Rehabilitation Island of the Former Prison

(I) A unique settlement type with three cultural heritage designations, it is Taiwan's only fully preserved century-old historical site of a former prison. (1) Possesses diverse cultural heritage values as a national monument, historical building, and a cluster of settlement buildings. Regarding the former prison, it spans over a century, beginning in the Japanese colonial period. Its unique Pennsylvania-style architectural form offers a glimpse into the ideal carceral space envisioned at the time. The buildings, constructed collaboratively by inmates, represent a rare mode of public architecture. Features such as high-ceilinged spaces and diverse styles of transom windows are uncommon architectural characteristics beyond the use of cypress wood. These elements showcase architectural thinking from different historical contexts. Furthermore, its special spatial configuration allows it to accommodate experiences and discussions on social issues such as 'freedom' and 'restriction.' The dormitory cluster, as an extended space of the former prison, was formerly a vital support system for the daily lives of prison staff, thereby softening the relatively austere atmosphere of the site. Today, it maintains a gentle and unadorned sense of life, serving as an important point for visitors to relax and engage with the historical site, and to discover a rich, lived history through the eyes of its residents. (2) Recreating the historical site through the 'Revitalization of the Timber Capital Historical Site Project,' shaping it into a 'Timber Capital Creative Village.' Beyond embodying its cultural value within its historical context, the dormitory cluster also closely aligns with Chiayi's identity as a 'Timber Capital.' Through the past 'Revitalization of the Timber Capital Historical Site Project,' old houses have been revitalized for use by local teams, gradually progressing towards the vision of a 'Timber Capital Creative Village.' Moreover, the settlement is still home to descendants of former prison staff. This cohabitation model of new and old residents transforms the former prison and dormitory cluster into a complete historical narrative space where they echo each other, allowing the public to see it not just as a relic of the past, but also as an important cultural heritage site within contemporary society and urban life. (II) The 'Repair-for-Rent' settlement residency model demonstrates the possibilities of activating cultural heritage sites through a decade of public-private collaboration. Another major feature of the former prison dormitory cluster is its innovative 'Repair-for-Rent' residency model. In the past, 3,223 young people from 20 universities and colleges were invited to participate in its creation. A total of 16 private entities applied for residency, while the public sector restored and managed 14 units independently. During this period, by combining government and private sector strengths, it demonstrated that with the public sector's open and trusting approach, the diverse expertise of private entities can lead to richer and more localized operational models for the settlement. Simultaneously, it genuinely supports the development of local organizations, achieving substantive regeneration, and allowing more space for interpretation and development within the cultural heritage site. Building on past efforts, it has adopted a new cultural appearance, bringing significant meaning to the public-private partnership model.