Centennial Taichung State Hall's 'catwalk,' 'dog run,' and 'bull legs' to be seen by visitors earliest in August

The century-old Taichung State Hall, a national historic site constructed in 1913, is nearing the completion of its "reuse" project, with a planned reopening as early as late August.

The extensive renovation, which has kept the building closed for five years, aims to integrate modern functionality while preserving its historical essence. The project has uncovered numerous ingenious architectural elements crafted by artisans over 113 years ago, showcasing a blend of practicality and aesthetic sensibility from the Japanese colonial period.

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The wooden "catwalk" is not for cats to walk on, but is a narrow maintenance channel set between the roof and the ceiling. Management personnel need to bend over to move forward for inspection and repair, just like cats flexibly moving around the roof, hence the name "catwalk."

Among the fascinating discoveries is the "catwalk" (Māodào), a narrow maintenance passage located in the attic space between the roof and the ceiling. Workers navigating these tight corridors to inspect and repair the structure must bend and move like cats, hence the name. The building also features "dog runs" (Inubashiri), paved areas between the walls and drainage ditches designed to collect rainwater dripping from the eaves and channel it towards the main drainage system. This feature is named for the space, which is just wide enough for a dog to walk.

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"Dog run" (Inubashiri, Japanese phonetic translation) refers to the pavement between the wall and the drainage ditch. The space can accommodate a dog walking, used to collect rainwater dripping from the eaves and guide it to the drainage ditch.

Further architectural highlights include "bull's eye windows" (Oeil-de-boeuf), characterized by their round or oval openings, which are commonly found in French classical architecture. These windows not only add decorative flair but also serve to provide natural light and ventilation to the attic spaces. Additionally, the central main building's second-floor staircase features "bull leg" decorative supports (Bracket). These components extend outward from the wall, resembling bull's legs, and provide structural support while showcasing exquisite neoclassical sculptural craftsmanship.

Following the renovation, a portion of the State Hall will be occupied by the Cultural Affairs Bureau as office space. The public areas will be utilized for exhibitions, paying tribute to cultural creators from central Taiwan. The Taichung City Cultural Heritage Department highlighted these unique architectural details, emphasizing the enduring wisdom and artistry of the past.

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The human-shaped "bull leg" ornaments (Bracket, also known as corbel) extend outward from the wall like a bull's leg, supporting the structure above and showcasing neoclassical architectural craftsmanship.