FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nesting Plan VII Formosan Wild Boar: Celebrating Indigenous Wildlife and Sustainable Design in Taiwan's Forest Park

Nesting Plan VII Formosan Wild Boar is a striking new public art installation by Into the Woods & Co., realized in collaboration with artist Cheng Tsung FENG and the Hualien Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency. Officially unveiled in September 2024 at Danongdafu Forest Park, this immersive artwork pays homage to the Formosan Wild Boar, a species native to Taiwan, by reimagining its instinctive nesting behaviors through innovative design and local materials. The project stands as a testament to the creative possibilities of integrating ecological awareness with public art.

The installation's design draws directly from the wild boar's natural habits-specifically, its use of hay and branches to build protective nests and its vigilant posture, always facing the entrance. Into the Woods & Co. translated these behaviors into a semi-enclosed, nest-like structure using Taiwan Cedar timber and Makino Bamboo, both sourced domestically. Advanced digital computation and precise joinery techniques were employed to overcome the challenges of working with these materials, which are often overlooked in Taiwanese art and architecture. The result is a 7-meter-wide, 5-meter-tall installation that harmonizes with its forest surroundings and invites visitors to experience the environment from the boar's perspective.

Functioning as both an artwork and a gathering space, the installation features a C-shaped bench that naturally orients visitors toward the entrance, echoing the boar's alertness and fostering a sense of connection with the natural world. The project's realization required extensive research into the animal's behaviors, field observations, and collaboration with local experts to ensure both ecological sensitivity and structural integrity. By championing the use of local materials and traditional craftsmanship, Nesting Plan VII Formosan Wild Boar not only raises environmental awareness but also sets a new standard for sustainable, community-centered public art in Taiwan. Its recognition with the Silver A' Design Award underscores its technical excellence, artistic innovation, and positive impact on both culture and ecology.

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