Taichung Kindergarten Wins Global Excellence in Construction Award, Secures Silver in Environmental and Cultural Category

(CNA reporter Hao Hsueh-ching, Taichung, June 15) The 'Global Excellence in Construction Awards,' hosted by the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI), recently held its award ceremony in Austria. Renmei Four Seasons Art Kindergarten in Taichung City received the Silver Award in the Best Environmental and Cultural category for its project 'Sustainable Ecological Green Campus,' elevating Taiwan's school design onto the international stage.

The 'Global Excellence in Construction Awards,' organized by FIABCI and often referred to as the 'Oscars of the global architecture industry,' held its award ceremony in Vienna, Austria, in the early hours of June 12, Taipei time. Taiwan's entries stood out in global competition, securing a total of 4 gold and 5 silver awards.

Among them, Renmei Four Seasons Art Kindergarten in Taichung was awarded the Silver in the Best Environmental and Cultural category for its project titled 'Four Seasons Art Kindergarten – Sustainable Ecological Green Campus,' showcasing Taiwan's educational philosophy and campus design to the world.

Tang Fu-mei, founder of Four Seasons Art Children's Education Institution, stated in a press release today that for 33 years, the kindergarten has believed that children's learning occurs not only in classrooms but also through their daily environment. 'The environment is the third teacher for children,' she emphasized.

Tang noted that most of Taiwan's winning entries this year were large-scale public sector projects, with only two from private institutions—one of which was Four Seasons Art. 'Being able to stand on the international stage alongside public sector representatives shows that Taiwan's design capabilities in education have reached international standards.'

The Renmei campus spans 1,110 ping (approx. 3,669 sqm), with a green coverage rate of up to 125%. It features over 8,500 plants from 110 native Taiwanese species, with native plants accounting for more than 70% of the total. The landscape design follows the ecological patterns of central Taiwan's foothills and connects with the surrounding 5-kilometer ecosystem, forming an 'ecological stepping stone' within the city and integrating the campus into the urban natural network.

Today, wild birds and insects frequently visit the campus. Tang believes that through observing fish, recording insects, and participating in stream-cleaning expeditions, children learn about life and develop respect for the environment. (Edited by Li Shu-hua) 1150615