Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

During a press conference on April 14, Taipei City Government announced the partnership with eight universities in the city-sponsored Taipei International Co-workshops by Universities Program (Taipei ICU Program).
These partners include National Taiwan University, National Chiao Tung University, Chinese Culture University, Tamkang University, National Taiwan Normal University, National Cheng Kung University, National Taipei University, and National Taipei University of Technology.
The Taipei ICU Program is one of the city government’s efforts to improve urban planning and design through international exchange. It encourages domestic universities to team up with their foreign counterparts in submitting proposals on landscape renovation or urban development. The entries target various landmarks such as Confucius Temple, Nangang Technology Park, Gongguan Riverside Park, and Shezi Island.
A number of top architecture schools from around the world have shown interest in the program, including Architectural Association School of Architecture, University of California Berkeley, Waseda University, University of Sydney, Delft University of Technology and more.
All of the proposed plans are intended to transform Taipei into a city characterized by its “riverside scenery, advanced technology, and diverse culture”.
Speaking before the audience, Mayor Hau Lung-bin noted that the signing of the pact marked the beginning of an era with infinite possibilities and hopes. The cross-nation program will provide local youths with opportunities to obtain better understanding of the international community. With assistance from both international and domestic experts, the mayor noted that this program will help the city’s development plan for the next 20 to 50 years slowly take shape.