Tainan, Taiwan — December 7, 2025
In celebration of Christmas, the Presbyterian Church of Tainan Guiren has partnered with the Department of Spatial Design at Kun Shan University of Science and Technology to create a unique and environmentally-themed Christmas tree titled “Noah’s Tree”, constructed entirely from water bottles. The tree, which will be lit on December 13, represents the continuity of life, the regeneration of nature, and humanity’s commitment to sustainability.
This year’s installation centers on the theme “life preservation and earth cycle.” Led by Wu Chi-cheng, a faculty member in the Department of Spatial Design, a team of students designed and built the tree inspired by the biblical story of Noah’s Ark. Reimagined as a contemporary environmental statement, the “tree” symbolizes life’s regeneration, while the stacked water bottles represent human civilization, forming a vertically ascending “Ark of Life.”
The design incorporates water bottles filled with colored water in varying concentrations, creating a layered visual narrative. The bottom layer, in shades of blue, green, and yellow, represents water, plants, and sunlight. The middle layer, colored orange and red, reflects the vitality of animals and humans. The top layer is clear and transparent, symbolizing gas, clouds, and breath—the purest form of life. As light passes through the bottles, the interplay of color and sunlight produces a dynamic effect of light and shadow, evoking the rhythm of breathing and transforming the Christmas tree into an interactive piece of environmental art.
Professor Yu-Li Chang, head of the Department of Spatial Design at Kun Shan University, noted that this marks the eighth year of collaboration between the university and Guiren Church on Christmas tree projects. The initiative allows students to move beyond classroom theory, gaining hands-on experience while understanding the societal impact of design. The project emphasizes contemporary design issues, including circular sustainability and public engagement in creative processes.
“Noah’s Tree” not only celebrates the festive season but also highlights the importance of environmental consciousness and sustainable design in modern society.