Greater Taipei Architecture

Taiwanese cities all have one common theme; ubiquitous illegal rooftop housing, white bathroom tiled building exteriors, and narrow maze like alleyways and lanes.

Taiwan's cities are a blend of modern concrete high-rises and makeshift low-rise residential units. The first time you visit Taipei it looks like the city is void of any unique architectural styles. However, on closer examination, the island's colonial past reveals itself hidden within the grayish layers of urban concrete jungles. European, Japanese, Chinese and American architectural influences clashes side by side in what seems to be a sea of conflicting urban chaos.

Taiwan is an island that is both old and new. It has always been on the periphery of the Chinese Empire, having the distinction of only briefly being within a unified Chinese sphere of influence. Taiwan (previously know as Formosa) has been a host to a number of conquerors, these being Asian, European and American powers.

That said, Taiwan has only truly started to make it's economic presence know since after 1949, when the defeated Chinese Nationalist government fled the mainland of China and supplanted itself in Taiwan.

Under the official title of the Republic of China, Taiwan has entered a period of rapid industrialization and urbanization.

Taiwanese cities are both old and new. They have their own distinct historical legacies, but at the same time are heavily shaped by events of the mid-20th century. Taiwan's cities have been designed to facilitate economic growth and little regard was placed on their esthetic values.

The causal observer will note that Taipei is not a pedestrian friendly city. Taipei's streets are largely designed solely for motorized traffic. Most western cites still maintain a division between pedestrian and automobile rights of way. But not in Taipei or at least not in an enforceable way.

Taipei's architectural heritage

Some say that Taiwan is located in a disaster zone. The island is prone to earthquakes, typhoons and floods. Why build something nice, if Mother Nature is just going to try and destroy it.

Another theory is that Taipei was never meant to be a permanent center of power. The Chinese Nationalists that fled to Taiwan and set up their defacto government had always had their eye on reclaiming the mainland of China. Therefore, Taipei’s sole purpose was to be a temporary base during the reunification process of the two territories.

Today Taipei is quickly and quietly transforming itself into an international metropolitan city with the hopes of one day rivaling its more famous rivals of Hong Kong and Singapore.