Far Eastern architectural renovation award finalists unveiled

2017/03/21

The five finalists in the Far Eastern Group’s house renovation award were announced March 19 in Taipei City, each representing a unique execution that repurposes historically valuable structures for everyday use.
 
 Selected from a 26-strong field by a seven-member panel after three hours on intense deliberations, the finalists will battle it out for the top honor and a cash prize of NT$500,000 (US$16,326), as well as a special mention and NT$300,000.
 
 The finalists were chosen on the strength of their architectural qualities, ability to preserve and reinvent historical elements, consideration for individual urban aesthetics, and functionality as platforms for special education and social enhancement, according to the judges.
 
 One of the standouts is Yehjinfa Rice Mill: The Inverted Truss by Jeff Tsai and Jim Wei of Taipei-based Dotze Innovations Studio. Located in historic Dihua Street of Taipei City, the project breathes new life into the grain facility and spotlights the history of the local district as a major hub of rice milling activities.
 
 Equally praiseworthy is AMA Museum by hometown architect Wu Sheng-ming. Also located in Dihua Street, the Japanese colonial era (1895-1945) structure employs a distinct special design to tell a moving and sensitive narrative of women forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese during World War II. At the same time, it promotes the rights of women in modern society.
 
 The other finalists are No. 1 Food Theater, a Taipei grocery shop and restaurant converted from a former granary; the seamlessly integrated academic and administrative buildings housing the College of Human Ecology at Shih Chien University; and Folio Hotel Daan Taipei, an outstanding example of urban renewal involving one of the city’s ubiquitous four-story apartments.
 
 According to Far Eastern Group, the winners will be announced in two months, with the award presentation ceremony scheduled for May 20 in Taipei.
 
 Launched in 2015 by locally headquartered Far Eastern Group as part of FEG’s annual Architectural Design Award created in 1999, the award honors excellence in architectural design while preserving historical heritage and fostering sustainable development in Taiwan.
 
 The Far Eastern Group started out in the textiles business and has continuously expanded since its founding 60 years ago. Its interests span over 10 major industries such as building materials, cement, energy, financial services, hotels, petrochemicals, retail and transportation.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=18&post=112798)