Tobacco Factory and Smoked Memories

The tobacco factory in Pingtung left a strong impression on me when I visited it for the first time.

The massive building and industrial equipment were illuminated by the sun shining through the wave board wall, creating a lasting impact.

The question arose of what type of light could be used to transport visitors back to that golden era, filled with the aroma of tobacco.

The permanent exhibition, " Tobacco, Leaf, and Factory - The Golden Memories of the Smoke," utilizes light to enhance visitors' experience.

The design uses light to direct the viewer's focus to the visual focal points along the display route.

The purpose of the lighting design is not to draw attention to the light itself but rather to use it to create a sensory environment.

The lighting is positioned in the background, serving as an invisible tool to enhance the spatial context of the exhibition.

By controlling the shading and angle of the light, the design minimizes visual interference, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the exhibition.

The designers faced the challenge of southern Taiwan's strong sunlight penetrating the interior through the factory's windows.

They needed to balance the visual needs of the display by using artificial light to supplement the shadows cast by natural light and reduce the high contrast between light and dark.

Additionally, since the museum will be open at night, the artificial lighting must transform the visual experience of the tobacco museum during the day into a sense of tranquility at night.

Visitors can feel as if they have stepped back in time, with the tobacco factory being the only thing left standing after a long day's work under the scorching sun.

The Pingtung Tobacco Museum preserves and passes on the memory of the tobacco industry's once-prominent position in Taiwan's economy.

The reopening of the museum after 20 years provides an opportunity for more people to experience Taiwan's rich past and contribute to creating a brighter future.