For X-Basic Planning, a city’s architecture is a living dictionary, with the constant exchange of new ideas nourishing its diverse vitality. Through the Ministry of Culture’s Top 100 Cultural Bases initiative, we are delighted to see this philosophy embraced by local hubs across the country, accompanied by the passionate efforts of countless supporters. To commemorate the award, X-Basic Planning, as the restoration and operations team for the Changyuan Hospital – Lukang Historic Image Museum, first received a certificate on April 29 from the Changhua County Government recognizing our deep local engagement. We then attended the national launch event and award ceremony at Huashan 1914 Creative Park on May 3. We hope that as we continue to uncover the local context, this century-old hospital will become a beacon on the cultural map. May partners from every corner shine alongside us as we collectively illuminate a unique vision for our island.

The atmosphere at the launch event was most impressive, filled with the warm camaraderie of partners equally dedicated to promoting local culture. Many are old house renewal projects that the X-Basic team has either deeply interviewed or collaborated with long-term. These include a new cultural landmark in Hsinchu transformed from a historic department store (or Hsinchu Store); an alley that witnessed the rise and fall of an era and a family (Lukang Jinji Alley); a military dependents’ village that preserves living memory (Hobe Village, Hsinchu); a repurposed sugar factory that reinterprets the landscape (Hobe Village); and a guesthouse blending preservation with unique experiences (Hsinchu Nanliao Old House), as well as the Sin-hòa Old Street Museum, which anchors the local streetscape. While the character of each cultural base varies, they all share a commitment to meticulously cultivating their unique local context and illuminating a new era through preservation and innovation.

For the X-Basic team and the Hsu family, being selected as one of the inaugural Top 100 Cultural Bases is undoubtedly a rewarding culmination of seven years of dedicated effort. From the initial historical research and restoration to the ongoing “preservation and investigation plan” and the upcoming museum opening, we have witnessed the century-long life story of this old house unfold, and we are honored to have been a part of it.

Looking ahead, Changyuan Old House Hospital will form a vital “vector” connecting the new hubs of Lukang’s old town. In collaboration with a network of partners from diverse fields, we will weave this into a broad and profound cultural “surface”. We envision Changyuan Old House Hospital becoming a living demonstration of how to integrate cultural history, innovative thinking, and sustainable concepts. Here, the public can appreciate the fine details of historic restoration, while homeowners and professionals can find a platform for collaboration, offering an alternative to the cycle of demolition and renewal for our urban fabric.

After nearly a year of interior finishing and operational preparations, Changyuan Hospital will officially open in early June. We cordially invite you to follow the Changyuan Hospital – Lukang Historic Image Museum on its FB/IG fan page for the latest updates and to join us on this wonderful cultural journey.