NTM drives ahead Taiwan railway museum project

2015/12/08

Transformation of Taiwan Railways Administration’s former headquarters in Taipei City into a world-class national railway museum is on track and set for completion in 2016.

Costed at NT$450 million (US$13.7 million), the large-scale undertaking adjacent to Taipei metro’s Beimen Station represents the commitment of the government to preserving local cultural assets and heritage.

Constructed in 1919 on the site of Qing dynasty-era (1644-1911) Taipei Machinery Bureau, the facility later housed the Japanese colonial government’s (1895-1945) railway department. It remained the home of Taiwan’s top railway authority for the better part of the 20th century.

Lin Yi-hung, a researcher with project coordinator National Taiwan Museum, said the complex—including the canteen, engineering center, office building and power control room—was national historic site-listed in 2007.

“Of special interest are an air-raid shelter and the centrally situated octagonal pavilion. These structures are testament to Taiwan’s rich and at times turbulent past.”

According to Lin, the most challenging aspect of the undertaking is to do justice to the building’s Tudor architecture and storied past. “Many of the wooden structures were made from the precious hinoki and fir wood,” he said.

“We have managed to source repurposed wood from other teardowns, with the aim of keeping intact its time-worn charm while reducing impact on the environment.”

One of the biggest challenges facing the construction crews is breathing new life into the signature Western classical columns of the office building, Lin said.

“Time and the elements have deformed some of the original decorations like the ornate pineapple-shaped column heads. We have assembled an expert team of experienced tradesmen in an attempt to recreate the artistic splendor of the last century.

“It is our duty to preserve the nation’s cultural assets. We are confident the result will be eye-catching and remain faithful to original designs.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=239883&ctNode=2194&mp=9)