An advertisement once said, “The faster the world, the slower the heart.” Highways symbolize speed, yet rest stops invite us to slow down. Su’ao Rest Station serves as a vital transportation hub, linking the northern regions with Hualien and Taitung. The design concept positions the station as a “speed transfer” point. Straight lines evoke speed, while curves signify deceleration. The surrounding landscapes—mountains, seas, and streams—are all represented by curves, making these organic shapes the core architectural vocabulary of the project.
The restroom design features triangular stainless steel mirrors instead of traditional square ones above the basins. When washing hands, visitors can view reflections of the sky, the ground, and themselves. At night, these mirrors shimmer beautifully under the glow of artificial light, creating a dazzling effect.
The internal road layout within the rest station follows gentle curves, encouraging visitors to slow down and enjoy the park rather than rush straight through. The traditional linear rest stop building has been reimagined as an organic structure featuring flowing curves. This design cannot be fully appreciated at a glance—it must be experienced gradually, like a dancer’s graceful swing, embodying tension and beauty in motion.
The outdoor ramp gently curves upward from the ground to the roof, inviting visitors to stroll along the slope. This design offers expansive views of the sky and surrounding mountains and rivers. It creates a peaceful, leisurely space where visitors can unwind and embrace the slower pace of life in the Huadong region.
In life’s journey, slowing down is often more challenging than speeding up. The architectural language of Su’ao Rest Station reveals a simple secret: “Walk slowly to get there quickly.”
Project Drawings
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Third Floor Plan
△ Roof Plan
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Architectural Design: Weng Zumo Architectural Firm
Area: 11,715 m²
Project Year: 2021
Photographer: Highlight Images
Manufacturers: Tailong Xingye Co., Ltd., Pengbai Industrial Co., Ltd., Youming Industrial Co., Ltd.
Lead Architect: Xu Peijin
Landscape Design: ZTE Engineering Consulting Co., Ltd.
Mechanical and Electrical Design: Deji Mechanical and Electrical Technology Co., Ltd.
Collaborative Architect: Huaxing United Architectural Firm
Location: Yilan, China
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