The world's 8 most beautiful subway stations – two from Kaohsiung MRT make the list

By MOOK Scenic Spots Home Travel Life Network, reported and compiled by Chen Guanxin

 

Kaohsiung has recently made multiple appearances in international media, following CNN’s special feature on Kaohsiung, the 10 reasons to fall in love with Kaohsiung, and the 10 things Taiwan does better than anywhere else in the world. Additionally, international news website PolicyMic has listed Kaohsiung MRT’s Formosa Boulevard Station and Central Park Station among the world’s 8 most beautiful subway stations. These are not only the only two MRT stations in Taiwan to be selected, but also the only ones from Asia to earn this honor.

The beauty of Kaohsiung MRT is renowned internationally. Formosa Boulevard Station and Central Park Station have once again been featured by the internationally renowned news site PolicyMic, which has over 6 million readers, on the front page of its arts section under the headline “The World’s 8 Most Beautiful Subway Stations That Make New Yorkers Only Dream.”

 

From the initial planning stages, Formosa Boulevard Station was designed to simultaneously reflect the historical theme of the Red Line and the oceanic theme of the Orange Line. The station entrances were conceptualized by Japanese architect Shin Takamatsu with a prayer motif, forming the overall concept of the “Heart of the MRT.” The underground station hall specially invited internationally acclaimed glass artist Narcissus Quagliata to be responsible for the design and planning. Through a unique combination of glass, painted art, and lighting, a 30-meter-diameter artistic masterpiece was created, perfectly complementing the “Dome of Light” glass artwork.

The fifth-place station in the report—Central Park Station—is like a massive indoor park, designed by the famous British landscape architect Richard Rogers. It brings sunlight and tranquility from the park into the underground station, allowing passengers to enjoy the fresh greenery reminiscent of a primeval forest as soon as they exit the station hall. Its entrances also fully demonstrate structural mechanics and aesthetics, highlighting the design concept of “Soaring.” Both stations have become must-visit MRT stations that New Yorkers dream of seeing in their lifetime.

 

 

●  Read more:

10 reasons to fall in love with Kaohsiung – CNN: night markets, mutton hot pot, yellow rubber duck

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