Ecology

 

Biodiversity indicators

Reserving the original ecology is the best thing that Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch has done. Here, habitats are everywhere; from the stream to the old trees, from the pond to a blade of grass. Native plants are grown in the base, attracting birds and butterflies to plant by means of multi-level hybrid afforestation. Through applying such designs and techniques as Ecological Network, biotope, biodiversity and biological symbiosis, and coordinating the currently existing planting landscape, Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch aims at achieving the ecological balance and the consistency of landscape.

 

Water Retention Indicator

The library is designed as a building analogous to stilt houses, which creates an image of floating on the grasslands and shows the extraordinary permeability in the base. Outside the building, the pavement and the road surface are covered with permeable tiles and wooden path so that the surface water can quickly flow into the underground and conserve the water source. In addition, it increases the chance for the soil to breathe in the limited space, and thus enables the environment to develop naturally.

Green Volume indicator

Century-old trees are well preserved outside the library. All vacant lands are reserved for green grassland, except for the necessary pavements. Perennial vines are made to climb the building façade so as to enhance the greening effect. Soil and lawn cover the roof lightly. These greening deeds absorb CO2, becoming part of the green network system. Representative plants: Taiwan Cherry and Azalea are widely planted during The Japanese Colonial Era, and thus form a pretty unique regional feature in Beitou Park. Besides, native plants like Nigeria and autumn maple tree are intentionally planted. Adaptive plants. Shade-tolerant plants: choose shade-tolerant plants that prefer a position in half-sun such as Schefflera arboricola, Gainuwai, Tuberous Sword Fern, Pittosporum and so on. Aquatic Plants: plant Yunnan Huang Xin in the retreat place of waterfront retaining wall. Drought-tolerant plants: choose primarily drought-tolerant ground cover such as houseleek and air plants to make green roof.

Note: The above images are shot and provided by The Green Miracle on October 14, 2012