Judicial Office Building

 Address:Geographical location : No.124, Sec. 1, Chongqing S. Rd., Zhongzheng Dist, Taipei City Longitude : 121.512273 Latitude : 25.037825
 Subject:AssetClassification : Historic Monument, AssetsLevel : National Historic Monument, Asset Type : Government Office

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【Introduction】

In 1896 (the 29th year of Emperor Meiji) Taiwan’s Governor-General Office decided to implement civil government, and, military administration was subsequently ceased. Decree No. 1, "the Court Ordinance of Taiwan Governor-General" was issued, in which a three-tiered court system was adopted: The High Court; the Court of Errors and Appeals; the District Courts. This establishment marked the beginning of Taiwan’s judicial system. The Judicial Office Building was an important architectural work in the Japanese colonial period, which was the location of the High Court. At the time, the building also housed the Taipei District Court and the District Attorney’s Office; hence, the name “Judicial Office Building”. This iron-reinforced concrete building which used to be merely 3 stories tall was completed in 1934 (the 9th year of Emperor Showa). The ground plan featured a double courtyard layout in reference to the Chinese character "日". Thus, through the two central atriums good ventilation is ensured and natural light can be brought in. The designer Ide Kaoru, an architect working at the Construction and Maintenance Division of the Governor-General Office, adopted an eclectically simplified style for the designs of arches, doors, and windows without classically complex decoration. The exterior walls are laid with light green glazed tiles for protection against air raids. The most unique feature is its roof on the central tower, which is a smaller octagonal spire, composed of wave- like curves called Koa or Imperial Crown style, which somewhat gives an impression of Chinese architectural style. In the 1930s, Japanese military aggression was justified in the name of Hakko Ichiu (literally "eight crown cords, one roof" i.e. "all the world under one roof"). This idea eventually became an icon for world domination through military force, and it is figuratively represented by the eight octagonal columns on the roof supporting the helmet shape of the top.

 

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