Author: Architect Le-Ching Chiang, Principal Architect of Le-Ching Chiang Architect Firm  

Originally published in Architectural Institute of Taiwan Magazine, issue no.86, Apr. 20^th, 2017  

Special Issue: “Athena of Architecture: in Memorial of Architect Tes-Nan Hsiu (修澤蘭).”  

Link to the original post  

Abridged translation:

“Why do you want to learn architecture?”I always ask students the question. 

Architectural design stands for the ability of integrating resources and seeing clearly where you are. For 15 years, I have been motivated to design and to teach, with the intention of establishing my works and my existence as a witness. I want those girls who are passionate about architectural design dare to go after their dreams when they witness me. Today, girl students are as many as boy students. This is a good sign. However, independent practice female architects are still rare. Learning architecture indicates power. I believe women should gain more spaces in architectural education, so that women’s agenda and defense for architectural space will be heard and seen. I encourage women to be themselves, to speak out their mind with courage, and not to absent in terms of architectural and spatial public issues. Your future should not be defined by your race and your gender. 

With this article, I mourn the passing of our remarkable role model—architect Hsiu, and encourage more latecomers to walk with her. Let’s be our inspiration along the way.