Members of task forces involved in the reconstruction of schools damaged during last year's deadly 921 earthquake said yesterday that quality reconstruction was more important than getting projects started before the quake's one year anniversary.
"We need time to understand the needs of students rather than simply instilling concern about the materials and the facilities needed for our projects," said Shih Ying (
Shih Ying and others involved in the recovery effort co-hosted a press conference yesterday to respond to a recent promise by President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) to have all school reconstruction projects under way before Sept 21.
Professionals who attended the press conference included architects, scholars and social and education activists.
The quality of reconstruction should not be shrugged off just to fulfill President Chen's promises, they said.
"Just like a premature birth would put a baby at risk from many life-threatening problems, reducing the time needed for plans that fit the needs of local communities and students could only have a negative outcome," said architect Leu Chin-wen (呂欽文).
Architect Hsieh Ying-Chun (
The disastrous earthquake last year killed 2,297 people and caused the collapse or damage of 876 schools.
Because of the complex process of budgetary reviews, the government has lagged behind in its efforts in comparison with several non-governmental organizations in charge of school restoration work.
While one elementary school in Nantou County was rebuilt by a non-governmental organization, government projects are still only in the process of searching for architects.
"A school is no longer a place for conformity. Respect for the individuality of students should become the priority," said Tseng Kuang-tsung (曾光宗), associate professor of architecture from Chung Yuan Christian University.
"As a school is expected to be more than a standardized interface, we definitely have to encourage better communication between architects and those who will use the building when it is completed," he added.
Chen Shan-pao (
Chen said that some projects were hurriedly put together without much thought, resulting in classrooms that have become scorching hot in the summer weather.
More modifications must be made now, and even more money spent to make up for previous thoughtlessness, Chen said.
Those who took part in the meeting yesterday also suggested officials of higher rank in the Executive Yuan be selected to shoulder the responsibility of approving special conditional items in reconstruction regulations which in some cases cause long delays.
Such a move could shorten the time involved in tedious and minor routine inspections and accelerate reconstruction efforts.
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