# Botanical Train Stations The Kaohsiung Train Station in Taiwan is Covered by a Lush Garden By Joey Haar | Published 2016-07-08 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-train-station References: [archdaily](http://www.archdaily.com/790606/mecanoo-reveals-plans-for-massive-green-train-station-in-taiwan) & [mecanoo.nl](http://www.mecanoo.nl/Projects/project/170/Kaohsiung-Train-Station?t=0) Mass public transit is a green, environmentally friendly mode of transportation on its own, and now Dutch firm Mecanoo Architecten is taking that concept to the extreme with a literally green train station. Like Grand Central or Tokyo Station, Kaohsiung Station will be the hub of the Taiwanese underground -- but, above ground, it will be lush with a verdant garden and park system. The complete project consists of three layers: at bottom, the train station will carry more than 40,000 passengers daily. Above that is a sleek, open plaza with a skylight and wrap-around windows to maximize natural light access. Finally, on top will be the [open air garden](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/central-yards) which will function as both a park and [bicycle path](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tourism-line). The green train station will occupy 8.5 hectares within central Kaohsiung. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 70% | Activity: 36% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Green Train Stations:** The concept of transforming train stations into lush gardens and parks presents an opportunity for sustainable and eco-friendly urban infrastructure development. - **Multifunctional Transit Hubs:** Designing train stations as multifunctional spaces that incorporate open plazas, skylights, and parks can revolutionize the way people interact with transportation, creating vibrant and community-centric urban environments. - **Integration of Nature and Infrastructure:** The integration of green spaces, such as gardens and bike paths, within transportation infrastructure, offers an innovative approach to connect people with nature and promote well-being. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture and Urban Planning:** The architecture and urban planning industry can explore designing green train stations and integrating nature into infrastructure to create sustainable and visually appealing spaces. - **Transportation and Logistics:** The transportation and logistics industry can invest in infrastructure projects that prioritize the development of green train stations to offer environmentally friendly and attractive transit options. - **Sustainable Tourism and Recreation:** The sustainable tourism and recreation industry can leverage green train stations as unique attractions that combine transportation, nature, and recreational spaces, attracting eco-conscious travelers and locals alike. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Artfully Designed Train Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/design-studio-mad.md) - [Cultural Green Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taichung-green.md) - [Glazed Pavilion Landscape Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dongdan-grassland-sea-ruins-station.md) - [Vertical Wooden Louvre Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saintdenis-pleyel-station.md) - [Park Library Museums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taichung-green-museumbrary.md) - [Garden City-Inspired Airport Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/changi-airport-1.md) - [Beach-Inspired Metro Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tourism-line.md) - [Latticed-Steel Transport Hub Columns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metropolitan-station.md) - [Hill-Like Designed Food Markets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tainan-xinhua-fruit-and-vegetable-market.md)