Taipei Tech and Forestry Research Institute Launch Taiwan’s First Sustainable Fern Field
To celebrate Earth Day, the Department of Architecture at Taipei Tech collaborated with the Forestry Research Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture to establish Taiwan’s first on-campus fern experimental field, “Ferns of Taipei Tech.” Under the initiative of Architecture Professor Huang Chih-hung, the project aims to create a sustainable campus gene bank of native Taiwanese ferns using systematic ecological planning, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative enhances biodiversity on Taipei Tech’s campus and serves as a progressive model for urban landscape planning. Unlike ornamental plant landscaping, this initiative focuses on propagating native ferns, fostering sustainability by cultivating rare and endangered species donated by various entities.
Highlighting Taipei Tech’s Commitment to Sustainability
Chen Chen-cheng, Chair of the Department of Architecture, emphasized Taipei Tech’s long-standing dedication to ecological campus development, which began in the 1980s. Over the years, initiatives such as removing campus walls, restoring waterway systems, and constructing the Green Gate have showcased the university’s innovative approach to reintroducing biodiversity in an urbanized environment. These efforts, led by figures like former Dean Tsai Ren-huei of the College of Design, have made Taipei Tech a leader in sustainable campus planning, inspiring other universities across Taiwan.
A Practical Model for Urban Sustainability
The fern experimental field enriches campus aesthetics and serves as a research and educational resource. Guided by fern experts, the project explores practical applications of native Taiwanese ferns in architectural and urban planning designs. The Department of Architecture plans to extend this concept through its USR (University Social Responsibility) project to the indigenous natural landscapes of the Meixi area in Nantou, further promoting ecological restoration and sustainability.
Preserving Taiwan’s Rich Biodiversity
Distinguished researcher Huang Yao-mou from the Forestry Research Institute highlighted Taiwan’s wealth of fern species, even in urban areas like Taipei. Currently, the campus hosts 62 fern species from 24 families, including contributions from Ren-ai Township in Nantou and the Tengyun community in Taipei’s Wanhua District. Excluding two horticultural species, the remaining 60 are native to Taiwan. Ferns are crucial in enhancing urban biodiversity, improving living conditions, and restoring ecological balance. Huang commended Taipei Tech’s persistent efforts to integrate ecological concepts into urban design, noting how the vibrant ferns on campus demonstrate the potential for merging natural aesthetics with functional architectural planning.
A Collaborative Vision
Establishing the fern experimental field underscores the potential of academia-government partnerships in promoting biodiversity and sustainable urban planning. By integrating research, education, and community engagement, Taipei Tech and the Forestry Research Institute are advancing innovative approaches to environmental preservation. This initiative strengthens ecological awareness and sets a benchmark for future collaborations in creating greener urban landscapes.
Highlighting Taipei Tech’s Commitment to Sustainability
Chen Chen-cheng, Chair of the Department of Architecture, emphasized Taipei Tech’s long-standing dedication to ecological campus development, which began in the 1980s. Over the years, initiatives such as removing campus walls, restoring waterway systems, and constructing the Green Gate have showcased the university’s innovative approach to reintroducing biodiversity in an urbanized environment. These efforts, led by figures like former Dean Tsai Ren-huei of the College of Design, have made Taipei Tech a leader in sustainable campus planning, inspiring other universities across Taiwan.
A Practical Model for Urban Sustainability
The fern experimental field enriches campus aesthetics and serves as a research and educational resource. Guided by fern experts, the project explores practical applications of native Taiwanese ferns in architectural and urban planning designs. The Department of Architecture plans to extend this concept through its USR (University Social Responsibility) project to the indigenous natural landscapes of the Meixi area in Nantou, further promoting ecological restoration and sustainability.
Preserving Taiwan’s Rich Biodiversity
Distinguished researcher Huang Yao-mou from the Forestry Research Institute highlighted Taiwan’s wealth of fern species, even in urban areas like Taipei. Currently, the campus hosts 62 fern species from 24 families, including contributions from Ren-ai Township in Nantou and the Tengyun community in Taipei’s Wanhua District. Excluding two horticultural species, the remaining 60 are native to Taiwan. Ferns are crucial in enhancing urban biodiversity, improving living conditions, and restoring ecological balance. Huang commended Taipei Tech’s persistent efforts to integrate ecological concepts into urban design, noting how the vibrant ferns on campus demonstrate the potential for merging natural aesthetics with functional architectural planning.
A Collaborative Vision
Establishing the fern experimental field underscores the potential of academia-government partnerships in promoting biodiversity and sustainable urban planning. By integrating research, education, and community engagement, Taipei Tech and the Forestry Research Institute are advancing innovative approaches to environmental preservation. This initiative strengthens ecological awareness and sets a benchmark for future collaborations in creating greener urban landscapes.
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