Started with ‘The Moving Kitchen’, we are now here with ‘Penghu Ferry’.
When the opportunity to work on the Penghu Ferry project arose, we recognised that this was another chance to reshape the way people perceive public transportation. In another way, this was also our calling to further expand into the transportation discipline.
Though the task seemed challenging at first, much like the previous train project, we eagerly embraced the possibility of contributing to a transformative journey.
Redefining Public Transportation
The core expectation behind the Penghu Ferry project was clearly outlined: to redefine public transportation and revolutionise travellers’ understanding of it. Wanting to break the conventional belief that a vessel is just a means of getting from one place to another, we felt the need to bring an evolution to transportation, focusing on the necessity of modernising it.
The goal here was to imbue Penghu Ferry with a sense of today and a glimpse of the future.
Penghu Ferry was designed with the public in mind, aiming to cater to a diverse audience. While anyone can embark on this voyage to Penghu, the shuttle is particularly appealing to those accustomed to travelling on planes and high-speed boats.
The intention was to offer an alternative, allowing travellers to lean back and enjoy the ride, rather than just getting to their destination. The unique experience here is designed to encapsulate the deeper connection with the here and now, savouring the in-between moments that conventional transport often overlooks.
Taiwan and Japan's Synergy
Penghu Ferry is a cross-border endeavour, uniting Taiwanese vision with Japanese precision. Through lots of discussions, communication and efforts, the collaboration bridged expertises to bring this vessel to life after almost two years. The fusion of Taiwanese and Japanese design, respectively JC. Architecture & Design and NSS Nagasaki Sempaku Sobi Co. Ltd, and Japanese construction - Naikai Zosen Corporation, illustrates the potential of interlacing great design with meticulous execution, which results in a 120-meter and over 8000-ton ferry boat, with the capacity to hold 632 people.
Bringing Penghu Through this Vessel, A Cultural Symbol Empowering Community Pride
Penghu Ferry can be seen as an extension of Penghu Island, welcoming passengers to sense Penguhu’s identity before even setting foot on the island. This, the conceptual journey, transforms the boat into a floating oasis of Penghu.
It extends beyond transportation. Penghu Ferry is hoped to instil pride in the islanders, sharing with them the honour of having their land and culture influenced the boat’s design. Furthermore, it is ambitious to inspire other transportation agencies to integrate cultural elements into their own products, raising awareness with local government on the power of design: how it elevates life quality in the community, and how it delivers the message of showcasing one’s land and culture.
