Matang Tribal Gathering Place

For 74 years, the Matang Tribe (Amis people) in Taiwan lacked a dedicated gathering place, relying on rented venues during festivals – an arrangement that hindered cultural development. To address this, the Taitung County Government initiated the construction of a space that reflects Amis culture.

The building incorporates red, black, and white – the primary colors of traditional Amis clothing. Its nonagonal canopy is ideal for ceremonies and circular dances. Three raised corners of the canopy face east and toward the homes of tribal elders, symbolizing reverence for the sun god and respect for the elders.

The reflective canopy roof creates shifting patterns of light and shadow while naturally cooling the building through improved air circulation. Three red structural supports represent the unity of the tribe’s three age groups. Totems bearing symbols such as the sun, waves, and ancestral spirits are placed around the building, emphasizing cultural heritage and asserting ownership of the space.