2025 | Professional

MUSE Design Awards Silver Winner

The Restoration Journey of Yilan Wugu Temple

Entrant Company

CHING Architects

Category

Architectural Design - Cultural

Client's Name

Yilan County Cultural Affairs Bureau

Country / Region

Taiwan

Restoration of Yilan Wugu Temple: A Fusion of History and Innovation
Yilan Wugu Temple, a historic temple with over 200 years of history, has witnessed the evolution of local beliefs and culture from the Qing Dynasty to the present. This restoration project is not only about preserving a historic building but also about reinterpreting traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques. Throughout the restoration process, the team meticulously excavated and preserved numerous historical components, ensuring that every step—from dismantling the old structure to reassembling it—adhered to the principles of precise restoration and integration with contemporary technology.
Advanced point cloud scanning technology was employed to accurately capture every architectural detail, enabling a faithful reconstruction of the temple’s original structure and design. For instance, the temple’s columns were designed to mimic Western stone pillars while retaining the traditional tapering technique of wooden columns, enhancing both the temple’s visual grandeur and structural stability. Additionally, during the disassembly of old components, hidden architectural elements from earlier periods were discovered, such as the arrangement of red and blue bricks from the Qing Dynasty. These historical details offer a glimpse into the architectural wisdom of the past.
The restored Wugu Temple not only preserves its traditional religious functions but also presents its historical and cultural significance to contemporary audiences through the reconstruction process. This project honors history while embracing the future, excelling in architecture, heritage preservation, and innovation. The Wugu Temple restoration embodies Yilan’s agricultural legacy, blending tradition with modernity.

Credits

Architect
CHING YA CHI
Supervisor
CHIN CHING HSIANG
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