Tannan Elementary School (Not Open to Public Visits) Introduction
TanNan Elementary School, established in 1951, occupies an area of 0.38 hectares and is a small school with fewer than 100 students. After the 921 earthquake, many buildings in TanNan Village were destroyed, and TanNan Elementary School was not spared. When the reconstruction team arrived in the village, local residents advocated for prioritizing the school's rebuilding, stating that "children are the hope of the tribe, and their future lies in education." After thorough discussions, it was unanimously decided that the school would be rebuilt based on the prototype of traditional family homes. The most sacred area of a traditional Bunan house, the "Sorghum Storage," serves as the school's library, symbolizing a granary of knowledge. The first floor of the library features several semi-outdoor platform spaces that can be used for performances and ceremonies, fully integrating with community activities. The classrooms on the second floor are designed for the learning of Bunan youth. A tall observation tower serves as a bell tower, water tower, and flagpole. Although the school site is not large, the village sports event held at the school each year is a significant community activity, with running as the highlight of the sports day. A circular track is required, leading to the school's construction being situated in the middle of the track. The materials used include T-shaped steel plates and matte durable boards, complemented by traditional Bunan gray-black stone slabs, bringing the school into harmony with the countryside. The vibrant colors and innovative design of the building completely overturn the monotonous and dull stereotype of elementary school facilities; first-time visitors to TanNan often mistakenly believe this wall-free building is a coffee shop. TanNan Elementary School is a source of pride for the villagers and a beacon of hope for the tribe.
