Prologue

A century after “Takao” was renamed “Kaohsiung,” we are launching an exhibition that breaks the mold of traditional and rather flat historical writing. Through modern virtual reality (VR), the exhibition aims to bring the audience into history itself with brand new visual experiences. When putting on the VR headset, the user is transformed into a time traveler who departs from the ancient Laonong River Valley, witnesses the prosperous Hamasen City 100 years ago, and experiences the feelings of helplessness during an air raid. The user then continues his/her journey into the revival of Kaohsiung after the war and feels the pulse of the City up close.

The development of Taiwan’s modern cement industry began with Asano Cement Co. The rich limestone resource on Shoushan gave rise to the close relationship between this soil and the cement industry, which continued until the Taiwan Cement Corporation in the post-war era, lasting for approximately 75 years; when the government banned the mining right in western Taiwan, the oldest cement factory in Taiwan had come to a temporary end.

However, stopping the mining of Taiwan Cement Kaohsiung Factory marked a new beginning. Looking back at the ensuing developments, in 2011, Shoushan National Nature Park was established under the efforts of local organizations and government agencies; Taiwan Cement Corporation provided a piece of property for the construction of Chaishan Flood Park to mitigate the local issue of flooding; the excavation of the Qijiao Site in Gushan revealed the remains of ancient settlers; and the conservation of lime kilns and red-brick warehouse sustained the memory of the cement industry. The transformation after the prosperity of the cement industry allows the natural and cultural charms of this earth to resurface. Are there more possibilities for the relationship between resources development and environment and culture?

Preface

Niaosong District and Renwu District have long been important transportation hubs in Kaohsiung. In recent decades, their long-standing history and rich culture have been affected by rapid industrial development, leading to an unprecedented shift in the traditional lifestyle and environment in both places. 
The development of these settlements is facing challenges, manifested by the ambiguous mix of agricultural and industrial sectors. While pursuing development and land sustainability are equally important, how do we find a balance between the two? First, let us navigate through this “region of water.”

New Energy under the Sea Fig Tree

Lying east of Niaosong, Hushan District boasts wonderful scenery. Also, its proximity to the city center attracts an influx of people. While the west district went through rapid urbanization, the east part still keeps some land.
Attracting many small-scale factories, Niaosong is a mix of agricultural and industrial sectors and has a wide variety of business types. From building housing to life experience, the place is even capable of providing its own food. A unique balance is found between the industrial development and nature here. Furthermore, there is a group of people trying to reverse the fate of the land and transform Niaosong into an eco-village that combines ecology, daily necessity, and vigor. 

New Satellite City with Rich Culture and Industries

After the 1970s, Renwu transformed from a farming town into an industrialized city. The land no longer grows crops; instead, factories and concrete buildings came along, becoming the main landscape now.
Also, due to its proximity to the city center and jobs provided by local factories, the population has grown exponentially, resulting in more mature residential planning and a process of transition to a satellite city with convenient means of transport.