Chung Yuan Christian University’s Chang Ching Yu Memorial Library has been awarded the inaugural “Taiwan Architecture 25-Year Award” by Architect Magazine, highlighting its benchmark status as a representative of modern libraries in Taiwan. Nearly 40 years since its inauguration, the library has not only preserved its original design intent but has also grown in stature over time, becoming a historic landmark in the academic and cultural fields. Chung Yuan’s respect for the original design and its dedication to building preservation have also been widely recognized.
To encourage the post-completion validation of design concepts and ensure proper maintenance by users, Architect Magazine evaluated 30 past winners of the Taiwan Architecture Award, each over 25 years old, based on their current usage. The results have been announced, with Chung Yuan Christian University’s Chang Ching Yu Memorial Library, designed by Pan Ji Architectural Firm and Wang Qiu-Hua Architectural Firm, receiving the highest votes. The library has won the inaugural “Taiwan Architecture 25-Year Award” and will be honored in a ceremony this December.
The Chang Ching Yu Memorial Library’s overall spatial design and details, including natural lighting, open-plan layout, and natural ventilation system, continue to function effectively, which is a key reason for the award. The jury praised the building for its enduring clarity of design, stating that even after many years, the original design intent remains intact and unaltered. They noted that the library reflects the discipline of modernism, symbolizing the golden age of modern architecture. The combination of thoughtful design and effective management has preserved the space’s comfort and functionality, making it a favorite spot for students.
Chung Yuan Christian University’s Office of General Affairs played a crucial role in the maintenance and preservation of the library. Deputy Director Duan Taiguo noted that in 2014, the university undertook the restoration of the exterior tiles. Despite financial constraints as a private institution, they received a generous donation from Zhongkun Kiln, successfully sourcing tiles that matched the original design. This restoration project reflects the university’s commitment to preserving its historical buildings while maintaining their original appearance.
On the first floor of the Chang Ching Yu Memorial Library, the Xiude Hall serves as a multifunctional international conference room. Its design features three dome-shaped skylights that allow natural light to flood the space, providing ample illumination while balancing aesthetics and functionality. The previous leakage issues have also been resolved. The fourth floor houses the “Christian Historical Archives Room,” a unique Christian literature collection in Taiwan. Architect Chen Bozhen from Pan Ji Architects highlighted how the open entryway and glass lighting design break away from the traditional closed-off archive space, creating an inviting and vibrant atmosphere. Chen remarked, “Good clients allow good ideas to continue.” He believes that Chung Yuan Christian University’s commitment to holistic education is fully reflected in its architectural design and preservation efforts on campus.
In addition, the design concept of the Chang Ching Yu Memorial Library embodies the pioneering spirit of “green architecture,” showcasing a vision of sustainable building practices over 40 years ago. Its sunken garden and multi-entrance plaza design foster interaction between the campus and the surrounding community, while the high skylights and vertical window bands provide natural ventilation and lighting, achieving energy-saving effects. The library has received numerous architectural awards, including the Architect Magazine Gold Medal, the Taiwan Provincial Government Award for Outstanding Architectural Design, and the Ministry of the Interior’s Award for Energy-Saving Building Design. As a benchmark for university library design, its recent win of the Architect Magazine’s “Taiwan Architecture 25-Year Award” carries even greater significance.
The Chang Ching Yu Memorial Library at Chung Yuan Christian University was completed and opened in 1985, named in honor of the university’s founder, Mr. Chang Ching Yu. The library administration describes it as not only a temple of knowledge but also a sanctuary for the minds and hearts of both faculty and students. They aim to continually update and innovate the space, creating a warm and nurturing reading environment with modern, convenient services. The library holds a collection of 870,000 volumes, offers approximately 1,300 reading seats, individual study rooms, and creative learning spaces, providing a diverse platform for academic exchange and collaboration.
Chung Yuan Christian University stated that the award for the Chang Ching Yu Memorial Library not only reflects high recognition of the architect’s design philosophy but also serves as a concrete example of the university’s commitment to preserving historical buildings and fostering innovation. The university plans to continue maintaining this historically significant structure while promoting further eco-friendly and green energy renovation projects, ensuring that the library continues to evolve and remain relevant in the future.
