Form follows function. This tenet that guides modernism is entrenched in architecture throughout Taiwan. Across Taipei's skyline, concrete blocks span the city as far as the eye can see. Though dull in appearance, the history, culture, and economics behind their very existence embody an intensely rich and crucial era for Taiwan.

Following Chiang Ching-Kuo’s policies of democratisation and liberalisation in the 70s and 80s, Taiwan's economy sky-rocketed as it soon became a part of the 4 Asian Tigers. In this time of rapid growth and new-found prosperity, Taiwan also experienced a great cultural shift; opening up to tourism, trade, and international investment brought commercialisation and mass consumerism. Symbolised by McDonalds stores and Ford trucks, American culture would soon join the medley of Japanese, Dutch, and Chinese influences in Taiwan. Reflected in architecture, this shift - coupled with the rapacious need for new corporate offices - led to the ubiquitous construction of cheap, quick, and effective solutions in the form of modernist concrete blocks. Indeed, the commonplace architecture as Taiwan expanded is no better embodied than in Taikai’s very own headquarters.

Built in 1994, the Taikai headquarters is a 22 storey tower designed by Chen Chi-kwan. A notable architect who pioneered modernism in Taiwan, his design was sleek, simple, and archetypal of the steel, concrete, and glass monoliths in the late 20th century. Modern building technologies such as the use of a steel frame structure were also employed. These were not only strong enough to sustain huge multi-storey towers but were also relatively resistant to earthquakes by maintaining flexibility and thereby offsetting the horizontal forces of any earthquakes.

As with many of its East Asian counterparts, Taiwan was undergoing a great period of westernisation. But unlike the classical architecture of its colonial past, the architecture of this period collided with capitalism and was motivated less by persevering tradition or instilling admiration. Instead, these buildings were functional and economical. Ironically, these dull and imposing concrete blocks highlighted the modernity and forward-thinking of Taiwan. Unlike mainland China - which was suffering from the throes of Mao’s Cultural Revolution at the time - Taiwan left the past not by destroying it but by embracing a future of globalisation and commercialisation.

That being said, the uncompromising need for speed and affordability nevertheless led to questionable design choices. For example, most skyscrapers - including the Taikai building - used double-glazed windows. Since most skyscrapers were based on those in the far chillier climates of North America and Europe, the windows installed were unsuited for tropical climates as they absorbed more solar radiation resulting in overheated internal environments. Coupled with cheap building materials, poor insulation and the unpleasing appearance of weathered and sullied concrete, the domination of function over form often demonstrates a disconnection to historical roots and reflects a colder, less human-centred cityscape.

Regardless, these concrete blocks are integral to the fabric of the city and they tell a story of Taiwan’s economic miracle as it opened itself up to capitalism and democracy. Taking Taikai’s own headquarters as an example, these buildings were comparatively large, modern, and inexpensive. Although their exteriors may not exude the grandeur of historical architecture, their sleek existence lies a testament to Taiwan's embrace of progress. Indeed, as their concrete facade slowly weathers, there is a quiet urge for renovation and, as in life, they are slowly replaced with new generations of sleeker, taller skyscrapers.