Renewal injects new energy into community

They also jotted down residents' requests on sticky notes, such as the need for a place to chat and a space for kids to play, and Kuo carefully wove these ideas into the design for the community's renovation.

He believes the ship-shaped play structure in the complex connects older and newer generations. While children can learn about the city's shipping history, the elderly can relive their past memories.

As funding was limited, only iron-workers and electricians were hired for the construction of the installation, and Kuo and his team undertook the rest of the work.

The hemp ropes used in the facility's protective netting were twisted by hand, and are rough and durable. These traditional rope-making techniques were taught by several veteran sailors living in the community.

Kuo and his team have also transformed the first-floor corridor of the building into a gallery of shipping history, where old artifacts and vintage photographs tell stories of the past. Kuo picked up some items from secondhand markets, and local residents voluntarily donated their own objects, like old ferry tickets and logbooks. Kuo also bought a nearly century-old original photo of the neighborhood for 900 yuan ($132.94) from a secondhand market.

"It's a record of the city's shipping history, with the original look of the old street. This is far more vivid than any written text," he says.

The motivation behind the shipping history gallery, he says, was to create a sense of ownership among the residents. "Many tenants are moving into the building, most of whom know little about its history. It's also next to a primary school, so there are many children in the neighborhood."

He says this gallery fosters a sense of belonging among residents and encourages them to take care of public spaces. It inspires adults to protect their homes and gives children early exposure to the local wharf culture, nurturing a lasting pride in the community.

Xiong Xingwu, 75, a retired sailor who lives in the building, offered old photos of the building's early days and archival documents for the gallery. "This community holds memories of most of my life," he says.

"Kuo is warmhearted and devoted to the renovation. The living environment has been greatly improved, and residents have formed a team of volunteers to do daily cleaning."

Kuo believes that successful community renewal lies in the symbiosis of space and emotion. A renovation should not only meet basic housing needs but also address residents' deeper spiritual aspirations, bringing them back into public life.

He adds: "Home is more than just a place to rest. It nurtures social connections and neighborhood bonds and is a carrier for people to pursue their ideal life."

Kuo says that community design and urban regeneration on the Chinese mainland and Taiwan share a common focus on respecting humanity and preserving local memories.

While Taiwan started its community revitalization initiative earlier, he says that cities on the Chinese mainland have seen rapid urban development, and public awareness is growing. "We need to devote greater efforts to guiding and uniting residents, building shared consensus and gradually nurturing a strong civic spirit in the neighborhood."