Recently, 29 students from Japan Women’s University (JWU) came to Tamkang University to take part in the 2011 TKU/JWU Housing Workshop, Taipei & Tokyo. The workshop consisted of students from both universities’ departments of architecture, with 61 TKU students in total. The students were divided into 12 small groups, in which they were able to share their experiences in building and design.

The workshop supervisor, Assistant Prof Bee Kuang-chein, stated that the Japanese students are extremely proficient in the area of design and have highly developed analytical skills. On the other hand, the Taiwanese students are very fast at carrying out tasks and generally possess superior English language skills.

This year’s theme was “Economic Homes for First-home Owners”. Students were required to brainstorm and design the building of a new block of apartments in Taipei City that first-home buyers could afford. The building plans were assessed on 8th September by chief engineers Hsu Yan-hsing and Lin Hsu-yang, as well as professional architect Tseng Bo-ting, each of whom provided students with feedback and suggestions.