MVRDV create urban lagoon and park in remains of old shopping mall
by Stu Robarts | 17 Mar 2020
– Winy Maas (Photo: Barbra Verbij)
A new urban lagoon and park, designed by MVRDV, has opened in the preserved ruin of a shopping mall in central Tainan, Taiwan.
The China-Town Mall was built next to the Tainan Canal in 1983, the rise of online shopping means it no longer serves its purpose.
Instead, the Urban Development Bureau of the Tainan City Government commissioned MVRDV to create Tainan Spring as a new public space and as a means of showing how unused malls can be repurposed.
The main structure of the mall was dismantled to create an open-air space aimed at being a gathering spot for all seasons, with the materials "meticulously recycled".
What was the underground parking level was subsequently transformed into a plaza that is newly landscaped with an urban pool, green areas and shaded spaces.
The water level of the pool will rise and fall with rainfall over the seasons, while mist sprayers will help to cool visitors during hot weather.
The facility is planted with multiple layers of vegetation including local trees, shrubs and grasses that are aimed at emulating "the natural verdant landscape located to the east of Tainan" and ultimately growing into a lush jungle.
Among its other features are playgrounds, gathering spaces, a stage for performances and spaces that will be turned into shops, kiosks and other amenities eventually.
"In Tainan Spring, people can bathe in the overgrown remains of a shopping mall. Children will soon be swimming in the ruins of the past – how fantastic is that?" said Winy Maas, founding partner of MVRDV.
"Inspired by the history of the city, both the original jungle and the water were important sources of inspiration. Tainan is a very grey city. With the reintroduction of the jungle to every place that was possible, the city is reintegrating into the surrounding landscape."
lagoon park public space MVRDV shopping mall Tainan Taiwan
The underground parking level has been transformed into a public plaza Credit: Daria Scagliola
The space is newly landscaped with an urban pool and green areas Credit: Daria Scagliola
The water level of the pool will rise and fall in response to rainfall and the seasons Credit: Daria Scagliola
The facility is planted with multiple layers of vegetation Credit: Daria Scagliola
There are local trees, shrubs and grasses, which will grow into a 'lush jungle' Credit: Daria Scagliola
There are also playgrounds, gathering spaces and a stage for performances Credit: Daria Scagliola
Part of the old structure provides shade from the sun Credit: Daria Scagliola
The facility shows how disused malls can be repurposed Credit: Daria Scagliola
The main structure of the mall was dismantled with the materials 'meticulously recycled' Credit: Daria Scagliola
At night, the urban lagoon and park is illuminated Credit: Daria Scagliola
Only the lower levels of the mall remain Credit: Daria Scagliola
The China-Town Mall was built next to the Tainan Canal in 1983 Credit: Daria Scagliola
The Urban Development Bureau of the Tainan City Government commissioned MVRDV to create Tainan Spring Credit: Daria Scagliola
A new urban lagoon and park, designed by MVRDV, has opened in the preserved ruin of a shopping mall in central Tainan, Taiwan. The China-Town Mall was built next to the Tainan Canal in 1983, the rise of online shopping means it no longer serves its purpose. Instead, the Urban Development Bureau of the Tainan City Government commissioned MVRDV to create Tainan Spring as a new public space and as
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