TAITUNG CHURCH GAINS PLACE ON MODERN ARCHITECTURE LIST|全球當代建築遺產票選 公東教堂獲第一

A Church in Taitung has amassed more votes than any other architectures shortlisted for online voting by the World Monuments Fund, a non-profit that searches for new architectural sites for preservation every year. The 57-year-old church has gotten more than 10,000 votes-about 2,000 more than the runner-up. In 1960, Swedish architect, Dr. Justurs Dahinden, designed of the St. Joseph Technical High School Church based on the idea of the Noah's Ark. The two water tanks sticking out on either side of the building symbolizes the two paddles that keep the ark stable. The interior of the church is not equipped with fancy lighting or air conditioning, its inner structure allows the occupants to be exposed to the light and window from the outside. The entire church follows an environmentally friendly design ethos, using no painting or decor for its interior and features ergonomic design for all contact points. The edges here are eased and rounded for a softer touch. The church gathered 10.502 votes and made to the top spot in this year's top 100 modern architecture heritage, an online vote launched by the World Heritage Committee. The church is also the only building from Taiwan to have made the list. ==LIU CHENG Secretary to Principal, St. Joseph Technical High School== The church is living proof of the commitment of the missionaries who came more than 60 years ago to spread the gospel and teach craftsmanship. It has withstood more than a hundred typhoons during its lifespan of over half a century and remains fully functional after minor structural fixes. TRANSLATED BY：JEFF CHANG