bent wooden beams fan like illuminating petals in cheng tsung feng’s installation in taiwan
Pentagonal temporary pavilion interprets Taiwan’s Flame Tree
For the Taiwan Lantern Festival, Cheng Tsung FENG developed Temple: Flame Tree, an installation inspired by the royal poinciana, the official city tree of Taiwan. Known for its vivid red blossoms that mark the summer season and accompany local graduation traditions, the flame tree serves as the project’s conceptual foundation.
The pavilion translates the tree’s characteristic form into a large-scale spatial structure composed of bent wooden planks and a metal support frame. These elements create five fan-shaped components arranged in a pentagonal configuration around a central circular platform. The composition references the spreading canopy of a mature flame tree while establishing a defined spatial enclosure. Subtle gold detailing along the edges enhances the structural outline and responds to both daylight and nighttime illumination.
all images by FIXER Photographic Studio
Cheng Tsung FENG Designs Pavilion for Gathering and Public Use
Access to the central platform is provided through five stairways positioned between the structural ‘petals.’ Outside performance periods, visitors are able to move through the installation, entering the interior space formed by the radiating elements. This approach positions the work as both a sculptural object and an accessible public environment.
Through its geometric layout, material selection, and layered lighting effects, Temple: Flame Tree by Taiwanese artist Cheng Tsung FENG connects the symbolic role of the flame tree with spatial practices associated with ritual and gathering. The installation functions as a temporary architectural landmark, situating cultural references within a contemporary framework for public interaction.
Temple: Flame Tree installation, designed for the Taiwan Lantern Festival
bent wooden planks form the fan-like structural components
the pavilion draws inspiration from the royal poinciana’s branching canopy
five radiating ‘petals’ create a pentagonal spatial layout
a metal support frame anchors the large-scale wooden structure
stairways between the petals guide visitors toward the interior space
gold-edged detailing highlights the outline of each structural petal
daylight emphasizes the texture of the bent timber surfaces
visitors can walk through the radiating structure outside performance times
the central circular platform serves as the core of the installation
timber curvature showcases traditional bending techniques in a contemporary form
the installation creates a sheltered environment for gathering and reflection
the installation functions as both sculpture and temporary architecture
project info:
name: Temple: Flame Tree
artist: Cheng Tsung FENG | @chengtsungfeng
event: Taiwan Lantern Festival
location: THSR Display Zone, Tainan, Taiwan
adviser: Ministry of Transportation and Communications
organizer: Tainan City Government
curator: Urban Art Studio
project design: Chan Wei HSU, Hong Lin LIU, Sheng WANG
structural analysis: Chien Chuan Engineering Consulting Co.
woodwork: Weige Interior
metalwork: Wen Chin HSU
lighting design: Oude Light
lighting engineer: Beamtec Lighting
photographer: FIXER Photographic Studio | @fixer_photographic_studio
designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom
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