Landscaping Fugon Memorial Park with Tadao Ando
Fugon Memorial Park Taiwan
We were recently commissioned to design this pocket park within a larger memorial park in Taoyuan, Taiwan, and had the privilege of working with the world-renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Ando has designed many significant buildings primarily in Japan and the USA, and is known for his iconic, minimalist architecture.
The aim of the design approach was to create a meaningful place for visitors to pause and reflect within a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by the sounds of rustling leaves, bird song and trickling water. Our garden is designed in line with Feng Shui principles to create harmony with Ando’s nearby buildings and the overall concept of the park.
The Shape of the Dragon
Our design includes the symbolic shape of Taijitu (Ying & Yang) and subtle characteristic features inspired by a dragon. The wall of the waterfall is textured with dragon’s scales to create an important feature within the space, while providing movement and cool air. ‘Rest in peace’ is engraved on the wall for the memory of lost loved ones.
The upper pond has an indefinite edging to create a relaxing and peaceful environment within a contemporary setting, and a link to the lower terrace. The lower pond containing water fountains to the front of the feature wall adds a cooling function, interaction and movement within the space and linear sculptures in the water symbolise the dragon’s spiny dorsal fins.
There are many interesting focal points including a contemporary sculpture symbolising a dragon’s eye in the small pond area at the lowest terrace. A modern seating feature with dragon s-shaped curves creates a viewing point for the water feature in a relaxing environment under the cool shade of the trees.
The permeable paving which contains randomly cut slabs laid in dragon’s scale patterns creates an interesting and modern texture, while providing natural drainage to prevent flooding. Large boulders provide natural features.
Bird boxes and insect hotels are included within the space to enhance the natural habitat and encourage biodiversity for birds and pollinators.
The proposed trees soften the hard landscape and create aesthetically beautiful vertical green features. Shrub and perennial planting will create year-round interest with a natural and modern planting style while creating habitat and encouraging biodiversity.