The Artistic Design on the Circular Line in Taipei

2020
Taipei (Taiwan)

concept : shine

In 2020, the Mass Rapid Transit "Circular Line" will open in New Taipei City. Drawing a large circle, Circular Line will connect the existing lines that spread in radial direction from the City Central. Circular Line is a groundbreaking scheme that will dramatically improve the transport system, where the Taipei City Department of Rapid Transit Systems (DORTS) is responsible for the project and its construction. They plan to have the transportation facility, the Circular Line, as a work of public art piece, for the very first time in the world. In 2011, Emmanuelle has been invited directly from DORTS, as an artist recognized for her use of colors, to engage in the design of this grand scale public art project.

Circular Line is a subway system, total length of 34.8 kilometers, in which its 14.5 kilometers are above ground facilities. The project focuses on this 14.5 kilometers zone, where there is a close relationship with the people in the city. Emmanuelle’s color palette will spread across a wide area, which comprises 8 kilometers of steel beams, 10 kilometers of acoustic barriers, around 200 steel pillars underneath the station and viaducts, 13 stations, 13 platforms, a bridge, and the exterior and interior design of the four cars MRT train. Until the opening in 2019, color workshops will be held by Emmanuelle mainly for residents and teachers in New Taipei City, together with other art events.

The concept "shine" was inspired from the theme for the Circular Line project stated by DORTS, 'Like clouds swift passage, the dragon travels thousands miles', and the color scheme of the line, which is "yellow". The "yellow" gave an image of bright sunshine that was the inspiration to the word "shine", expressing the sunshine being reflected off the scales of dragon. "Shine" wishes that the brightness will spread along the whole Circular Line as the swiftly moving dragon reflects sunshine off its scales, through the bustling City of Taipei.
Building upon this concept, the characteristic of the project is the 5 shades of yellow selected by Emmanuelle, being the base color scheme for the city’s public art. As a surprise gift from her, there is just one location unveiling all colors from her rainbow color palette.
The project is still ongoing, and Emmanuelle wishes that this grand scheme of public art project will give brightness and harmony to the lifestyle of Taipei citizen.  

photo : DORTS (Department of Rapid Transit System)