Interviews with Yu-Jung Tseng

My main focus was on improving the challenges posed by strong northeast winter winds and local water scarcity. Through micro-environmental wind control experiments, I aimed to enhance the layout of plantings and activity areas.

I plan to apply these effective methods to improve other harsh environments.

It took me 3 years to complete this design concept.

This design was commissioned. I aimed to address local environmental challenges through this unique concept.

A professional construction team is collaborating on the execution.

I was inspired by the support from the project's stakeholders.

The Low Impact Development (LID) methods and technologies internationally had a significant impact on my design.

The target clients for this design are the residents of the newly developed community on Dabelly Mountain in Taichung City, Taiwan, including over 200 households.

I wanted the name to reflect the beauty of the rural wilderness of Dabelly Mountain.

We used AutoCAD, SketchUp, and 3D tools for design and visual presentation.

I incorporated environmental wind simulation experiments into my design.

We collaborated with the Millet Design team, all of whom are professionals with extensive expertise in landscape architecture.

Technology serves to assist, strengthen, and experimentally validate this design.

Yes, I conducted wind control experiments and other research to support the decision-making process for this design.

I faced numerous challenges due to the variability in climatic conditions.

I decided to do so because the stakeholders affirmed and supported my design.

I learned to approach global environments with humility and to conduct design in a more subdued manner.

I continue to monitor the recovery status of the ecology.

Our main focus in designing this work was to create an open space amidst the chaotic urban landscape of the old city, including a pocket park and edible garden, to promote public welfare and a healthy lifestyle within the community. Our goal was to provide facilities where residents can enjoy relaxation, exercise, and social interaction in a natural environment.

Our future plans for this award-winning design include further enhancing the urban landscape with a more natural wilderness style, continuing to emphasize the use of green spaces and the promotion of social welfare functions.

It took us a total of four years to conceive and implement this design concept.

This design was commissioned with the intent to showcase natural landscapes, particularly wild scenery, to improve and reshape the environmental landscape.

Currently, it is being executed by a professional construction team.

The reshaping and representation of environmental landscapes.

The design was influenced by the wild landscapes of the United Kingdom.

The target customers for this design are residents within approximately 500 meters surrounding the area.

The pocket park combines disaster prevention and firefighting functions with public welfare usage and the use of edible gardens.

The name 'Meeting Axis Deers' symbolizes the sudden appearance of deer amidst myriad flowers.

We used AutoCAD, SketchUp, and 3D tools for design and visual presentation.

The most unique aspect of this design is its integration of experimental design concepts.

We collaborated with the Millet Design team, all of whom are professionals with extensive expertise in landscape architecture.

Technology is not emphasized in this project. Our focus lies in enhancing public welfare and improving environmental air quality through greenification and environmental improvements.

We conducted solar exposure analysis to guide the vegetation design, and calculated carbon sequestration amounts to optimize the selection and arrangement of vegetation.

Designing freely accessible firefighting and rescue paths in narrow alleyways, and providing large areas of grassland for disaster relief purposes, were among the main challenges of this project.

We have previously won other awards such as the Gold Award from the MUSE Design Awards, which prompted us to submit this design to the A’ Design Awards, aiming to gain more international recognition.

Selecting and cultivating native plants endemic to the area proved to be a significant challenge and learning experience.

Information related to reducing carbon emissions and simple rainwater reuse.

Millet Design was founded in 2003 during the booming period of the real estate industry in Taiwan. Millet Design believes that the power of “nature” can address and enhance the deteriorating living environment caused by extreme climates. Therefore, the company chose “landscape design” as its starting point and align its core concept with the principles of nature. With over 20 years of experience in residential environment design, we have consistently created pleasant and comfortable living spaces, significantly improving the quality of residential public landscapes. The nature-based design has always been the core principle of our company. In recent years, our design goals also focused on restoring the ecological environment, reducing carbon emissions, and creating comfortable and healthy living environments. Millet Design offers a comprehensive range of services, with a team of approximately 30 designers and construction experts. Our services include the design and construction of landscape architecture of residential housing or factory, hotel interior design, architectural exterior design, and other design projects. By offering the professional landscape design services for more than 20 years, we have accumulated a portfolio consists of hundreds of successful projects. 《Project》 1.Landscape design and construction engineering - hotels, homestays, campuses, community residential buildings, leisure resorts, and technology factories. 2.Interior design and construction engineering - residential villas, technology factory offices, leisure clubs, show houses/rooms of real estate projects, building lobbies. 3.Architectural design and contruction engineering - monuments and historical buildings renovation. Waterproof and building exterior renovation. New buildings. Hotel buildings. Villas. 4.Public art installation planning and curation-landscape art, installation art, visual art.

For me, "design" is not only a bridge of communication between people; "landscape design" is also crucial for communicating and harmonizing between humans and natural environments.

My favorite landscape design works are those that can improve degraded environments while enhancing human well-being and quality of life.

My favorite landscape designs are those that showcase graceful environments and natural poetry, while integrating elements of spatial memory and cultural heritage.

The first project I designed for a company emphasized the harmonious coexistence of nature and the natural environment.

My favorite materials include those that are locally sourced and sustainably renewable, such as wood, stone, soil, plants, and water. I especially enjoy collaborating with craftsmen to create high-quality outdoor living spaces using these materials.

I am most creative and inspired when I am away from the city, surrounded by forests and mountains.

During the design process, I particularly focus on material details, environmental improvement issues, and the completeness of construction drawings.

During the design process, I often experience a blend of pleasure and tension.

When my design projects are completed, I feel very happy and fulfilled.

A successful design requires a good client who fully trusts the professional designer to handle the project, along with an excellent construction team to implement the design concept.

When judging the quality of a design, I first consider whether it effectively solves problems and achieves a balance between functionality and aesthetic expression.

As a designer, I believe our responsibilities include reducing environmental impact, improving public welfare, and enhancing friendly space design.

The design field is moving towards environmentally friendly practices such as waste reduction and carbon reduction, which will be a significant trend in future design.

My design inspiration comes from elements such as wind, light, water, terrain, and cultural environments found in natural landscapes. I enrich my creativity by closely observing and experiencing these natural and cultural landscapes.

My design style emphasizes harmonizing with local environments and cultural characteristics. This approach is rooted in a deep respect for nature and community, aiming to create spaces that coexist harmoniously with their surroundings. My design methodology focuses on thoroughly understanding the background and requirements of each project, while seeking innovative ways to realize the client's vision.

I live in Taiwan, where the rich natural landscapes and deep cultural heritage profoundly influence my designs. As environmental and ecological conservation awareness grows, landscape design increasingly emphasizes sustainability. During the design process, we face the challenge of finding a balance—maximizing resource utilization while protecting and respecting local natural and cultural assets.

I provide opportunities for creative expression and maintain enthusiasm for new ideas and innovations.

Minimalist design

As a designer, the most important skill is communication ability.

Hand drawing、AutoCAD、SketchUp

I manage my time according to the client's schedule.

Designing a project from start to finish typically takes 4 to 6 years.

As a designer, the question I am most frequently asked is about the project budget.

Design Director

Property developer、Construction company

My favorite design work is environmental restoration and natural habitat rehabilitation because these designs can make substantial improvements to the environment while promoting the health and balance of natural ecosystems.

I plan to continue dedicating myself to improving the environment.

Team collaboration

Currently ongoing design projects emphasize the use and acquisition of local building materials to reduce resource wastage.

ruthts@mail2000.com.tw
+886-930769919

Through the analysis of wind speed, wind patterns, and temperature over the years at the site, we found that the area experiences strong and cold winds in winter, making outdoor activities nearly impossible. Therefore, using planting design to mitigate the harsh winter winds is crucial. This not only improves the site’s climatic conditions but also allows the garden to provide a comfortable and welcoming space for community activities throughout the seasons. By utilizing Envi-met for microclimate analysis, we can accurately understand the temperature characteristics of different areas, enabling us to select appropriate vegetation. For example, wind-resistant and drought-tolerant plants are chosen for cold and windy areas, while flowering plants and edible plants can be planted in warmer, sunnier areas, enhancing both the functionality and aesthetics of the space.

The sixty-year-old lychee tree is a remnant of the area’s agricultural development. During the environmental transformation process, we specifically preserved the old tree and relocated it to the entrance as a focal point of the space. This is not only a preservation of local agricultural culture but also a tribute to the shared memories of the residents. We hope that in the future, the elderly will pass on agricultural skills to the younger generation through storytelling, fruit harvesting, or teaching care techniques, thus continuing the community's shared spirit and culture.

During the summer, when rainfall is abundant, the natural undulations of the terrain are used to guide rainwater to flow and seep into the drainage pipes at the bottom of the soil, collecting the water into a sunken reservoir. When winter brings insufficient rainfall, the stored rainwater is used by an automatic irrigation system to provide the necessary moisture for the plants, effectively reducing water waste and energy consumption. Through the rich natural ecology within the site, we not only provide children with opportunities to observe nature but also strengthen their awareness of environmental protection, transforming this space into a sustainable environmental education venue.

Between 2023 and 2024, the average local temperature has risen by 1.5 degrees compared to previous years, and climate warming has become an undeniable fact, making summers increasingly hotter. Therefore, using plants to improve the climate has become a necessary measure. We have redesigned this area into a lush, shaded environment to promote cooling effects and provide the community with a cool outdoor space for activities. The multi-layered planting design not only ensures environmental diversity but also effectively enhances the land's water retention capacity. The choice of drought-tolerant, low-maintenance plants is key to this design.

Through the color design of the installation artworks, we emphasize the fusion of courage and spirit, while advocating for environmental protection, inspiring children to build courage in protecting animals and ecosystems. The playground and fitness facilities in the area not only promote physical health but also enhance mental well-being, guiding people to make good use of the natural environment and achieve a balance of body and mind, thereby improving overall health.

By incorporating a large number of edible plants into the multi-layered planting design, the garden is transformed into an eco-friendly and functional edible landscape. This not only provides a food source for wildlife but also offers community residents the opportunity to participate in farming activities. This bidirectional interaction strengthens the close connection and symbiotic relationship between the ecosystem and the community.

Focusing on pedestrian pathways as the main axis, we connect multifunctional spaces and deepen the experience through the story theme. Each area has its own distinct characteristics, but the overall design maintains a cohesive narrative and functionality, creating a harmonious spatial experience.

By strengthening the local culture, industry, historical background, and unique characteristics, we create more spaces that promote community interaction and activities. This helps cultivate a shared consciousness among residents, thereby attracting the affection and emotional engagement of surrounding community groups, deepening the community connection.

The field landscape showcases a strong nostalgic atmosphere and rich storytelling, not only sparking emotional resonance and enthusiastic participation but also emphasizing that environmental improvement must continue to progress in a sustainable manner.

The site is located on Haluton, surrounded by abundant natural resources in the nearby mountains and forests. However, these resources have long been overlooked due to population growth and urban development, leading to extensive deforestation and near-total loss. Using landscape techniques to restore greenery and reconnect the original ecosystem will improve the city’s natural environment as a whole and restore ecological diversity. We selected perennial edible wildflowers, shrubs, and trees from local native plants, carefully considering their adaptability and sunlight requirements for replanting. The focus is on herbaceous plants to meet the dietary needs of the deer that once inhabited this area.

Zoning is based on the sunlight requirements of plants, grouping those with similar characteristics into clusters. For instance, drought-tolerant and flowering plants are arranged in full-sun areas, creating an open landscape resembling a prairie, while shade-tolerant ferns and trees are planted in low-sunlight areas to evoke a forest ambiance. In terms of pathways, interconnected routes guide visitors through each zone, presenting a cohesive landscape narrative. This design transitions from the open prairie to the tranquil forest, offering a multi-layered visual and psychological experience.

During the initial planning phase, we assessed the basic irrigation needs of the site’s vegetation and designed a rainwater harvesting system. This system collects runoff from buildings and the ground, storing summer stormwater in underground reservoirs for use during the dry winter season. This approach not only reduces the use of municipal water but also lowers the carbon emissions associated with irrigation, achieving efficient resource recycling.

The natural undulations of the terrain were reshaped to create gentle-sloped pathways, leaving ample grassy areas to accommodate the needs of emergency fire access and rescue operations. In potentially critical rescue zones, no structures or facilities obstruct pedestrian or vehicular movement. Additionally, pathways were designed in alignment with seasonal wind directions to prevent the accumulation of harmful gases. These design strategies not only fulfill safety and health-related functional requirements but also integrate aesthetic landscape elements, enhancing the overall environmental quality.

Experiments have proven that extensive greenery, with its shading effect, can effectively reduce the surrounding temperature by 2°C to 4°C. To achieve this, we adopted vertical and multi-layered greening methods, which not only decrease surface heat accumulation but also improve air quality. These measures are cost-effective and efficient solutions for mitigating urban heat island effects while enhancing the living environment of the community.

For the long-term sustainability of the natural environment, incorporating edible plants into small parks will attract wildlife to approach and inhabit the area. This is one of the most effective methods for restoring ecological balance.

The gravel recovered during site preparation was used on-site, stacked in natural curves to mimic the early natural terrain variations and the agricultural landscapes of the area. At the same time, this approach preserves and continues the traditional craft of gravel stacking, a technique rich in local cultural heritage.

Bringing a new lifestyle to the surrounding community, this nature-friendly pocket park has become an ideal place for nearby residents to interact and engage in activities. Furthermore, the garden enhances community cohesion by creating social spaces, laying an important foundation for a sustainable future. In addition, the large-scale green space restoration attracts urban wildlife for habitation, activity, and foraging, establishing the essential conditions for ecological sustainability.

We hope to use small-scale initiatives to promote and drive an increase in greenery coverage and vegetation density across the entire city. Our vision is for Taiwan to become a green island in the future, creating a harmonious environment where humans and nature coexist. This effort aims to leave a healthy and sustainable planet for the next generation.