Jonathan Biddle – Made in Taiwan

Tag: Taiwan

  • 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…

  • PS: Cafe

    PS: Cafe is one of my saviours. A cool, laid back place where I have met many of my friends, and where I know I can go where people know my name (cue theme tune from Cheers). There seems to be a high percentage of creative types, marketing dudes, designers and musicians here, and I have spent many hours here studying Chinese, drinking coffee / beer and chatting to the owners – Jared and John from New Zealand.


    Cheers to PS

    The story of a British Industrial Designer in Taiwan…

  • DEM inc : The New Office

    I haven’t really said too much about the new office location. Over Chinese New Year we shifted from the sticks of Shilin to the bright lights of Keelung and Jhongxiao. Downtown baby!

    The investment in the new place is impressive, easily putting it on par with many European offices. The office is small (we seem to have instantly filled the place), but has impressive detailing and intelligent use of space. Energetic, and a professional step up in the world.

    The down side is certainly that I had to cancel Chinese study with Michael in Tienmu. We had a good six month run of continued study together with the school near my old work, and more or less on his way home. It was a very pleasant way to stay in touch. The shift to the new downtown school on An He Road (and now six hours a week, up from four) is good, but I do miss a language study partner.

    The shift in geographic focus is having some interesting side effects. I am cooking far less at home, now I am in such easy proximity of my friends, and all the bars. And in general I am spending less time at the apartment – not that I was ever at home much anyway. So, I need to be more careful about my sleep patterns, which remain pretty eratic.

    I’ll put a bunch more photos up when the professional shots come back from the developers, but for now here is a shot from the recent grey days of Taipei early spring… now replaced with glorious sunshine and outdoor beers!


    101 at lunch

    The story of a British Industrial Designer in Taiwan…

  • Blue Van Man

    The ubiquitous Blue Van is a Taiwan icon.

    Adidas, with their recent boutique store opening in Jhongxiao Dunhua have decorated one in a way surely only possible on this one Pacific island. Great fun.


    My Adidas


    Box Fresh

    The story of a British Industrial Designer in Taiwan…

  • The Prodigy

    After almost zero publicity, myself and my friends discovered that The Prodigy were playing Taipei. Rather an unusual location too – in the national soccer stadium – so I was interested to go and check it out based on the olde Chinese arcitecture.

    It was definitely worth it, and was as crazy as a Tuesday night out could be in Taipei. Usually, I would not think of going to see them live, but the VIP passes were free (thanks to Charlotte’s connections) and there was a nice bunch of people going along. One of the most special things was, as a result of the location next to the airport every few minutes a plane would fly over head – totally awesome at a large rock and roll concert!


    Firestarter


    Nelson comes well prepared – and no he is not a tiny man, those beer cans are HUGE!


    The sun really does shine out of Danny’s ass


    Rich looks guilty


    The group, after we persuaded a security guard to allow us to hang around more after the show – basicallt because he was so happy about taking a photo of us! And you can see the stage set up in preparation for the huge 50 Cent concert at the weekend.

    The story of a British Industrial Designer in Taiwan…

  • Valentines 101

    I have a love/hate relationship with Taipei 101 – the world’s tallest and most over-decorated building. On the one hand I like the fact that it is unashamedly Asian and Chinese in style, but frankly I think that is no excuse for the heavy handed detailing and curious lack of height perspective as a result of the inverted ‘bamboo’ sections – which somebody pointed out look rather like a pile of Chinese food take-out boxes with some chop sticks stuck in the top. Perceptive.

    The one thing I do quite like about it, however, is the way the authorities use the faces of the building to communicate with the world beyond. Major events like New Year’s Eve or Valentines Day become decorated in lighting down the side. It rather opens a conversation, I suppose, with the city.


    In Love with 101

    As a post-script to this entry, I heard an interesting story about Taipei 101. The French free-climber that scales all the major buildings in the world without the aid of satefy equipment, arrived in Taipei to attempt 101. He, very reasonably, asked that if the building could be cleaned before the event – grease and dirt build up is obviously a hazard. The response was nagative. He then asked if it was possible to clean a small strip up the side, and was met with the same answer. It turns out that the building is simply not cleaned! Sadly, I think this sums up the attitude towards the built environment in Taiwan.

    The story of a British Industrial Designer in Taiwan…

  • What a Trip

    Rich, Nick and I stepped out for a micro road trip away from the big smoke. We spotted a couple of nice things on the way that are worthy of a quick post.


    Prohibited: ‘yes’ if you need to ask


    Cool mini-temple roof near Mucha – tea capitol of Taiwan

    The story of a British Industrial Designer in Taiwan…

  • Louis Vuitton Dental Clinic


    Louis Vuitton moves into the dental health care industry

    The story of a British Industrial Designer in Taiwan…

  • Zhong He Camping


    Excellent photo from Gerd of life as a scooter rider

    The story of a British Industrial Designer in Taiwan…

  • Graveyard Sessions

    The weather in Taiwan is perfect. What else to do except shred the rad!

    Momental

    The story of a British Industrial Designer in Taiwan…