010_customised façade 02

This picture is another good example for expression of individuality on the building façade. Existing structure and new additions are clearly identifiable. The extreme makeover award definitely belongs to the unit in the middle with its maximum conversion. The balcony is all walled up and bay windows are added. Check out supporting structure for the bay windows.

009_mini department store

This is a growing trend for second-hand-goods shopping in Taipei. The owner of the shop doesn’t own a single item on the display. He or she only provides rental space for individuals who wish to sell their personal belongings. Potential merchandises then will be sorted into categories. It’s quite effortless to see which item is of the public’s common interest at the moment.

008_customised façade

Modification of building facade to suit individual needs seems unavoidable in Asian cities. While A/C condensing units are key elements used for public display of individualism in Hong Kong (see 003_floating boxes at http://urbanomania-hk.blogspot.com), metal-grating boxes and shading devices made of polycarbonate play a major role on face-lifting of residential buildings in Taipei.

007_bus map

Exploring a new city for a foreigner is easy when the urban fabric is structured by train networks, especially in non English-speaking countries. MRT map (or MTR in some countries) helps reduce chances of getting yourself into verbal interaction with the locals. As long as you can read the map and understand how interchange of lines works, you’re trouble free. Thank goodness, in Taipei the same kind of tool is provided for bus services as well. Tourists can visit places outside the MRT’s coverage by doing the following:
1. Check out the name of the bus stop near your destination and try to memorise the Chinese characters.
2. Locate the above on the bus map.
3. Count how many stops away from where you are.

4. Board the bus and pray for the driver not to skip any of the stops because you’re counting.

006_running green man

The green light for pedestrian crossing in Taipei is animated starting from walking slowly to running vigorously. Similar running green man can be found in Kuala Lumpur and, interestingly, there is a yellow man in Rome. Check out 010_yellow man at http://urbanomania-eu.blogspot.com.

005_keep right

When using escalators in Tokyo you must stand on the left and keep the right hand side clear for people walking up (or down). In Taipei, even though they were under the Japanese occupation in the past, it’s the other way around.

004_scooting city 02

The use of scooters in Taipei is extensive. They go just about everywhere and anywhere no matter how crowded the street or how tiny the space is. It’s not easy to find a scooter in good condition here in this city.

003_super urban corridor

In Taipei, scooters go everywhere. It’s quite common to find pedestrians and scooters sharing the same right of way and, amazingly, they all move freely in every direction without bumping into each other. For tourists, it’s a little excitement walking on the street checking out street vendors and trying to avoid bustling scooters at the same time. But for local people, there seem to be no problem at all. According to my local friend, the tip to this useful skill is very simple; just walk and they will avoid you.

002_scooting city

Similar to many other major cities in Asia, motorbikes are popular mode of transportation in Taipei. They don’t require much parking space and are able to meander through traffic congestion. One distinctly noticeable fact is that more than 90% of motorbikes here are scooters.

001_taipei 101

With the record of being the (current) world’s tallest skyscraper, Taipei 101 attracts many tourists including architects and designers in spite of its hideous design. The origin of the name ‘Taipei 101’ came from the number of floor count, which has already been unofficially beaten by the Burj Dubai. (Read about the Burj Dubai at http://urbanomania-ae.blogspot.com under 005_history is rising)