Old Fongshan City Wall Historic Route by MAYU Architects – Reviving Taiwan’s Heritage

The Old Fongshan City Wall Historic Route, designed by MAYU Architects, is a remarkable public space and landscape architecture project located in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Covering approximately 9,999 m² and completed in 2023, the project rejuvenates the oldest preserved walled city in Taiwan, highlighting over two centuries of socio-economic and cultural history. Lead architects Ma-Lone Chang and Yu-lin Chen envisioned a modern intervention that respects the heritage while creating a dynamic and immersive visitor experience. Photographs by Yu-Chen Chao capture the delicate integration of the new structures with the historic urban fabric.

Heritage Conservation Meets Modern Design

The project transforms the historic city wall into an elevated walkway, designed to minimize visual and physical impact on the site. This linear structure adapts to the changing needs along the wall, offering visitors a fluid and accessible path to explore the city’s historic remnants. By maintaining proximity to the wall’s original height, the design preserves the heritage buffer zone, ensuring that sensitive areas within a 10-meter radius remain undisturbed. In specific sections, the walkway widens to allow leisurely strolls and closer observation of hidden wall segments.

Connecting History and Landscape

The current phase focuses on the area between the East Gate and North Gate, where remnants of historic buildings intertwine with mature trees. A significant aspect of the design is its response to historical disruptions, such as the construction of Shengli Road in 1928, which dismantled part of the wall and divided Gueishan (Turtle Mountain). Two 30-meter bridge spans reconnect the divided sections, adhering to road clearance standards and contour lines to minimize environmental and visual impact. The walkway also integrates with existing hiking trails, creating a seamless connection between urban history and natural landscape.

Thoughtful Detailing and Modular Design

The walkway features dark brown metal lattice railings that subtly echo traditional battlements through a diffraction grating effect, harmonizing with the site’s earthy tones. Stone flooring, perforated panels, lighting, gutters, canopies, stairs, walls, and platforms enrich the visitor experience by providing varied spatial encounters. The modular construction of the structure allows for future extensions, including potential links between the East Gate and South Gate, supporting ongoing urban regeneration and heritage preservation.

Experience the Historic Route

MAYU Architects’ design successfully balances cultural heritage, landscape integration, and contemporary public space design, offering both locals and tourists a unique opportunity to explore Taiwan’s historic city walls. The project is a prime example of sensitive architectural intervention, ensuring that history and modern urban life coexist in harmony.

All Photographs are works of Yu-Chen,