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Taiwanese Architect He Dai-wen Honored for Cultural Heritage Restoration Work

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Official statement Approved/passed
  • Taiwanese architect He Dai-wen received the "ROC Outstanding Architect Award."
  • She is recognized for her work in cultural heritage preservation and historical building restoration, emphasizing "restorative resilient design."
  • Her notable projects include the restoration of the Guangfu Building at Taipei First Girls High School and the Bade Zhongzheng Hall.

Taiwanese architect He Dai-wen has been honored with the prestigious "ROC Outstanding Architect Award" for her significant contributions to cultural heritage preservation and the restoration of historical buildings. The award, one of Taiwan's highest architectural honors, recognized He for her innovative "restorative resilient design" philosophy.

He Dai-wen, an alumna of Chung Yuan Christian University's architecture department, focuses on revitalizing historical structures by reinterpreting them through "spatial narrative." She views restoration not merely as a technical engineering task, but as a crucial process for mending the memories, emotions, and lived experiences associated with a place. Her approach aims to repair the environment, historical memory, and interpersonal relationships through architectural practice.

This honor stems from the humanistic cultivation and professional inspiration provided by Chung Yuan Christian University's architecture education, which has supported me through over 20 years of practice in architecture and cultural heritage restoration.

— He Dai-wenAccepting the "ROC Outstanding Architect Award," He Dai-wen credited her alma mater for shaping her career and philosophy.

Her portfolio includes acclaimed projects such as the restoration and reuse of Bade Zhongzheng Hall and the Guangfu Building at Taipei First Girls High School. The Guangfu Building restoration, in particular, garnered multiple accolades, including the Grand Jury Award at the Taipei Old House New Life Awards, a Cultural Heritage Restoration Award of Commendation, and the Public Project Excellence Award.

He Dai-wen, also a co-founder of the Taiwan Women Architects Association, actively promotes cultural preservation and public dialogue. She also dedicates time to teaching at her alma mater, Chung Yuan Christian University, mentoring students to foster a new generation of architects with a strong sense of land stewardship and social responsibility.

Restoration is not just technical engineering; it is an important process of mending place memory, emotions, and the world of life.

— He Dai-wenExplaining her philosophy on architectural restoration, emphasizing its role in preserving intangible heritage.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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