Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family, compiled and reported.
The exterior of Taichung First High School’s new gate, with its avant-garde look, has stirred discussion. (Image source / Taichung First Senior High School)
Taichung First Senior High School’s new school gate. (Image source / Taichung First Senior High School)
School entrances across Taiwan, from elementary to university levels, generally share similar appearances. Taichung First Senior High School invested NT$9.6 million to create its completely redesigned gate, which 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 raised a total of 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 shouldn’t resemble a “hotel entrance,” while others argue that school entrances should also feature new designs and looks—innovation is key to keeping up with the times. There are also those who feel that NT$9.6 million should not have been spent on renovating just the school gate.
The new gate of Taichung First Senior High School was planned and built by the “Architecture and Dayeh University Design Team.” With the design concept of an “air island,” it blurs the boundary defined by the gate itself, turning it into a piece of public art that coexists with the surrounding environment. As the Yizhong commercial area is already a lively and popular destination, the main gate of Taichung First High School is bound to become a must-visit spot for tourists exploring the area.