Kong-Tung Senior High School Chapel Building Introduction
Established in 1957 by Father Pierre Giraud of the Catholic Missionary Society of Mary (commonly known as the White Fathers), Gong Dong High School was one of the most important missions of the White Fathers during their early days in Taiwan. The school was primarily aimed at assisting the youth from remote areas of Hualien and Taitung through vocational education, providing them a better starting point for life while also nurturing the workforce needed for Taiwan's industrial development. Gong Dong High School is known for its rigorous teaching standards; during its first decade, instruction was mainly provided by 15 Swiss engineers, using textbooks and teaching methods imported from Europe. This has established Gong Dong High School as one of the most prestigious institutions in Taiwan's vocational education sector, cultivating numerous skilled talents who have received international accolades. In addition to its well-known reputation in vocational education in recent years, the architecture on campus reflects the White Fathers' dedication and meticulousness in establishing Gong Dong High School. They specially hired architect Dr. Justurs Dahinden from Switzerland and collaborated closely with structural engineer Dr. Schubiger to create outstanding building designs. The unique flat-slab structural design allowed for only half the amount of reinforcing steel compared to typical buildings, which was a remarkable approach during a time when construction materials were scarce and costly. Among the three early campus buildings, the chapel building is particularly noteworthy. The small chapel on the top floor makes full use of a sloped roof, walls sprayed with rough concrete, diffused natural lighting dramatically penetrating the axis of the chapel, and colorful stained glass embedded in the walls, creating a heavy, dark, and symbolically rich religious space that evokes contemplation and tranquility. Its spatial techniques rival those of renowned architect Le Corbusier in his designs for the Chapel of Notre Dame du Haut and the La Tourette Monastery. After its completion, the campus quickly became a focal point for local architects and gained recognition, even featured in professional architectural magazines such as Architecture. In recent years, academic papers have explored and analyzed this building as a central theme. Professional photographers have also created richly illustrated photobooks about the chapel and Father Giraud, making the chapel not only a well-known pilgrimage site in the architectural community but also, due to its uniqueness and historical background, registered as a historical building in 2003. Gradually, it has become a must-visit attraction for travelers going to Taitung!
