Tokyo Design Awards Gold Winner

2026 | Professional

Taoyuan North District Water Reclamation Center

Entrant Company

Department of Water Resources, Taoyuan / Baoding Water Resources Treatment Co., Ltd

Category

Landscape Design - New Category: Infrastructure Art Landscape

Client's Name

Department of Water Resources, Taoyuan / Baoding Water Resources Treatment Co., Ltd

Country / Region

Taiwan

Situated in the North District Water Resources Recycling Center in Taoyuan, Taiwan, this remarkable project transforms the circulation route from the site entrance to the management center into a captivating work of public art. Not only does it serve as an educational tool for environmental awareness, but it also significantly enhances the surrounding landscape.

The design is thoughtfully anchored in the concept of “Wind and Water in Harmony.” Drawing inspiration from the center's proximity to Aviation City, it captures the dynamic experience of passengers as they descend in planes and gaze at the picturesque landscape below, where shimmering ponds gracefully respond to the gentle breeze.

Moreover, through the interpretation of fluid ripples as a visual language, this design creates an engaging wayfinding interface that artfully blends creativity with a sense of place. In doing so, it transforms what was once merely a function-oriented infrastructure into an immersive environmental experience, rich with urban memory and public significance. Thus, the project not only beautifies the area but also invites the community to reflect on the intricate relationship between nature and human innovation.

The art installation is a captivating arrangement of circular rings, ranging in diameter from 5 to 16 meters. By intentionally utilizing irregular spacing between these rings, the design vividly simulates the visual movement of natural ripples as they spread outward, creating a mesmerizing effect. Constructed from extruded aluminum, the structure not only minimizes weight but also maximizes aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, it is supported by sturdy stainless steel round tubes, which, through subtle variations in thickness and elegant tapered finishes, evoke a remarkable sense of lightness, making the installation appear as if it is gracefully floating and flowing in the air.

In addition to the striking rings, the ground paving artistically echoes the three-dimensional form above, seamlessly forming a cohesive sensory experience for visitors. As one approaches the installation, they are greeted by a stunning stainless steel water droplet sculpture at the entrance. This unique feature incorporates small wind turbines, effectively illustrating the dynamic energy conversion between water and wind, and serving as an eye-catching landmark.

Credits

Lead Designer
PAUL KENKŌ TANGE
Lead Designer
YASUHIRO ISHINO
Lead Designer
NOBUTAKA MORI
Lead Designer
SUN KAI
More Gold Winners
Furniture
2026
Tokyo Design Awards - The chair

Entrant Company

WOWIN.UA

Category

Furniture Design - Seating & Comfort

Product
2026
Tokyo Design Awards - Beyond the World

Entrant Company

Shanghai NetEase Cuican Network Technology Co., Ltd.

Category

Product Design - Gaming, AR & VR

Conceptual
2026
Tokyo Design Awards - A Moment of Serenity

Entrant Company

CHIANG MING HSI

Category

Conceptual Design - New Category: Graphic Design

Architectural
2026
Tokyo Design Awards - Seasons House: A Pavilion for Passing Time

Entrant Company

Vision Architects, Inc. + Jiajie Wang

Category

Architectural Design - Small Scale & Installation