Between Cycles:Gathered,Yet Unparted

Project Essence:

"Between Cycles" is an integrated spatial design for the Sanshan Benevolent Association, a historic institution established by Fuzhou immigrants in Taiwan. Located adjacent to the city’s Second Funeral Parlor, the site has long been marginalized by modern urban development. This project seeks to reconnect history, ritual, and contemporary urban life by transforming a traditionally closed funeral site into an open, reflective cultural space that balances public engagement with private sanctity.

Design Concept & Innovation:

The core of the design is a system of "Circular Paths" that weave together ritual, memory, and daily life. By integrating spatial zoning, the project addresses the complex challenge of maintaining the privacy of bereavement while inviting the public into a shared cultural experience. The architectural language utilizes "Double-Height Spaces" and "Circular Circulation" to create visual and spatial permeability, ensuring the site feels approachable rather than isolated.

Spatial Strategy:

The design envelops existing structures to preserve historical significance while introducing new functional layers.

Ritual & Community: The ground floor features a double-height ritual space and a funeral hall reserved for the association’s traditional practices.

Cultural Preservation: A dedicated museum space displays historical artifacts, transforming the association into a repository of collective memory.

Urban Integration: To foster daily interaction, the program includes a restaurant and a shop selling ritual offerings and bouquets, catering to both association members and the general public.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, the Sanshan Benevolent Association is reimagined not just as a place of farewell, but as a vibrant urban anchor. It proves that even the most sensitive ritual spaces can coexist with the modern city, creating a serene environment where the community can gather, reflect, and honor their heritage without being parted from the rhythm of everyday life.