The Importance of Bamboo Restoration and Forest Therapy

The restoration of bamboo forests is crucial not only for environmental conservation but also plays an active role in forest therapy. Bamboo forests create serene spaces that promote relaxation, and bamboo structures are used in therapeutic designs, such as sound therapy installations. The presenter shared examples of projects he participated in, including the Light and Shadow Observation Deck at Taoyuan’s Danan Forest Park, completed in 2023, and the Yunlin ShiBi  Bamboo Recreational Forest Project, completed in 2024.

The Light and Shadow Observation Deck at Taoyuan’s Danan Forest Park features a construction technique that uses multiple steel cables, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and frictional stability of the structure. The design comprises three main components: an inner core structure, an outer layer bound with small Makino bamboo, and an external copper metal panel. The metal panel protects the bamboo from direct rain and sunlight exposure, increasing the structure’s durability. The design also incorporates light and shadow effects; facing west, the structure casts intricate shadows in the afternoon as the bamboo interacts with sunlight, creating a beautiful play of light and shadow.

The Yunlin ShiBi Bamboo Recreational Forest Project is a forest therapy-focused site situated at an altitude of 1,500 meters, covering a total area of approximately 512 hectares, with 52 hectares designated for therapeutic activities. The area’s cool climate, minimal insect pests, and fresh air make it an ideal location for forest therapy. Within the park, there is a quiet zone featuring various forest therapy facilities, such as an observation platform that offers views of Taiwan’s highest peaks and serene spots like a maze within the bamboo grove and a resting platform, allowing visitors to enjoy a peaceful experience.

One distinctive feature is the open-design restrooms, which have no roof, allowing visitors to connect with nature. The exterior walls are constructed from locally thinned and treated cedar, while the interior roof structure is made of bamboo. The presenter noted that the restroom design provides one of the most memorable experiences for visitors, and great care was taken to ensure its unique and immersive quality.

The main sound therapy structure in the park is built with a thin-shell design concept. Bamboo’s natural flexibility allows it to effectively absorb external forces, while the outer copper plating helps to evenly reflect and reverberate sound. Sound therapy sessions utilize sound wave vibrations to promote physical and mental relaxation, aiding participants in transitioning from alpha to beta brain waves. Some participants have reported feeling lighter, with a sense of softness in their bodies and even a tingling sensation in their fingertips, highlighting the therapeutic effects of the experience.

Future Prospects for the Bamboo Industry

The presenter emphasized that revitalizing the bamboo industry requires expanding bamboo’s applications across more facets, bringing it back into daily life. Bamboo should not only be integrated into urban spaces but also leveraged in its native regions as therapeutic bamboo forests, combining physical infrastructure with wellness initiatives. This dual approach can foster a sustainable and holistic bamboo industry that benefits both urban and rural communities.