Dutch Mecanoo architecture team designs old railway into a brand-new green corridor

By the MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department

To effectively utilize the continuous, strip-shaped open land spaces surrounding the former railway tracks after the elevated railway project in Taichung, the municipal government proposed the "Green Open Corridor—Elevated Railway Vacant Corridor" plan, aiming to integrate the existing greenway system and provide pedestrian and bicycle corridors to establish Taichung as a cycling city.

The plan will be implemented in three phases. The first phase covers an actual construction area from Jinde Road to the border between Beitun District and Tanzi District, spanning approximately 4.1 kilometers; the second phase spans 9.2 kilometers from the border between Beitun District and Tanzi District to Fengyuan Station; the third phase covers 2.92 kilometers from Wucyuan Road to the south side of Daqing Station.

Part of this plan, the Green Open Railway, opens up a bike corridor approximately 1.6 kilometers long and 4 meters wide along the old railway line, with the space design confirmed to be handled by the renowned Dutch architecture team Mecanoo.

To connect the new station with the old one, the team has created a green walkway and cycling space with views over the city, and will also plan spaces with both recreational and entertainment functions such as gardens, sports fields, playgrounds, observation decks, and water-friendly facilities, complementing the nearby Green River.