Lighting Up the Past and the Future at the Historical ShuiNanDong Smelter
點亮十三層 點亮不可能
Taiwan Power Company
INTRODUCTION
Responsibility for the ShuiNanDong Smelter, popularly known as “13 Layer Remains”, was assumed by Taipower in the 1980s. The site was heavily polluted and a lack of environmental remediation caused the site to remain unused for decades. This project sought to promote local community development through the revitalisation of the site. The project was the first in Taiwan to convert a restricted, polluted area into a cultural landmark and it remains the largest effort of its kind. Through the project, Taipower collaborated with artists, designers and various other parties to connect local resources and networks to build a sustainable tourist model and create an innovative business model for local residents. Not only that, the project hopes to draw attention to the historical mining industry and it aims to lower the site’s maintenance costs by converting polluted area into a cultural scenic spot.
FRAMEWORK AND STRATEGY
Taipower uses foundational strategies to coordinate between stakeholders in an effort to preserve the context of the area’s historical mining industry while boosting local innovation. Taipower assumes the responsibility for environmental monitoring, maintenance and plant restoration while proactively communicating with various levels of government to deal with land use restriction issues in order to reutilise the site. Additionally, Taipower initiated the campaign “Light Up 13 Layer Remains” as a cataluyst for local innovation to transform the site into a large-scale art installation through two years of comprehensive planning and execution efforts. The Company leverages the power of world-class lighting artists and cultural associations to successfully trigger local innovation. Taipower has successfully connected various stakeholders with the local community and a local association was established for project discussion and future framework.ACHIEVEMENT AND IMPACT
A campaign to present the site to the public was initiated by Taipower and The General Association of Chinese Culture during Mid-Autumn Festival in 2019. The campaign attracted over 10,000 people to the site and reached a further 50,000 people via video streaming platforms. Throughout October 2019, the effort attracted 214 instances of media coverage that spread the story, drew attention to cultural heritage preservation, and showed the beauty of Taiwan. This project successfully increased booking rates for local B&Bs and enhanced the local economy and the project was also well received by local residents and served to strengthen the relationship between Taipower and the community.FUTURE DIRECTION
In order to have a long lasting impact on regional revitalisation, Taipower will move forward with its 4-year plan to enhance the cultural significance of the site and to pursue sustainable development within the area on a bigger scale. In addition to the campaign, Taipower plans to undertake more restoration and revitalisation to increase connections with other nearby historical sites, such as the Residence of Mike Kikujirou and the Jinguashi Shinto Shrine. Following the campaign, a local association will be established to focus on cultural heritage and regional revitalisation. Taipower aims to continue its collaboration with the local community and will continue to integrate local resources to build up a tourist trail targeting the cultural heritage in the region.
The Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) was established in 1946. It
is an integrated, electric utility company with businesses in power
generation, transmission, distribution and services.Its primary energy
sources include thermal power, hydro power and other forms of
renewable energy.
