The avant-garde style of Taichung First Senior High School’s entrance has become a trending attraction.

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots, compiled and reported.

School entrances across Taiwan, from elementary to university level, generally share a similar appearance. Taichung First Senior High School’s completely new gate, built at a cost of NT$9.6 million, was officially unveiled and put into use on the morning of August 29, 2016. Originally part of the celebrations for the school’s 100th anniversary, the new gate was funded through a collective effort by six former chairpersons of the school’s education foundation, who together raised NT$9.6 million. Its cutting-edge style and eye-catching nighttime lighting have drawn a wide range of opinions and comments from netizens and visitors. Some believe that a school gate should not resemble a “hotel entrance,” while others argue that school entrances should feature new designs and appearances to keep up with the times through innovation. There are also those who feel that NT$9.6 million should not have been spent on renovating the school gate.

The new gate of Taichung First Senior High School was planned and constructed by the “Architecture & Dayeh University Design Team.” With the design concept of an “Air Island,” it blurs the boundary defined by the school gate, turning it into a piece of public art that coexists with the surrounding environment. As the Taichung First Commercial District is already a bustling and popular hub, the Taichung First Senior High School gate is bound to become a must-visit spot for tourists exploring the area.

 

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