Dounan Station, formerly known as “Taliwu Station,” was renovated and completed in March 1945. As the last station built in Taiwan during the Japanese colonial era, it holds profound historical significance. In its early days, it served as a gateway for Yunlin residents seeking work abroad, serving as their “hometown station.”

The Dounan Station Square underwent a major renovation in 2008. The surrounding railway depots were also renovated and revitalized, creating the “Taliwu Lifestyle Aesthetics Museum,” the “Ecological Corridor,” and the “Taliwu Picture Book Museum,” showcasing Dounan’s rich but lesser-known traditional arts, such as glove puppetry, wood carving, and bamboo art. The “Taliwu Square” in front of the station features a sugar iron locomotive, a unique and historically significant installation.

Online, we believe that the cross-station building should be defined as a ‘low-key yet prominent landmark’, self-explanatory without destroying the historical flavor of the original station. It should also incorporate the characteristics of local traditional art and combine with the surrounding renovation achievements to make the Dounan Station area ‘Dounan’s new arts and lifestyle center.

After on-site inspections and repeated dialectical evaluations, we made the bold decision to retain the original layout of the school building and relocate the school gate. The original layout not only provides clear zoning and energy conservation, but also preserves the ecology for many years and serves as a reminder of alumni’s childhood memories.

The school gate has been relocated to the wider roadside, allowing children to directly see the school’s oldest banyan tree from the spacious entrance plaza, ensuring safety. The landmark tower and ecological plaza at the corner have been integrated with the Japanese-style dormitory to form a school history display area. Of course, the historic old school gate remains, now a side entrance.

Contemporary teaching elements, including corner learning areas, digital technology, and environmental education, have been seamlessly integrated into the traditional design. The scattered balconies, corridors, and activity nooks satisfy children’s curiosity and allow them to discover new things in their daily lives.