The Grey Line

Tamkang University, College of Engineering, Department of Architecture, Danshui District, New Taipei City

Project idea

Architecture has been following sunlight since ancient times, I wondered if architecture could correspond to both sides of day and night.

Project description

If architecture is considered as a shell that controls the relationship between light and people, the openings capture sunlight from the outside in；at the same time, openings also determines the artificial light to transmit signals toward surrounding environment. I found that architecture has been following sunlight since ancient times, and I wondered if architecture could correspond to both sides of day and night. And whether there is a land in Taiwan that can simultaneously carry the state of day and night and use architecture to record it
There are natural resources like sand dunes and ponds in Guanyin, and it connects these through a coastal tourism corridor enhanced by bicycle paths. During the day, visitors gather here to enjoy sunlight through the sand dunes. After dark, Guanyin transforms into an industrial area with numerous work lights. The important coastal sand dunes of Guanyin vanish into darkness. Guanyin seaside resort has been unmanaged for a long time, and here I discovered subtle changes between day and night : The changes of winds, wind speeds, and tides. The transformation of the dune providing the most visible evidence.I am attempting to revive this seaside resort to redefine Guanyin's day and night .
I have been experimenting with the relationship between these sand-trapping fences and the section of the sand. Therefore, the architecture, functioning as a sand-trapping fence, interacts with the sand dunes between day and night. Each space within the sand-trapping fence reflects the unique characteristics of the Guanyin sand dunes. Through the sand-trapping , sand dunes become part of architecture, the changes of the dunes influencing the architecture's openings. People inside the seaside resort perceive different feelings during the day and at night.

Technical information

In Guanyin, sand dunes are preserved and stabilized using sand-trapping fences made of bamboo. These fences, known as sand-trapping fences, form long rectangular matrices. As sand gradually accumulates within these fences, they become integrated into the structure of the dunes. At this point, wind-resistant vegetation can be planted, stabilizing the dunes further. Once the sand covers the initial fences, a second layer of sand-trapping fences can be installed.
I have been experimenting with the relationship between these sand-trapping fences and the profile of wind openings. The accumulation of sand is influenced by the density and positioning of these fences and the location of planted vegetation.
The seaside resort, functioning as a sand-trapping fence, interacts with the sand dunes between day and night. Each space within the sand-trapping fence reflects the unique characteristics of the Guanyin sand dunes.