Jonathan Biddle – Made in Taiwan

Tag: Architecture

  • Taichung

    Now the weather is finally showing signs of permanently improving, I am making a more concerted effort to visit more places outside of Taipei. I found that my rate of discovering new and interesting things in Taiwan dropped off markedly after the first year here, as a result I suppose of developing a routine, and frankly finding things more ‘normal’, if that is possible here.

    Never the less, I took some time out to go down to Taichung – Taiwan’s third city – and see Sun Moon Lake. Taichung is an interesting place. I have the feeling that because it is not the original seat of power (Tainan) or the second city (Kaosiung) it somehow has a more defiant spirit about it and clamours to define its own identity in the face of the ‘international’ city Taipei. You can see this in the way people talk about it and indeed in some of the street fashion that I found.


    Kaosiung’s largest tower, and site of a rather big fire earlier in the year … why do all cities have to have one tower with a UFO on the top. Was it a conspiracy in the 1970s? I am positive there is a revolving restaurant up there.


    Rather a cool little coffee shop hidden away in a restored old building (hopefully this will happen more). Stones on the floor. 1000 artistic ideas on the walls – seems like a real struggle to define its identity, but I am happy that places like this are popping up.

    The first thing to know that amongst foreigners, the name is ‘Sin City’. Multiple large complexes of lap dancing / spicy lady clubs emerge out of the mist of Taiwanese concrete. The style certainly borrows from Las Vegas or Atlantic City – a ‘Pastiche of a Pastiche’. The result is like architectural Chinese Whispers, and like looking at Europe or the Middle East through a lens … through a lens. Somewhat distorted!

    Sadly, with my jaw on the floor the whole time, I neglected to take any photos. I shall have to sort some out.

    On to Sun Moon Lake – one of the prettier destinations in Taiwan. Somehow we avoided the tourist hordes, but I imagine this is hell in the summer time.


    Betel nut seller. Shaken not stirred.


    GQ: Man of the day award


    Reminiscent of Lago Maggiore in Italy?


    … the kids agree


    Flotilla of stuff


    A nice wall

    The story of a British Industrial Designer in Taiwan…

  • Sydney

    Against several self-imposed raised odds of not making it to Australia, here I am … G’day!

    Sydney is fantastic, and justifiably feels proud of itself, but without being smug. The cityscape is ever changing, giving you chance glances of the Sydney Harbour bridge through vintage Ned Kelley tenaments and crystalline high rises. The Opera House is simply EPIC and takes your breath away in its form and thoughtful detailing. And the food mixes masculline meat pies with white wine and oysters – a theme that defines the city somewhat.

    It’s certainly very ‘Californian’ – everyone looks like they are a personal trainer, or at least running during lunch break. You can understand why they are so blinking good at sport!

    I’m hanging out with Richard and Claerwen – Rich was a colleague from the Web-Imps days of 1999 – and I am feeling pretty blessed again that I was able to meet up with several more friends from Taipei and Canada in the evening.

    I’m impressed with Sydney. Another city has been added to the list of those that I would love to live in or raise a family – which is exactly what Richard and Claerwen chose to do.


    Brunch of Champions – oysters and white wine at the fish market kicked off the day nicely


    Approaching Sydney Harbour Bridge on the ferry – Keep Clear


    Engineering Details


    Approaching the Opera House on foot, and about 500 Mb of photo opportunities


    In the middle of being blown away… I was surprised how fantastic the building was, especially as it is so old


    Exploring…


    Infinity


    Internal details, lifted straight from NASA


    The Max Power ‘Utes’ were just fantastic. Deeply cool, and unforgivably crass at the same time


    Cheers to Sydney!

    The story of a British Industrial Designer in Taiwan…

  • Taoist Temple Roof

    Rather a beautiful temple roof detail, don’t you agree?

    Roof Detail
    The story of a British Industrial Designer in Taiwan…

  • Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

    This is one of the major landmarks in Taipei. And here is a kid who cares more for bubbles and running around in circles. If you turn up at this place in the morning you will find legions of Tai Chi people appearing like some slow motion Kung Fu movie. And in the evenings you can find the yoofs all break dancing and listening to music – although for some reason it is all rather more friendly and less confrontational than urban subcultures in the UK. If you see a punk, they will be immaculately roughly dressed in branded punk clothing… more a style statement than anything political, I think.

    In the same location you can find two large halls. National theatres that show operas and… well I could maintain my aura of being well versed and cultural in these aspects, but it is all a lie. And you can see the Mitsukoshi department store tower in the background.

    When the doors of the memorial shut (exactly what happened as soon as I arrived, as it happens) everyone rushes off, without hanging around at all. It’s a hilarious habit of the Taiwanese that they only do activities for the shortest possible time, before running on to the next thing (usually eating). For example, at the beach, while us Euros are hanging around staring at clouds, all our Taiwanese friends sit down (avoiding the sun) ‘do’ the beach, tick it off the list and run to the next activity. It’s hilarious, and quite bemusing for us guys who like to chill and practice doing nothing!

    The story of a British Industrial Designer in Taiwan…