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taiwan : complexity and simplicity

While in the transit departure lounge at Taiwan International Airport, I was struck by this interesting array of reflections on a cylindrical column of glass surrounding a lift well. I waited for the moving lift mechanism to simultaneously be in view as an interesting person walked into an uncluttered and clean area of the image. I like its complexity.

The second photograph was taken on a Taiwanese ferry and is a simple study of achieving graphical order from a chaotic environment, with the open rope directing attention back to the single visible face. I also liked how the dark central rim graphically separates the upper and lower, chromatically similar, areas of the photograph.   These images have recently been added to the Taiwan gallery  : : peter

subway scene

Good design, accessibility,  frequency, smooth and quiet, reasonable cost, cleanliness, and a public that respects the property of others – these things are what make public transport work for me.  The Mass Rail Transport (MRT) system of Taipei checked most of the boxes, – with improvement possible in the area of design.

A long time ago, I took a Scandinavian ferry from the UK to Denmark and was impressed  -  the design was simple, clean, and beautiful, and this was clearly appreciated and respected by the population, – no damaged furnishings or graffiti.

The above photographs have recently been added to the Taiwan Gallery  : : peter

taipei taiwan : scooters, pollution, taipei 101

I wonder what impact the ubiquitous two stroke motor scooter is having on pollution throughout Asia? Has clean, efficient technology been applied to the humble motor scooter, or has this low cost form of transport, passed under the radar?  While I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Taiwan and Okinawa, it is the dense and ever present haze of pollution that remains a dominate memory  : : peter