▲ Group photo of presenters and guests at the 2024 Circular Design Week (CDW).

 

Circular Design Week (CDW) serves as a dynamic platform for exploring place-based circular design practices that arise from the rich traditions, everyday lives, and intricate relationships unique to the Asia-Pacific region. With a focus on local contexts and hands-on learning experiences, CDW aims to deepen our understanding of the diverse, autonomous, and distributive nature of sustainable societies.

 

Chingyu Yao, Director General of the Secretariat, delivered an inspiring and visionary speech at the 2024 Circular Design Week (CDW) under the theme “Future Circular City.” This session brought together prominent leaders in urban governance, sustainable planning, and design from across Asia to exchange ideas and foster dialogue about the future trajectory of urban living. Delving into diverse aspects of urban development—including construction, advanced technology, circular economy principles, living art, and design—Director Yao emphasized the urgent need to create cities that prioritize safety, health, and environmental sustainability.

 

▲ CDW 2024 Circular Design Week in Taiwan. Circular Design Week 2024. (2024).

 

“Future Circular City” was graced by the presence of Chingyu Yao, Director General of the Secretariat, New Taipei City Government, who shared groundbreaking insights into New Taipei City’s initiatives in urban resilience and sustainability. Joining her was Tomas Diez, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Fab City Foundation, a leading global advocate for decentralized and regenerative city ecosystems. The discussion was skillfully moderated by Oliver Lin, Acting President of the Taiwan Design Research Institute, who guided the conversation to explore innovative strategies and practical solutions for creating sustainable cities.

 

Central to the presentation was the adoption of a post-anthropocentric perspective, which challenges traditional approaches to urbanization by advocating for growth that respects and harmonizes with the history, culture, and ecology of the land. Leveraging the transformative potential of design, Director Yao highlighted innovative strategies to align urban development with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include fostering resilience in urban spaces, bridging human-nature relationships, and promoting equitable solutions to systemic challenges.

 

“Building Resilient Cities Through Design” was not just a topic but a call to action. Director Yao presented New Taipei City’s forward-thinking initiatives that address urban challenges while nurturing sustainability and equity. By combining global insights with local applications, this discussion paved the way for a reimagined urban landscape, ensuring a livable and thriving environment for generations to come.

 

▲ Chingyu Yao, Director General of the Secretariat

 

Key Initiatives Driving Resilience

Director Yao shared impactful examples of how design has been integrated into urban governance to create a more sustainable and resilient city:

• Comma Lab: A transformation of the City Hall’s 3rd floor into a multifunctional public workspace, promoting cross-departmental collaboration. This space has not only redefined the conventional office environment but also serves as a model for efficient and adaptive government operations.
• Gender-Friendly Spaces: The introduction of all-gender restrooms and a gender equality hub in City Plaza demonstrates the city’s commitment to inclusivity. These facilities support SDG Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and have become a preferred choice for NGOs seeking equitable and accessible spaces for events and activities.
• U-GROUND Renovation: A formerly underutilized basement area has been reimagined as a vibrant community hub. Utilizing recycled materials and modular design principles, the space addresses diverse community needs while showcasing the city’s dedication to the circular economy and sustainable development.

 

Expanding Global and Local Impact

New Taipei City’s efforts extend beyond local transformation. The establishment of the New Taipei City Design Center as an Urban Planning Office has facilitated seamless cross-departmental communication, while collaborations with global institutions such as MIT Media Lab have advanced AI-driven tools for urban planning. These partnerships prioritize initiatives like carbon neutrality and circular economy practices, solidifying the city’s position as a leader in sustainable urban innovation. 

 

Designing for Equity and Empowerment

A cornerstone of New Taipei City’s vision is bridging the gap between humanity and nature. For example, the Comma Lab empowers government employees by creating an adaptive workspace that encourages creativity and innovation. Simultaneously, the Gender-Friendly Spaces initiative has improved accessibility for underrepresented groups, fostering greater societal inclusion.

 

A Call to Action

Concluding the presentation, Director Yao emphasized the need for collaboration between designers and policymakers. “Design is not merely a tool for solving immediate challenges but a language that shapes the future of our cities,” Yao stated. By leveraging innovative design thinking and combining a global perspective with local implementation, New Taipei City is steadily progressing toward its dual vision of resilience and sustainability.

As a symbolic gesture, Director Yao highlighted the SDGs city logo, calling on global cities to join New Taipei in reimagining urban development for a sustainable future.

 

For more information about New Taipei City’s initiatives and the 2024 Circular Design Week, visit Here.