Donghai University – Luce Chapel

One kind of such oasis is the university campus, which are scattered throughout the island. They tend to have not only educational and administrative facilities, but also recreational areas – which are conveniently open to the public. There is hardly a better place to meet new friends in Taiwan than a campus, where you can engage in sports and other activities with local students.

Donghai University (東海大學) is a perfect example of such a place. Located in Taizhong, it spreads over a large area in Xidun District (西屯區) and provides a welcome green respite. Taizhong is a holiday destination, but most tourists naturally head for Taizhong County with its gorgeous mountainous landscapes and the city itself – rather less remarkable – is generally left unnoticed. Therefore, if you are stuck in the city for an afternoon, you might consider taking a walk down tree-shaded pavements, watching – or joining in – a game on one of the sports fields, or having a picnic on one of the lawns of Donghai University.

While strolling the grounds you should not miss Luce Chapel – arguably one of the most remarkable sacral structures not only in Taizhong, but in the whole of Taiwan. Named after a 19th century missionary in China, Rev. Henry Luce, it stands 19.2 meters tall in the centre of the campus.

The chapel is one of the early works – and the only one in Taiwan – by renowned architect, I.M.Pei (貝聿銘). Pei was born in Guangzhou, China, to a prominent family (including a governor of the Central Bank of China), but later moved to Hong Kong and the United States to pursue a degree in architecture.

As he became an American citizen, I.M. Pei began to focus his works in the states, where his works can be naturally found. On the other hand, his projects are scattered all around the world and include such architectural icons as the entrance pyramids in Le Louvre, in France or the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong.

Luce Chapel, an earlier and small budget assignment, was conceived in the early 1950s, but its construction took place in 1962-63. It is set on a hexagonal base and the whole structure resembles a huge tent made of reinforced concrete.

Its austere interior shows a diamond-shaped pattern supporting the weight of the roof. The overall impression of the building is very light and rather fragile, which is most definitely misleading, as it has survived quite a few earthquakes.

While Luce Chapel in Donghai University may lack the stunning magnificence of ancient European cathedrals, it is definitely a very charming piece of architecture set in a great environment. It is also a unique opportunity to see the work of one of Asia’s most successful architects without leaving the island. And for that matter, it is a chance to have an interesting afternoon in a city known for its bustling nightlife rather than refined culture.

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