Event｜Book Launch for National Archives

2026-06-24

Architect Kuo Ying-Chao recently attended the launch event for the publication National Archives, where he joined Director-General Chiu-Yen Lin of the National Archives Administration, National Development Council, in a dialogue on the journey behind Taiwan’s first National Archives —from its initial conception to its completion and opening, as well as the broader mission and vision it embodies as a public building.

Planning and design for the National Archives began in 2017. Throughout the procurement and construction phases, the project faced significant challenges, including the global COVID-19 pandemic and rising construction costs. Through the collective efforts of all parties involved, construction successfully commenced in 2021, was completed by the end of 2024, and officially opened as in late 2025, marking an important milestone in Taiwan’s archival preservation and public service development.

During the event, Architect Kuo shared the challenges and considerations behind the design process, including how the project sought to overcome the conventional perception of archives facilities as closed institutions. Through sustainable design strategies, daylighting, and a spatial approach that responds to the landscape of Linkou, the team envisioned the repository as a “breathing space for the city”, a place that balances the rigorous requirements of archival preservation with openness and public engagement.

The publication National Archives was jointly authored by Bio-architecture Formosana, the public art team for the National Archives, and the National Archives Administration. Structured around three key themes—“An Open and Shared Smart Green Building,” “Sustainable Operations through Digital Governance,” and “Diverse Services Rooted in Archival Values”—the book documents the project’s planning concepts, implementation process, and operational vision.

Architect Kuo and Director-General Lin both expressed their hope that the publication will serve not only as a record of the National Archives’ development, but also as a valuable reference for the planning, construction, and operation of future public buildings, offering inspiration for the sustainable advancement of public infrastructure in Taiwan.