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 mini school with less than 100 students. During the 921 earthquake, many buildings in Tannan Village were destroyed, and Tannan Elementary School was no exception. When the reconstruction team entered the village, local residents insisted that "children are the hope of the community, and their future lies in education," prioritizing the rebuilding of the school. After thorough discussions, it was unanimously decided to base the school's reconstruction on the prototype of traditional family houses. The most sacred space in a traditional Bunun house, the "millet granary," became the school's library, symbolizing a storehouse of knowledge. The first floor retains many semi-outdoor platform spaces that can be used for performances and ceremonies, fully integrating with community activities. The classrooms on the second floor serve as the learning spaces for Bunun youths. A tall watchtower functions as a bell tower, water tower, and flagpole. Although the school grounds are not large, the village games held annually at the school are an important event for the community, with running races being the highlight. To accommodate the circular running track, the school was built in the middle of the track. The materials used include T-shaped steel plates, matte polycarbonate sheets, and traditional gray-black stone slabs from the Bunun tribe, integrating the school into the rural landscape. The vibrant colors and innovative design of the building completely subvert the monotonous and uninteresting stereotype of elementary school buildings; first-time visitors to Tannan often mistake the wall-less structure for a coffee shop. Tannan Elementary School is a source of pride for the villagers and a beacon of hope for the tribe.
