‘Huan-Yuan’ Reading Pavilion Becomes Campus Icon

Huan-Yuan—A Quiet Corner Where Bamboo Meets Thought  

  Where Bamboo Meets Imagination: ‘Huan-Yuan’ Reading Pavilion Becomes Campus Icon
July 31, 2025 │ 🏫 Daan Vocational High School │ 🖋 Interview by Yang Shun-Ming │ 

English Version

🏫 Daan Vocational High School Students Build Award-Winning Bamboo-Wood Reading Pavilion | Taipei Report

Architecture students from Daan Vocational High School have successfully transformed their design concept into a tangible space, creating the school’s first bamboo-wood hybrid reading pavilion—“Huan-Yuan: Campus Reading Space”—a tranquil retreat for both students and teachers.

🏆 From Competition Stage to Campus Life

“Huan-Yuan” was originally designed for the 2024 “Urban DNA Propagation” Wood Industry Construction Competition held in Chiayi, where it earned fifth place in the high school division. The design team, composed of graduates Guo Meiyu, Zhao Yiting, Lin Youan, and Tang Yichen, drew inspiration from the idea of a “city living room,” aiming to create a space that encourages slowing down, relaxation, and meaningful interaction.

🌿 Design Inspiration and Spatial Language

The name “Huan-Yuan” symbolizes gentle circulation and emotional ease. The seating design was inspired by the social atmosphere of Beitou’s foot-soaking pools, promoting spontaneous conversation. The pavilion’s layered structure and playful elevation changes create a space that balances serenity and vibrancy, welcoming users of all personalities.

🏫 Giving Back to Their Alma Mater

Motivated by their experience in rural volunteer construction projects, the students were determined to bring their design back to campus. They selected a flowerbed in front of the architecture department and reimagined it as a functional and aesthetically pleasing space, allowing more people to experience the power of architecture firsthand.

💪 Overcoming Challenges with Determination

Balancing academic responsibilities with design and construction was a major test for the students. Through collaboration with teachers and continuous refinement, they overcame practical challenges such as overly complex seating designs and technical construction difficulties, ultimately bringing their vision to life.

🤝 Teamwork and Meaningful Growth

Each member actively participated in the design, modeling, and construction phases, taking on specific roles throughout the process. The experience taught them the importance of communication, flexibility, and mutual support.

“We kept encouraging each other: we’ve come this far—let’s finish it together!” one team member shared.

🌱 Passing on Passion and Looking Ahead

“Huan-Yuan” is more than just a structure—it’s a symbol of belief and possibility. The students hope it will inspire younger peers to turn architectural theory into hands-on creation. They also look forward to exploring new creative directions, such as installation art.

💬 A Thought to Share

“Sometimes, you just need to slow down,” they said. “If there’s no space to rest—create one.”And when you finish it through your own hard work, you’ll definitely think to yourself, ‘This is unreal.’