Titled Stories of the Old Northern City, this project takes unearthed structural remains and cultural artifacts as its core elements. The aim is to help the public understand that before Beimen Station became a modern transportation hub, the site was once the location of the Taipei Machine Bureau of the Qing dynasty—an exceptionally important historical site in Taiwan. This area also marked the technological center of Liu Ming-chuan’s Self-Strengthening efforts in Taiwan during the Qing period.

The overall planning and design focus on the north-end wall and floor of the station’s concourse level. The north-end wall presents the historical evolution of Beimen and Taipei Main Station, along with the life and achievements of Liu Ming-chuan, allowing the spatial narrative of Beimen Station to resonate with the key phases of Taipei City’s historical development. Meanwhile, the concourse floor incorporates recessed displays that present the results of archaeological excavations, enabling history to be encountered directly within the everyday flow of the station.

This project is planned in two zones, Areas I and II.

Area I is located at the center of the B1 concourse level of Beimen MRT Station. Twelve sets of excavated structural remains are displayed within recessed floor sections, presenting an overview of the archaeological findings as well as the three phases of archaeological excavations carried out at Beimen. As visitors walk through the space, they are able to learn about the excavation process and discoveries, supplemented by interpretive texts on the adjacent columns that further explain the archaeological findings.

Area II is situated on the north-end wall of the concourse level and is divided into three sections from left to right.

The left section introduces Beimen as the point of origin of Taipei’s modern industry, tracing its history from the founding of the city, through the era of Liu Ming-chuan, to the development of Taipei Main Station.

The central section features a recreated archaeological soil profile, allowing viewers to understand the layered accumulation of strata formed over long periods beneath the ground.

The right section presents the historical evolution from the Qing-dynasty Machine Bureau to the Railway Department, as well as the origins and development of archaeological research in the Beimen area.

Upon completion, the installation enables the public to gain a comprehensive understanding of the diverse historical and cultural layers of the site where Beimen MRT Station now stands. Through an approach of in-situ and authentic presentation, the new station architecture is thoughtfully integrated with the historic remains, allowing travelers to enjoy the efficiency of modern transportation while reflecting on the spirit that laid the foundations for Taiwan’s transportation development.