Church architecture is designed to embody the worldview of Christian doctrine (Weltanschauung in German). The Tamkang Church highlights themes of eternity, universality, and community. Due to limited land availability and crowded urban environments in Taiwan, religious buildings here often face challenges in maintaining the connection between humanity and the divine because of their vertical structure.
Unlike European churches, which evoke a sense of sacredness through open structures, vertical space, and ethereal light between ground and roof, Tamkang Church contends with building regulations and area limitations by stacking its daily and sacred spaces vertically. The central design challenge was creating a sacred place full of love and compassion within a social context.
Traditionally, church architecture uses the cross shape as a primary spatial organizer. Tamkang Church adopts this symbol in a broader sense, weaving together the lives of its congregation through religious celebrations and everyday activities, while also integrating nature into urban life.
Located at the northernmost tip of Taiwan Island, the Tamkang Church faces the windy and rainy coastal climate of Tamsui in New Taipei City. The design embraces the rugged coastline’s harsh conditions while showcasing the surrounding natural beauty. Thick, custom double-layered walls serve as climate regulators and help foster interaction among those within the space.
Churches in Taiwan serve a unique social role compared to their European counterparts. Pastor Juang of Tamkang Church envisions it as a welcoming space for everyone, emphasizing social welfare grounded in the belief that “everyone is guilty” and “no one is perfect.” This approach helps address societal shortcomings.
Consequently, over half of Tamkang Church’s facilities are dedicated to social welfare centers. The design prioritizes communication over hierarchy and safety over distance. The architecture reflects social responsibility by bearing the cross and serving the community.
Project Drawings
△ Base schematic diagram
△ First floor plan
△ Second floor plan
△ Third floor plan
△ Fourth floor plan
△ Fifth floor plan
△ Sixth floor plan
△ Seventh floor plan
△ Eighth floor plan
△ Ninth floor plan
△ Tenth floor plan
△ Mezzanine Plan
△ Roof Plan
△ Section diagram
△ Section diagram
△ Axonometric diagram
Project Information
Architectural Design: Behet Bondzio Lin Architekten
Area: 63,406,340 square meters
Project Year: 2021
Photographer: Yu Chen Chao Photography
Lead Architect: Yu Han Michael Lin
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