The “Forest to the Fourth Power” exhibition and market, was organized by the NPUST Department of Wood Science and Design under the guidance of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (Pingtung Branch). The event, which was held from October 18th to 19th (2025) at the Takao Renaissance Association in Kaohsiung, received an enthusiastic response from visitors, and was attended by a number of distinguished guests, including Secretary Chih-Chiang Chang and Section Chief Hsiang-ling Lin from the Pingtung Nature Conservation Agency, Director Jin-Sheng Lin of the NPUST Department of Wood Science and Design, and five elementary school principals.
Through cross-school collaboration and the joint effort of faculty and students, the exhibition successfully brought creative domestic timber design, educational practices, and sustainable concepts into the public spotlight.
The exhibition’s focus was primarily on toys, educational tools, and everyday household items. Contributing in these areas, eight students from the Department of Wood Science and Design spent six months creating five main works, utilizing domestic wood species such as Taiwania, Chinese fir, Japanese cedar, Zelkova, Acacia, and big-leaf mahogany. Attracting many visitors, the exhibition was held together with a hands-on DIY workshop where the public could make craft pencils, pen holders, and storage boxes and experience the warm texture and design appeal of woodworking firsthand. Furthermore, four themed lectures were organized, featuring speakers from oui design, Puten Design, the EnvEd Centre for Innovative Learning, and the project director, Professor Zhao-Jun Deng. Through the lectures, the speakers shared diverse perspectives on wood education, the application of domestic timber, creative concepts, and production experiences—offering the audience a deeper understanding of the value and philosophy behind wood design.
Secretary Chih-chiang Chang stated that by promoting the development of domestic timber, not only can they reduce reliance on imports but also foster a positive cycle in local forestry, further driving the local economy and employment. He emphasized that domestic timber is sustainable, low-carbon, and environmentally friendly. Through the “Forest to the Fourth Power” project, they can build market confidence and establish a crucial foundation for Taiwan’s progression toward a green industry.
NPUST Wood Science Director Jin-Sheng Lin pointed out that “‘Forest to the Fourth Power’ is a vital project for our department’s wood education efforts. Our students are not only creating designs; they are also going to schools to learn and play with children, and, through the processes, they are getting a better understanding of the features of domestic timber. In this way, as the young children are learning about wood design, our university students are learning how to transform their knowledge into something they can share. Through this practice, we hope to help wood education spread from the campus and connect it with the industry and society—enabling more people to see the value and aesthetic beauty of domestic timber”.
The exhibition garnered an enthusiastic public response, showcasing the diverse possibilities of domestic timber in both creative and educational fields, and re-emphasizing the core value of sustainable production. Moving forward, the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, NPUST, and the local industries will continue to promote circular economies and ensure that domestic timber continues to shine brightly on the path to sustainability.
