LIVE, LIFE, LOVE: Let People Think More about Death in Shiding District, New Taipei City

Project Team

Leader: Lin Xuan-Jin (AIRI Fellow)

Background and Introduction

Affected by the decline of coal mining, Shiding, a mountainous countryside in New Taipei City, Taiwan, struggles with revitalization and rural sustainability. Lin Xuan Jin, an expert in arts and cultural creativity, proposed this project to address the economic challenges faced by Shiding. The project seeks to encourage individuals to contemplate death as a means of reflecting on the transient nature of life and finding greater fulfillment. Through exhibitions, the project aims to showcase the outcomes and attract visitors from outside the rural areas. The proposal acknowledges Shiding’s challenges and suggests strategies such as improving the residential environment and prioritizing education and cultural preservation to enhance local identity and overall happiness.

Project Site

Shiding District, New Taipei City, Taiwan

Proposed Project Actions and Deliverables

Living after acknowledging death: Design templates for wills and motivate people to contemplate the meaning of death by answering questions listed in their wills and change people’s mindset to help them understand that discussing death while still alive is not a negative thing.

Exhibition of photography: Select some interesting wills and host an exhibition showcasing people’s lifestyles and philosophies through photography, words, and digital media.