The Dark Line cycling trail is a path through time and nature in Taiwan

Nestled between Taipei and Yilan, on Taiwan’s Pacific coast, lies a rugged, mountainous region steeped in history and rich in natural beauty. This region has witnessed the passage of time through the footsteps of aborigines, the construction of 19th-century roads, and the development of railways and roads to support the coal industry during the early 20th century. However, as the 20th century drew to a close, the mines shut down, and the railways were abandoned, leaving behind an industrial legacy in a breathtaking landscape of mountains, gorges, and waterfalls.

The Dark Line by Michèle & Miquel and dA VISION DESIGN. Photograph by LU Yu-Jui.

In an effort to breathe new life into this region, the Michèle & Miquel architecture and urbanism studio, in collaboration with dA VISION DESIGN, embarked on a unique project – The Dark Line. Their vision aimed to create an eco-historical route, linking the old paths and abandoned industrial infrastructures, showcasing the industrial heritage, while allowing the captivating natural surroundings to take center stage.

Rediscovering History

The section of “The Dark Line” in this article runs between Mudan and Sandiaoling, encompassing an old mine tunnel and a new suspended walkway that clings to the cliffs overlooking the Keelung River. Unlike conventional restoration projects, the Michèle & Miquel studio chose to leave the tunnel in its abandoned state. The idea was to let the transformation of the site speak for itself, allowing the rocky and sandy soils, lush vegetation, and thriving trees to tell the story of the place since its abandonment.

The Dark Line by Michèle & Miquel and dA VISION DESIGN. Photograph by LU Yu-Jui.

One of the main challenges was to implement interventions that were discreet and seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape, without disturbing the historical infrastructure or cutting down any trees. The designers achieved this feat by employing a single system of parallel corrugated steel bars. These bars, measuring 16mm in diameter, were placed 40mm apart, with a 24mm gap between them.

The Ingenious Steel Bars

The corrugated steel bars became the foundation for the entire project. They were not just the flooring; they also formed railings, benches, a bicycle rack, a small amphitheater, kilometric inscriptions, and provided protection inside the tunnel. Each steel bar was carefully curved to create these various elements, and their repetition throughout the project resulted in a seamless and harmonious whole. This “infinite” repetition of identical elements allows the presence of the project to fade into the background, giving nature the spotlight it deserves.

The Dark Line by Michèle & Miquel and dA VISION DESIGN. Photograph by LU Yu-Jui.

The End of the Tunnel

As visitors emerge from the tunnel, they are greeted by a reflective pool of water, a tranquil sight. This pool occupies the space where an old bridge over the Keelung River once stood but was ultimately claimed by the powerful force of floods.

Final Thoughts

The Dark Line is more than just a revitalization project; it’s a celebration of the interplay between history and nature. By preserving the historical integrity of the site and incorporating a minimalistic yet effective design using corrugated steel bars, Michèle & Miquel and dA VISION DESIGN have created a harmonious blend of industrial heritage and natural beauty. The result is a striking testament to the power of time and transformation, where the past coexists peacefully with the present, and nature reclaims its place amidst the relics of industry. This project is a deserving winner of the Grand Prix AFEX 2023 and an entry in the 2023 CSCAE Architecture Awards, solidifying its status as an exemplary work that beautifully marries architecture, history, and the environment. “The Dark Line” is an enchanting journey through time and nature in the heart of Taiwan’s mountainous landscape.