Hakka "Home," "Guest" / "Home"

(Neipu Library and Liudui 300th Anniversary Memorial Hall New Construction Turnkey Project - Paper Architecture)

Beholding Mt. Beidawu, Connecting the Geography and People of "Liudui"

"Liudui" was a defensive coalition of villages and ethnic organizations formed during the Qing Dynasty, fostering geographical and ethnic solidarity and identity. "Neipu" was originally the "Rear Settlement" (Houdue) of Liudui, situated at its core. As Mt. Beidawu is the only mountain over 3,000 meters in Southern Taiwan, its peaks and ridgelines serve as vital geographical imagery for the Neipu area.

Hakka—Guest or Home?

When separated, "Guest" (Ke) and "Home" (Jia) hold contrasting meanings. Who is the "guest," and where is "home"? Is leaving one’s hometown "being a guest"? Is "being at home" where the body finds shelter and the heart finds rest? These are reflections of human states and states of mind.

Hakka people have been in Taiwan for centuries, spanning over a dozen generations. Taiwan is now the "home" of Taiwan’s Hakka people; they are no longer guests but locals who call Taiwan home. The collective memory, character, and culture forged through generations of migration and hard-earned settlement—traits like resilience, diligence, fortitude, solidarity, and reverence for education and ancestors—are perhaps what we call the "Hakka Spirit."

An exploration of "Neipu," "Liudui," "Hakka," and "Traditional vs. Modern Architecture"...

Looking back is only to remember the path we came from and where we originated;

Gazing forward, we must steady our steps toward the future.

The site is located in a redeveloped area outside downtown Neipu. The program requires a "Township Library" with auxiliary spaces, a "Multi-functional Activity Center," a "Semi-outdoor Plaza," "Shops," and the "Liudui Memorial Hall."

The exploration of "Modernizing Traditional Taiwanese Architecture" may seem like an outdated topic. However, given the architectural program and the historical depth of this site, even if it feels like "reheating old rice," we felt compelled to bring it back to the fire once more.

In our design, we used the concept of "Under One Roof" as a metaphor for "Home," translating the imagery of mountain ridgelines into a staggered large roof. This roof integrates the library, activity center, and plaza across different levels. While "Courtyards" are a hallmark of traditional space organization—typically rigid and cohesive—we questioned if they could be adapted to the site, responding organically to diverse functional needs. Could a courtyard be both clustered and enclosed, yet remain flexible, open, and accessible?

The turnkey requirements for this project included: architecture, MEP, HVAC, landscaping, and furniture. Considering the overall budget, our design naturally leaned toward simplicity and practicality. Yet, simplicity that serves function is the core of modern architecture and aligns with our vision of "New Hakka Architecture."

Can "reheated rice" offer a new flavor? Can a "modern interpretation of tradition" remain rooted in its origins? This is a design dialogue we held with ourselves; the answers vary, and perhaps the questions are rarely asked.

We thank Shang Ding Construction for their support. Despite several hard-fought attempts, we did not receive the commission. Since the project will remain unbuilt, perhaps the answers must remain only in our hearts.