Dharma Drum Institute of Liberal Arts is located on an expansive wooded slope, and in the middle of the campus is a landscaped pond, its two sides linked by the Great Vow Bridge. The school focuses on harmony with nature and ecologically sustainable growth. The buildings are mostly short multistory structures, squat volumes with minimal excavation needed.
Courtesy of KRIS YAO | ARTECH
A retaining wall with a staircase of 1,590 steps allows access to different elevations on the hillside. There are three main buildings positioned according to local conditions: the Multi-Purpose Building, the Chan Bliss House, and the Sports Complex. Platforms, corridors and bridges link all the spaces together, providing free access, expanding the activity areas, and highlighting the dramatic qualities of the adjoined spaces. The overall style is imbued with a sense of age, so upon completion the buildings show no unexpected novel elements, and will retain its features even after many decades.
Courtesy of KRIS YAO | ARTECH
The Multi-Purpose Building exhibits its timeless style in architectural concrete, and its rooftop greenery helps make it one with nature. The long staircase constructed along the contours of the hillside is a primary scene for campus life. Corridors, balconies and other semi-outdoor spaces are staggered, providing visual perspective both indoor and out, each enhancing the other’s visual quality and providing a framing effect.
Courtesy of KRIS YAO | ARTECH
The Chan Bliss House is a student dormitory. Pebbledash façades create a simple, clean style, rectangular balcony grating and tic-tac-toe patterns give it an organic yet geometric feel, and the atrium gardens contain natural-looking pools that attract birds, for a refined pond-side setting.
Courtesy of KRIS YAO | ARTECH
The Sports Complex is built out of architectural concrete in two adjacent volumes, one square and one long. The ceiling of the square volume is seven meters high, for a broad activity venue. The long volume is made up of irregular convex and concave box-like spaces for an intriguing visual effect.
Courtesy of KRIS YAO | ARTECH
Skylights let in sunlight for an improved light and shade effect, and the design takes advantage of the sloping terrain of the valley to channel fresh air into the interior spaces. The natural lighting and ventilation make it an excellent place for activities and contemplation.
Project Info
Architects: KRIS YAO | ARTECH
Country: Taiwan, Jinshan District
Area: 156180 m²
Year: 2015
Photographs: Courtesy ofKRIS YAO | ARTECH
Architect In Charge: Kris Yao
Project Team: Willy Yu, Glen Lu, Albert Liu, Jiang-Pei Ying, Yen-Hsun Li, Po-Wen Hsiao, Catch Tseng, May Wang, Yu-Ju Fang, Chi-I Yeh, Ann Lin, Chyi Huang, Yen-Hsuan Chen, Shih-Yen Chiang, Yi-Chia Hsiao, Philips Chen, Kenny Huang, Yu-Tung Hsing, Joanna Lien, Huei-Chen Hsu, Jess Chi, Jun-Ren Chou, Calvin Chen, Alex Liu, David Chang, Dan-Ching Lin, Ming-Chin Li, Carrie Chang
MEP: Heng Kai Engineering Consultants, Inc.
Fire Protection: Heng Kai Engineering Consultants, Inc.
HVAC: Heng Kai Engineering Consultants, Inc.
Madeline Brooks is a Projects Editor at Arch2O, where she has been shaping and refining architectural content since March 2024. With over a decade of experience in editorial work, she has curated, revised, and published an array of projects covering architecture, urbanism, and public space design. A graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Madeline brings a strong academic foundation and a discerning editorial eye to each piece she oversees. Since joining Arch2O, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s editorial direction, with a focus on sustainability, social relevance, and cutting-edge design. Madeline excels at translating complex architectural ideas into clear, engaging stories that resonate with both industry professionals and general readers. She works closely with architects, designers, and global contributors to ensure every project is presented with clarity, depth, and compelling visual narrative. Her editorial leadership continues to elevate Arch2O’s role in global architectural dialogue.