Tunghai University-News-NEWS-Luce Chapel Reopens After Restoration: A Sixty-Year Heritage Revived

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::: Tunghai University-News-NEWS-Luce Chapel Reopens After Restoration: A Sixty-Year Heritage Revived

Luce Chapel Reopens After Restoration: A Sixty-Year Heritage Revived

Department : THUPR
Category : NEWS
View : 87
Date : 2024-12-30

Designed by world-renowned architects I.M. Pei and Chen Chi-Kwan, Luce Chapel at Tunghai University has been a landmark of the university and Taichung since its completion in 1963, standing as a symbol of modern Taiwanese architecture. After weathering six decades of wind and rain, the iconic chapel underwent a two-year restoration, supported by Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture. On September 26, a grand reopening ceremony was held, attended by over 300 guests, including former Vice President of the Legislative Yuan Tsai Chi-Chang, Legislator Chang Liao Wan-Chien, and honorary Tunghai University doctorate recipient Tsai Ming-Chung.

The iconic Luce Chapel at Tunghai University completed a two-year restoration and hosted a reopening ceremony attended by nearly 300 distinguished guests.

Known for its unique structure—without pillars, beams, walls, or a traditional roof—the chapel is an architectural masterpiece celebrated globally. Years of exposure to the elements had caused significant structural damage, necessitating urgent repairs. Beginning in 2022, Tunghai University embarked on a comprehensive two-year restoration project, culminating in the chapel’s reopening. The restoration represents a harmonious blend of historical preservation and modern techniques.

During the ceremony, Tunghai University President Chang Kuo-En expressed that Luce Chapel has long symbolized the university’s spirit and the evolution of modern architecture in Taiwan. As a national historic monument, its restoration was not only a technical endeavor but also a vital act of cultural and historical preservation. He extended gratitude to those who supported the project, particularly Tsai Chi-Chang and the Bureau of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture.

A lighting ceremony invited guests to join in praying for Taiwan’s society. (From left to right: Deputy Minister of Culture Lee Ching-Hui, Fubon Group Chairman Tsai Ming-Chung, Tunghai University President Chang Kuo-En, Tunghai University Chairman Wu Ching-Mai, Deputy Minister of Education Chang Liao Wan-Chien, and Deputy Minister of the Mainland Affairs Council Shen You-Chung.)

Distinguished guests at the ceremony included THU Chairman Wu Ching-Mai, former Vice President of the Legislative Yuan Tsai Chi-Chang, who helped secure funding for the restoration; Deputy Minister of Culture Lee Ching-Hui; Taichung City Cultural Heritage Department Director Lee Chih-Fu; Deputy Minister of Education Chang Liao Wan-Chien; and various corporate representatives such as Fubon Group Chairman Tsai Ming-Chung and MAC Deputy Minister Shen You-Chung. Also in attendance was Mrs. Lin Fu-Mei, the widow of architect Chen Chi-Kwan. Together, the esteemed guests witnessed the renewed splendor of the chapel, a symbol of Tunghai University's enduring spirit.

One of the key challenges during restoration was addressing the chapel’s persistent skylight and steel window leakage issues. Over the decades, the chapel’s unique drainage system had failed to manage rainwater effectively, causing interior damage. Restoration teams employed state-of-the-art endoscopic technology to meticulously inspect and clear the drainage pipes. Stainless steel mesh and elevated drainage heads were installed to prevent future blockages, ensuring the system’s long-term functionality.

Tunghai University stated that the reinforced concrete structure was one of the key focuses of the restoration project. Over the years, exposure to wind and rain had caused steel reinforcements to become exposed and the concrete structure to develop cracks and damage. To restore its original appearance and ensure structural safety, the restoration team used specialized rust converters and non-shrink cement for repairs. These efforts not only restored the aesthetic appearance but also significantly enhanced the structural integrity of the chapel. Additionally, the steel windows on the north and south sides of the chapel had suffered severe corrosion due to improper repairs in the past. Following the guidelines outlined in the Regulations on the Restoration and Reuse of Historic Monuments, the restoration team disassembled and repaired the steel windows, treating them with durable anti-corrosion materials. Post-restoration, the steel windows regained their original beauty while also improving their waterproofing capabilities.

President Chang Kuo-En remarked that as a national historic monument, the restoration of Luce Chapel was not only a technical challenge but also an essential act of cultural and historical preservation.

Tunghai University stated that during the restoration process, the General Affairs Office staff and the restoration team focused not only on preserving the historical value and architectural integrity of the chapel but also on addressing modern usability needs. The Lauan hardwood flooring inside the chapel was restored to its original design, and additional space for infrastructure was added beneath the floor to ensure the building's practicality. This blend of historical preservation and modern functionality allows the chapel to continue serving its purpose in contemporary society.

The university expressed gratitude to alumni Tsai Chi-Chang and Chang Liao Wan-Chien for their dedicated efforts in supporting the restoration project, which secured a NT$32 million subsidy from the Ministry of Culture’s Bureau of Cultural Heritage. These funds were used not only to repair structural damage but also to preserve the historical and cultural value of the chapel. At the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Culture Lee Ching-Hui emphasized that this restoration is not merely about safeguarding a building but also about cherishing and passing down Taiwan’s cultural heritage. She underscored that the restoration and adaptive reuse of cultural assets allow historic structures to retain their unique value and function in modern society.

President Chang Kuo-En remarked that the reopening of Luce Chapel marks more than just the restoration of a building; it represents a significant moment in preserving the history and culture of Tunghai University. As a bridge connecting the university with society, the chapel will remain open to the public, allowing more people to experience its unique architectural beauty and profound spiritual essence.

Since its completion in 1963, Luce Chapel has been a landmark in Taichung, renowned for its unique structure without pillars, beams, walls, or a roof, making it a global architectural classic and a key representation of modern Taiwanese architecture.

After two years of meticulous restoration, this sixty-year-old monument now greets the world with a renewed appearance. The reopening of Luce Chapel symbolizes Tunghai University’s unwavering commitment to cultural preservation and historical continuity. The chapel will continue to serve as the heart of the university, bearing witness to its growth and inspiring future generations with its enduring legacy of faith and culture.

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