Current Status of Taiwan Public Administration Hall
Meaning of Regeneration of Historical Site
During Japanese ruling, Taiwan Public Administration Hall and Local Security Garrison were partially moved to Taipei Botanic Garden as the conservation of important historical site.
In 1945, the retrocession of Taiwan from Japan , the Hall at the Garden was administered by Taiwan Forestry Research Institute and used as the dormitories of workers and gradually damaged.
In 1963, Forestry Bureau of Taiwan Province started restoration and due to the lack of conservation concept of historical site, architects only replaced rotten wood pillar with cement concrete and maintained its original look.
The restoration project was completed in 1965, and in the same year, it was named “Exhibition Hall of Taiwan Forestry” for the display of valuable forestry specimen.
In 1979, Forestry Research Institute at its own cost restored color painting of Door God and pillars, but the original look also was changed a lot.
In 1985, the historical site was ranked officially as the second tier historical site by Ministry of the Interior.
In 1987, due to various damages inside the Hall, safety became an issue of concern and after on-site investigation of many scholars and experts, the Hall was closed.
In 1988 and 1989, experts after on site investigation determined the need to restore the historical site but due to the property ownership, the restoration project was not able to commence. Conflicts occurred between the administration right of Taiwan Provincial Government and Taipei City Government. In the end, in 1989, the administration right of Taiwan Public Administration Hall was determined to belong to Taiwan Provincial Government and Central Government allocated budget for restoration. Forestry displays at the Exhibition Hall were firstly moved out and in the end, the restoration was resumed.Principle of Restoration of Historical Sites
According to Article 35 of “Cultural Heritage Preservation Act,” the principle of preservation of historical sites, “Historical sites shall preserve their original look without modification and if there are damages, they shall be restored according to original look.” “Rules Governing Cultural Heritage Conservation” also regulate the principle of conservation of historical sites as bellow:
• Preservation of original color and shape;
• Use of original or similar material;
• Use of traditional technique and method; and
• Rebuilding only when necessary.
In general, restoration of historical sites uses repair or replacement of same building material. Before restoration, the understanding of features of historical sites is required, both physical one, the material, as well as cultural one, historical meaning and value handing down to the next generation. Physical replacement used in restoration shall be based on the principle of “the use of original or similar material” and “traditional technique and method” while cultural features such as “preservation of original color and shape” shall be considered for replacement and removal.
If the restoration of historical sites results in different value and meaning from their historical one. Their historical value will be degraded and therefore, the original or similar function shall be restored to present historical stories and contents. But functional facilities required by modern daily life such as toilets and lighting shall also be incorporated with practical use to preserve the value of historical site and to meet the modern needs. By doing so, historical sites in modern life can help to improve cultural literacy of the society and be integrated into modern life.
Reference:
Chiao, R, J, (2005). Literature review and the construction of theory structure. A Study on Re-utilization of Historical Sites in the Contest of Historical Regeneration- A Case Study of the Second Tier Historical Site in Taiwan and Fujiang Area, Taiwan Public Administration Hall (p.6-11). Unpublished thesis of On-the Job Program of Graduate Institute of Architecture and Urban Planning of Chinese Culture University.
Yang, R. J. (1991). Investigation Study and Restoration Plan of Taiwan Public Administration Hall. Taipei : Taipei City Government.