A building at the seat of power deserves a similar grandeur. The Presidential Palace in Taipei is no exception. From its inception during the Japanese colonial era to its enduring presence today, this majestic structure stands as a testament to power, resilience, and the interplay of diverse architectural influences.
On June 5, 1895, the first Japanese Governor-General of Taiwan, Sukenori Kabayama, set foot on the island in Keelung. He set up the temporary Office of the Governor-General at a customs office in Keelung but this was hardly sufficient and a competition was held to design the new ‘Office of the Governor-General’. Curiously however, there was no 1st-place winner. Of the seven finalists, Kichibei Suzuki’s design was originally favoured but was then rejected by the judges for being too similar to the Peace Palace in the Hague. Without a winner, the building was completed by a different architect, Matsunosuke Moriyama, who produced the final design by modifying the work of Uheiji Nagano, the second place winner.
The main difference in Moriyama's design was in the central tower. Heightened to an imposing 60 metres tall, the 11 story building was the tallest building in Taiwan when it was built, reinforcing both its symbolism as the centre of power but perhaps also reminding residents of the unprecedented capabilities their new colonial masters wielded. The rest of the facade on the other hand featured many classical elements and was built in a late-Renaissance style. With its distinctive red brick tiling and the use of colonnades, gables, arched windows and oeil-de-boeuf windows the palace echoed many of the Victorian-style buildings in England.
The plan of the building is unique for its double courtyard layout. This provided the building with strong earthquake resistance whilst also illuminated the offices with plenty of natural light. But behind this may also lie a more subtle yet sinister message. Referencing the Chinese character “日” - the first characters in 日本 (Japan) - the building symbolises Japanese colonial rule over Taiwan. Regardless, the building was designed to suit the natural environment and is infused with Japanese and Taiwanese influences. The recessed balconies and the porticoed facade for example lends the building to a “veranda style”, whilst functionally providing shelter from the tropical heat and enhanced ventilation. The building materials were also sourced natively with wood and stone from Taiwan and red tiles shipped from Japan.
What was incredible about this building was also its technological advancement at the time. From electric power to telephones, the building was uniquely modern - there were even elevators on all four corners. This modernity, as well as its unmistakable Western facade, may serve as a testament to how Japan's vision of its own future found expression and manifestation in Taiwan and its architectural landscape. Indeed, the Westernisation of architecture in Taiwan also reflects Japan’s own desire to emulate the West, underlining its growing openness but perhaps also insecurity.
As history unfolded, Japan’s growing militarism engulfed the East in war, and the Presidential Palace was not spared from its ravages. Efforts were made to camouflage the building during World War II, yet it endured direct hits from American carpet-bombing, resulting in fires that blazed for three days. Original bronze decorations and metallic items were also stripped away and melted down to support Japan's war efforts; they were never replaced and they leave an indelible mark of history on the palace.
Despite its tumultuous past, the Presidential Palace persevered and continues to serve as a symbol of Taiwan's enduring spirit and resilience. It stands today as a proud testament to the architectural fusion of English Victorian, Classical Greek, and Baroque styles, adorned with tropical-inspired balconies. The building's significance extends beyond its physical structure, embodying the historical struggles, transformations, and aspirations of the Taiwanese people.