Project Overview
1. Correspond with the traits of the base’s environment to create a bold, affinitive, residential public artwork that connects the visual route in order to achieve the goal of creating aestheticity, leisure, public interactivity, and neighborly in public space; aspire to display the characteristics of National Tax Administration of Northern Taiwan Province, Banqiao Branch and its overall administration image.
2. Let the artwork correspond with the new architecture in elevating interactions between neighbors, echoing with PCSH and the surrounding environment, and beautifying neighboring parks in order to achieve the aspiration of being kind through the artistic creation.
3. Create a space to be intimate, admirable, and communicable with art that is full of wittiness. The future public art installations will intergrow and co-prosper with the public for a better condition.
Artwork Description
Artist: Yasuo Tominaga
Title: Treasure · Shell
Description:
Treasure · Shell is installed at the main entrance of the Taipei County Branch of the National Taxation Bureau. Drawing on shells—the earliest prototypes of currency—as its central motif, the work echoes the Bureau’s vision of being approachable and people-centered. Designed as a functional seating installation, it uses the idea of monetary circulation as a metaphor. Benches are arranged both inside and outside the building, forming a continuous spatial flow that links the Bureau with the surrounding community at their most direct point of contact. The work also extends the architectural concept of the site while providing an inviting place for the public to pause and rest.
Artwork A1, located in the neighborhood park behind the building, takes the form of a shell composed of marble and glass mosaics. The rounded ammonite form is bisected and rotated horizontally; the hole piercing its center refers to the ancient design of shell money, which allowed it to be strung and carried—marking the shell’s transformation into currency. The materials convey a sense of stability and reliability, while the bold color arrangement leaves a vivid visual impression. Placed at the front of the park, this piece enhances the site’s landmark quality and further reinforces the symbolic identity of the National Taxation Bureau.
In front of the glass entrance doors, a shell with its opening facing downward is rendered in golden mosaics and warm tones. Its smooth, rounded back gives it a friendly, welcoming presence, with the hope that it may truly become the Bureau’s “treasure.” This shell naturally corresponds with another shell placed indoors with its opening facing upward, together resembling shells casually washed ashore by rolling waves.
The artist bases the work on two shell forms: ammonites and cowries. Ammonites (Ammonitida) are an extinct class of cephalopods, most recognizable by their flat spiral shells. Cowries—also known as “treasure shells”—directly echo the title Treasure · Shell. In ancient times, cowries were held by women during childbirth as charms for safe delivery, giving rise to their name. Incorporated into this work, they carry wishes for peace, prosperity, and protection for the people of Taiwan.
The color scheme emphasizes lively contrasts, creating clear blocks of color that brighten the otherwise neutral architectural palette. By softening the building’s rigid lines and introducing festive tones, the work integrates seamlessly into everyday community life, allowing art, architecture, and public space to coexist naturally.
