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Thesis Summary
In order for the Japanese colonial government to effectively control Taiwan, they carried out schemes for the modernization and development of the colonized country. Apart from being devoted to the implementation of the colonial policies of the establishment of public hygiene facilities in the city’s streets, the renovation of roads, and the resuscitation of industrial resources, they also ushered in modern big city planning concepts originating from Europe and the United States. Following on from this, they changed the shape of Taiwan’s traditional big cities and towns. These reforms acted as the basis for the present day development in the Hsinchu area.
The main body of this thesis consists of an inquiry into the development of city architecture in the Hsinchu area during the time that the Japanese governed Taiwan (1895-1945). These years will be divided into former and later periods. An attempt will be made to describe the construction and development that occurred within the Hsinchu area during these periods. Besides, a detailed explanation into the influence the 1935 Hsinchu-Taichung earthquake had on the city architecture will also be made.
1.The city architecture during the initial period of Japanese governance (1895-1919) at the time of the Ching dynasty:
During the initial period of the Japanese governance, the city architecture in the Hsinchu area was still in the early stage of being actively modernized. Taking the old-style streets and township organization as the keynote, the colonial policies slowly brought in a process of transformation.
2.The new and developing city architecture during the later period of the Japanese governance (1919-1945):
Due to the presence of plentiful natural resources within the Hsinchu area, the colonial government actively pressed on with state industrial development. Due to colonial economic policies, world trends, and its naturally advantageous position, the work structure was transformed from one of agriculture to one of industry. Making a comprehensive survey of the city architecture in the Hsinchu area during the later period of the Japanese governance, it already presented a great deal of development potential. No matter whether looking at the aspect of infrastructure facilities, the irrigation system, the city construction, or the industrial development, they were all modern facilities.
3.The influence the 1935 Hsinchu-Taichung earthquake had on the Hsinchu area:
This disaster forced the governor to face up to dealing with construction laws, and the lack of competent construction management and supervision. Following this, a set of organized construction laws was passed. This included effectively implementing construction bans, setting out the standards for the structure of buildings capable of withstanding earthquakes, and instilling in the city ideas related to disaster prevention and sanctuary. Due to the disaster, Hsinchu’s Peipu Street and Chutong Street gained the opportunity to benefit from some practical city planning. Following the disaster, the colonial government made use of modern construction systems, and machinery for the large-scale production of bricks, reinforced concrete, and steel rods. Furthermore, they made use of modern building techniques for the construction. This led to the city architecture in the Hsinchu area appearing to be new and modern in style.
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