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Taiwan Convening 2024, the largest international architectural workshop in Taiwan, is now in full swing! Tunghai University, with support from the Getty Foundation in the United States, has teamed up with architectural experts and scholars from eight countries to explore issues in cultural heritage preservation, including case studies of iconic modern buildings such as the Sydney Opera House and the Yoyogi National Gymnasium.

Tunghai University hosted the Taiwan Convening 2024 international architectural workshop today (Feb. 23rd). Supported by the Getty Foundation, the event saw participation from numerous architectural experts and scholars. Among the notable attendees was Mrs. Foo-Mai Chen, wife of the globally renowned architect Chi-Kwan Chen, who joined in witnessing the historical and architectural beauty of the Luce Memorial Chapel, a national monument that has undergone an extensive eight-year preservation process. Professor Chi-Cheng Kuo from Tunghai University’s Department of Architecture mentioned that the campus, previously recognized for its "cultural landscape" value, has had a challenging journey in gaining its heritage status. The designation extended from the chapel to include the former Art Center, the Methodist Hall, and the Pritzl Bell Tower. This international workshop has invited grant recipients to Tunghai to share their experiences and discuss cultural heritage preservation, hoping to introduce new perspectives in the field.

Taiwan Convening 2024 international architectural workshop is supported by the Getty Foundation, with participation from numerous architectural experts and scholars. Notably, Mrs. Foo-Mai Chen, wife of renowned architect Chi-Kwan Chen, also attended to witness the historical beauty and eight-year preservation journey of the Luce Memorial Chapel at Tunghai University, a national monument.

President Kuo-En Chang of Tunghai University stated that the Getty Foundation has been providing grants for research on the preservation and management of iconic modern buildings through its "Keeping it Modern" Grant (KIM Initiative) since 2014. Over six years, 77 iconic modern buildings worldwide have benefited from this program, developing diverse preservation methods. The Luce Memorial Chapel is the first in Asia to receive this grant. President Chang remarked that the chapel is a significant example of modern architecture, which has prompted Tunghai to invite representatives from various sectors to participate in experimental site designs, advancing research and cultural preservation of the chapel as a heritage building.

Taiwan Convening 2024, the largest international architectural workshop in Taiwan, is now in full swing! Tunghai University, supported by the Getty Foundation, collaborates with architectural experts and scholars from eight countries to explore cultural heritage preservation issues, including case studies of iconic modern buildings such as the Sydney Opera House and the Yoyogi National Gymnasium.

Professor Chi-Cheng Kuo of the Department of Architecture noted that this year’s event theme, "Embracing Modernity: Exploring Methodologies for the Preservation and Management of Modern Architectural Heritage," focuses on sharing how to connect buildings with the people, history, and geographic space of their locations, and how to identify the importance of local culture through diverse approaches. Professor Kuo explained that modern architecture emerged in the early 20th century, driven by industrial development that introduced new structural forms, materials, and construction techniques, resulting in a diverse architectural culture. However, the experimental nature of these methods often lacks long-term validation, leading to issues such as material degradation and maintenance challenges that threaten the preservation of iconic modern buildings. Many modern buildings, constructed with breakthrough techniques, are barely a few decades old and lack official heritage status, posing a global challenge for the preservation of modern architecture.