JWACA2025-005: Architecture is living life and faith

Abstract

This article presents an architectural philosophy grounded in three dimensions: daily living, existential meaning, and spiritual belief. The author draws from personal childhood memories and extensive practice across Japan, Taiwan, mainland China, Hong Kong, and Singapore to argue that architecture should transcend pure functionality. Key projects include the Taoyuan Dongyan Mountain restroom (minimizing ground contact), Beigang Daughter Bridge (creating place for gathering beyond transportation), and Yilan Guangchang Church (responding to climate through spatial design). The author emphasizes "local-worldly" synthesis, where understanding specific geographic, historical, and cultural contexts enables meaningful architectural interventions that honor both universal human needs and particular place identities.