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To improve architectural aesthetics, Jen-Ho Chen, one of the first-generation architects after World War II in Taiwan, utilized lots of Terrazzo in his works including religious, educational, and residential buildings. On these buildings, Terrazzo not only shows the characteristics of the material but serves as decoration. It is fascinating that it combines the craftsmanship from West and Taiwan. Nowadays, Terrazzo, usually used in residential and public buildings, temples, recreational facilities, etc., in 1960s and 1970s, has deeply influenced Taiwanese. Hence, Terrazzo is an important building element after World War II in Taiwan. Although Terrazzo was popular before, it has been rarely used because of the factors, such as methods, budget, preference, and aesthetics. As a result, the long-standing technique is declining gradually. However, most of the tangible cultural heritage in Taiwan, preserved in accordance with “The Cultural Heritage Preservation Act”, was built during the Japanese colonial period. Because few of the buildings built after World War II in Taiwan is preserved in accordance with the law, those buildings are prone to disappearance due to social change, such as environmental and economic change. In terms of intangible cultural heritage, Terrazzo is declining owing to mechanization and times change, resulting in the fading of the technique.
Therefore, to investigate the technique of Terrazzo in modern buildings including history, materials, construction methods, development, environmental impacts, and inheritance, the research studied related references, conducting interviews with experts, and did field surveys, hoping to provide references of the preservation of the technique which can be used in modern buildings. To systematically record the information about the technique, the research comprehended it through apprenticeship training, making a Terrazzo panel. Based on the records, not only can provide references of the technique of Terrazzo for the technicians, but can preserve lots of technique from several craftsmen. In addition, the research hopes to show diversity and richness of the architectural culture in Taiwan.
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