fractured stone forms shape tourist facilities by MVRDV on taiwan's southern coastline

"Located on a dramatic stretch of coastline in the far south of the country, where wind and sea have sculpted sandstone into animal-like rock formations, the project proposes improved accessibility and visitor facilities while keeping all new construction within the site's already developed footprint. By echoing the fractured, layered geology of the region, the design turns roads, paths, and buildings into rocky fragments that appear to emerge from the terrain."

"Jialeshui, part of Kenting National Park in Pingtung County, is among Taiwan's most well-known geological parks. Visitors come for formations such as Rabbit Rock, Toad Rock, and Seal Rock, yet despite its popularity, the site has struggled with inadequate infrastructure. A narrow road currently serves as the only connection between forest and shoreline, forcing shuttle buses, cyclists, and pedestrians to share space. Small kiosks and pavilions have been damaged repeatedly by typhoons, leaving the area both congested and fragile."

"WIth Nature Rocks!, the architects at MVRDV address these challenges by reshaping circulation and public spaces as a cracked stone landscape. The straight road is broken apart and re-stitched into a system of pathways that flow between forest and coast, dividing into zones for walking, cycling, shuttle buses, and rest. Some of the rock-like fragments rise into small buildings that house a visitor center, exhibition spaces, restrooms, and lookout points. The roof of the largest volume becomes a panoramic terrace for stargazing"

Jialeshui in southern Taiwan features sandstone formations sculpted into animal-like rocks and forms part of Kenting National Park. The site currently suffers from a narrow shared road, congested access, and storm-damaged kiosks and pavilions. The masterplan reshapes circulation into a cracked-stone landscape that breaks and re-stitches the straight road into dedicated pathways for walking, cycling, shuttle buses, and rest. Rock-like fragments emerge as buildings housing a visitor center, exhibition spaces, restrooms, lookout points, and kiosks. New construction remains within the existing developed footprint and includes a panoramic roof terrace for stargazing and three sculptural entrance structures.

Read at designboom | architecture & design magazine