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 DetailsDuring 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.
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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