Architects champion century-old mango tree in Kaohsiung facing removal calls

A nearly 100-year-old mango tree located near the entrance of the newly inaugurated multi-function activity center at Zhonglu Elementary School in Kaohsiung's Alian District has become a point of contention. Some residents are demanding its removal, citing traditional beliefs that trees near entrances affect feng shui and concerns that falling fruit could cause motorcycle accidents.

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The mango tree is the 'front-of-house tree' for the multi-function activity center, not only providing shade and cooling but also reducing the oppressive feeling of traffic.

However, architect Chen Chia-yu, who was involved in the school's design, is strongly supporting the tree's preservation. He explained that the mango trees were intentionally preserved during the planning and design phase. Chen views the trees as "front-of-house trees" that not only offer shade and cooling but also help alleviate the sense of pressure from the adjacent main road. He believes the trees contribute significantly to the aesthetic appeal of the building and its surroundings.

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When I was young, the roadsides near my grandmother's house were lined with mango trees. Every summer vacation, going to the fields under the mango trees was very happy because it was very cool.

Chen shared a personal connection to such trees, recalling fond childhood memories of walking under mango trees that provided cool relief. He expressed regret over the removal of similar trees during past road expansions. For him, these old trees possess a certain spirit, and he makes an effort to preserve them in his architectural projects. He argues that while fallen leaves and fruit require cleaning, the benefits of shade, cooling, and a sense of approachability provided by these large trees outweigh the drawbacks.

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The mango trees in front of the Zhonglu Elementary School multi-function activity center are 'front-of-house trees,' making the traffic on Xuanzhong Road less oppressive.