the design mirrors the act of entering and exploring the park, naturally guiding visitors toward the center. The orientation ensures that, from any approach, the sculpture offers a dynamic and engaging view, fostering curiosity and inviting deeper connections. The visual flow emphasizes harmony, leading visitors seamlessly into the lush greenery of Maple Garden.問題3：由於城市之傲公共藝術是楓園三個運動路徑交叉點的地標，這個策略位置如何影響您在規模、方向和視覺流方面的設計決策？該雕塑位於三個通道交匯處的位置極大地影響了它的設計。我將其設想為視覺錨點和歡迎姿態。規模經過仔細校準，以在花園的自然環境中脫穎而出，而又不會壓倒它們。設計的向上移動反映了進入和探索公園的行為，自然地引導遊客走向中心。這個方向確保無論從任何角度，雕塑都能提供動態且引人入勝的景觀，培養好奇心並引發更深層的連結。視覺流強調和諧，引導遊客無縫地進入楓園鬱鬱蔥蔥的綠色植物。Question 4:The harmonious coexistence theme in Pride of the City Public Art reflects deeper environmental messages—could you share how your vision of urban oases shaped the ecological narrative of this installation?Urban oases are essential for reconnecting city dwellers with nature. My vision was to create a work that not only celebrates this connection but also highlights the delicate balance required for coexistence. The sculpture’s design reflects this balance through its layered imagery of birds, trees, and flowers, symbolizing the interdependence of all living things. By situating the sculpture in Maple Garden—a space where urban and natural elements blend seamlessly—it underscores the importance of preserving ecological harmony. The installation serves as both a metaphor for sustainability and an inspiration for viewers to cherish and protect these vital green sanctuaries.問題4：《城市之傲》公共藝術中和諧共存的主題反映了更深層的環境訊息——您能分享一下您對城市綠洲的願景是如何塑造這個裝置的生態敘事的嗎？城市綠洲對於重新連接城市居民與大自然至關重要。我的願景是創作一件作品，不僅頌揚這種聯繫，而且強調共存所需的微妙平衡。雕塑的設計透過鳥、樹和花的分層意象反映了這種平衡，象徵著所有生物的相互依存。透過將雕塑安置在楓園——一個城市與自然元素無縫融合的空間——它強調了維護生態和諧的重要性。該裝置既是永續發展的隱喻，也激勵觀眾珍惜和保護這些重要的綠色保護區。Question 5:Your use of stainless steel forging technology in Pride of the City Public Art achieves remarkable visual lightness—what inspired your material choice, and how does it enhance the sculpture’s interaction with natural light throughout the day?Stainless steel was chosen for its strength, versatility, and reflective properties. This material allows the sculpture to maintain a sense of lightness while ensuring structural robustness. Its reflective surface dances with sunlight, creating dynamic visual effects that change with the time of day. In the morning, the sculpture glows with soft, warm tones, while midday light accentuates its contours and casts intricate shadows. At night, artificial lighting transforms it into a luminous beacon. This material not only reinforces the sculpture’s ethereal quality but also ties it to its environment, making it a living, ever-changing part of the garden.問題5：您在「城市之光」公共藝術中使用不銹鋼鍛造技術實現了非凡的視覺亮度——是什麼激發了您的材料選擇？選擇不銹鋼是因為其強度、多功能性和反光特性。這種材料使雕塑能夠保持輕盈感，同時確保結構的堅固性。其反光錶面與陽光共舞，創造出隨一天時間變化的動態視覺效果。早晨，雕塑發出柔和、溫暖的色調，而正午的光線則突顯其輪廓並投射出錯綜複雜的陰影。到了晚上，人工照明將其變成發光的燈塔。這種材料不僅增強了雕塑的空靈品質，還將其與環境聯繫在一起，使其成為花園中生機勃勃、不斷變化的一部分Question 6:Pride of the City Public Art has earned recognition, including the Bronze A' Design Award—how has this international acclaim influenced your approach to creating public art that bridges cultural and environmental consciousness?The recognition has reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of public art. It has encouraged me to explore how art can simultaneously highlight cultural identity and environmental awareness. Public art, particularly in urban settings, has the potential to inspire dialogue about sustainability and heritage. Winning the award has provided a platform to share my vision with a broader audience, motivating me to create works that resonate universally while staying deeply connected to their local contexts. It serves as a reminder that art can be both a cultural emblem and a call to action for ecological stewardship.問題6：城市公共藝術的驕傲已贏得認可，包括 A' 設計銅獎——這種國際讚譽如何影響您創作連接文化和環境意識的公共藝術的方法？這種認可再次堅定了我對公共藝術變革力量的信念。它鼓勵我探索藝術如何同時凸顯文化認同和環境意識。公共藝術，特別是在城市環境中，有潛力激發有關永續發展和遺產的對話。獲獎為我提供了一個與更廣泛的受眾分享願景的平台，激勵我創作出能引起普遍共鳴的作品，同時與當地環境保持密切聯繫。它提醒人們，藝術既可以成為文化象徵，也可以呼籲採取生態管理行動。Question 7:The transformation of Pride of the City Public Art's appearance from different viewing angles creates an evolving experience—could you discuss how you engineered these multiple interpretations to enhance visitor engagement?The sculpture’s layered imagery was achieved by carefully calibrating the angles, curves, and spacing of each component. The interplay of positive and negative spaces allows viewers to discover new forms—such as birds, flowers, or trees—depending on their perspective. This design encourages exploration, with each step revealing a new dimension of the artwork. I sought to create an interactive experience where the sculpture becomes a visual puzzle, inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and engage with their surroundings. This evolving interpretation mirrors the dynamic relationship between people and nature, deepening the sculpture’s narrative of harmony and discovery.問題7：城市之傲公共藝術從不同視角的外觀轉變創造了一種不斷變化的體驗——您能討論一下您是如何設計這些多重解釋來提高遊客參與度的嗎？雕塑的分層影像是透過仔細校準每個組件的角度、曲線和間距來實現的。正空間和負空間的相互作用使觀眾能夠根據自己的視角發現新的形式，例如鳥、花或樹。這種設計鼓勵探索，每一步都揭示了藝術品的新維度。我試著創造一種互動體驗，讓雕塑成為一個視覺謎題，邀請遊客停下來、反思並與周圍的環境互動。這種不斷演變的詮釋反映了人與自然之間的動態關係，加深了雕塑對和諧與發現的敘事。Question 8:In designing Pride of the City Public Art as a daytime sculpture and a nighttime illuminated feature, what considerations guided your approach to creating this dual aesthetic presence?Creating a dual aesthetic presence required meticulous planning. During the day, the reflective stainless steel interacts with natural light, allowing the sculpture to blend seamlessly with its environment while standing out as a radiant centerpiece. For nighttime, I integrated subtle, strategically placed lighting to emphasize its contours and evoke an ethereal presence. The lighting design enhances the sculpture’s form without overpowering its natural elegance, ensuring it remains a harmonious part of the garden’s ambiance. This duality ensures that the sculpture continues to engage visitors, whether bathed in sunlight or colorful illuminated in the evening.在將城市公共藝術的驕傲設計為白天雕塑和夜間照明功能時，您是如何考慮的來創造這種雙重美學存在的？創造雙重美學存在需要精心策劃。白天，反光不銹鋼與自然光相互作用，使雕塑與周圍環境無縫融合，同時作為光芒四射的中心裝飾脫穎而出。對於夜間，我整合了微妙的、精心佈置的燈光，以強調其輪廓並喚起一種空靈的存在。燈光設計增強了雕塑的造型，但又不失其自然的優雅，確保它仍然是花園氛圍的和諧組成部分。這種二元性確保了雕塑能夠持續吸引遊客，無論是沐浴在陽光下還是在夜晚的五彩燈光下。Question 9:The integration of Pride of the City Public Art within Maple Garden’s ecosystem reflects a deep understanding of environmental design—how did Taiwan’s natural heritage influence your artistic decisions?Taiwan’s rich natural heritage, characterized by its diverse ecosystems and seasonal beauty, profoundly influenced the design. Maple Garden, with its ecological significance, offered an ideal stage to pay homage to these elements. I drew inspiration from Taiwan’s native flora and fauna, reflecting their forms in the sculpture’s design. The upward motion of the birds symbolizes Taiwan’s resilience and aspirations, while the representation of seasonal cycles mirrors the island’s dynamic landscapes. This homage to nature within an urban setting underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating Taiwan’s environmental legacy.問題9：將城市之傲公共藝術融入楓園生態系統反映了對環境設計的深刻理解—台灣的自然遺產如何影響您的藝術決策？台灣豐富的自然遺產，以其多樣化的生態系統和季節性美景為特徵，深刻地影響了設計。楓園以其生態意義，為向這些元素致敬提供了一個理想的舞台。我從台灣本土動植物中汲取靈感，在雕塑的設計中反映了它們的形態。鳥兒的向上移動象徵著台灣的韌性和抱負，而季節循環的表現則反映了台灣的動態景觀。這種在城市環境中對大自然的敬意強調了保護和慶祝台灣環境遺產的重要性。Question 10:Looking at the future impact of Pride of the City Public Art, how do you envision this installation continuing to evolve in its role as a symbol of urban ecological harmony and cultural identity?As a permanent installation, Pride of the City will continue to serve as a cultural and ecological symbol for Taichung City. Over time, its role may expand into a hub for community gatherings, educational initiatives, or artistic events that promote sustainability and cultural appreciation. Its integration into Maple Garden’s ecosystem ensures its ongoing relevance, inspiring future generations to value urban oases. I envision it becoming a model for other cities, fostering a global dialogue on how art can bridge human life with nature while preserving and celebrating cultural identity.
Wind load was a significant challenge, particularly given the sculpture’s intricate and open design. To address this, we worked closely with structural experts to analyze the pressure caused by airflow on the engineering structure. We optimized the sculpture’s angles and curves to reduce resistance while preserving its artistic integrity. The structural frame was meticulously designed with lightweight yet durable materials to ensure stability without compromising its visual brightness. By collaborating with stainless steel forging specialists and conducting rigorous structural analysis, we achieved an ideal balance between aesthetics and functionality, ensuring the sculpture’s durability under varying weather conditions.
The sculpture’s location at the convergence of three pathways heavily influenced its design. I envisioned it as both a visual anchor and a welcoming gesture. The scale was carefully calibrated to stand out amidst the garden’s natural surroundings without overpowering them. The upward motion of the design mirrors the act of entering and exploring the park, naturally guiding visitors toward the center. The orientation ensures that, from any approach, the sculpture offers a dynamic and engaging view, fostering curiosity and inviting deeper connections. The visual flow emphasizes harmony, leading visitors seamlessly into the lush greenery of Maple Garden.
Urban oases are essential for reconnecting city dwellers with nature. My vision was to create a work that not only celebrates this connection but also highlights the delicate balance required for coexistence. The sculpture’s design reflects this balance through its layered imagery of birds, trees, and flowers, symbolizing the interdependence of all living things. By situating the sculpture in Maple Garden—a space where urban and natural elements blend seamlessly—it underscores the importance of preserving ecological harmony. The installation serves as both a metaphor for sustainability and an inspiration for viewers to cherish and protect these vital green sanctuaries.
Stainless steel was chosen for its strength, versatility, and reflective properties. This material allows the sculpture to maintain a sense of lightness while ensuring structural robustness. Its reflective surface dances with sunlight, creating dynamic visual effects that change with the time of day. In the morning, the sculpture glows with soft, warm tones, while midday light accentuates its contours and casts intricate shadows. At night, artificial lighting transforms it into a luminous beacon. This material not only reinforces the sculpture’s ethereal quality but also ties it to its environment, making it a living, ever-changing part of the garden.
The recognition has reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of public art. It has encouraged me to explore how art can simultaneously highlight cultural identity and environmental awareness. Public art, particularly in urban settings, has the potential to inspire dialogue about sustainability and heritage. Winning the award has provided a platform to share my vision with a broader audience, motivating me to create works that resonate universally while staying deeply connected to their local contexts. It serves as a reminder that art can be both a cultural emblem and a call to action for ecological stewardship.
The sculpture’s layered imagery was achieved by carefully calibrating the angles, curves, and spacing of each component. The interplay of positive and negative spaces allows viewers to discover new forms—such as birds, flowers, or trees—depending on their perspective. This design encourages exploration, with each step revealing a new dimension of the artwork. I sought to create an interactive experience where the sculpture becomes a visual puzzle, inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and engage with their surroundings. This evolving interpretation mirrors the dynamic relationship between people and nature, deepening the sculpture’s narrative of harmony and discovery.
Creating a dual aesthetic presence required meticulous planning. During the day, the reflective stainless steel interacts with natural light, allowing the sculpture to blend seamlessly with its environment while standing out as a radiant centerpiece. For nighttime, I integrated subtle, strategically placed lighting to emphasize its contours and evoke an ethereal presence. The lighting design enhances the sculpture’s form without overpowering its natural elegance, ensuring it remains a harmonious part of the garden’s ambiance. This duality ensures that the sculpture continues to engage visitors, whether bathed in sunlight or colorful illuminated in the evening.
Taiwan’s rich natural heritage, characterized by its diverse ecosystems and seasonal beauty, profoundly influenced the design. Maple Garden, with its ecological significance, offered an ideal stage to pay homage to these elements. I drew inspiration from Taiwan’s native flora and fauna, reflecting their forms in the sculpture’s design. The upward motion of the birds symbolizes Taiwan’s resilience and aspirations, while the representation of seasonal cycles mirrors the island’s dynamic landscapes. This homage to nature within an urban setting underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating Taiwan’s environmental legacy.
As a permanent installation, Pride of the City will continue to serve as a cultural and ecological symbol for Taichung City. Over time, its role may expand into a hub for community gatherings, educational initiatives, or artistic events that promote sustainability and cultural appreciation. Its integration into Maple Garden’s ecosystem ensures its ongoing relevance, inspiring future generations to value urban oases. I envision it becoming a model for other cities, fostering a global dialogue on how art can bridge human life with nature while preserving and celebrating cultural identity.
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