Chiayi County Min-Ho Junior High School｜Aboriginal Science Laboratory

 “ From mountains to rebirth, from forest to earth. The mountains and forests nurture their growth, while every inch of land enriches their perceptions."

As the Indigenous Education Resource Center of Chiayi County, Minhe Junior High School sought to create a learning environment that embodies the spirit of “Indigenous Education for All.” Through cross-disciplinary collaboration among teachers of science, literature, and social studies, Indigenous perspectives were integrated into teaching approaches, building on the school’s strong achievements in national Indigenous science fairs.

Mountain and Nature as Themes: Infusing Symbolic Imagery into the Space

Drawing inspiration from mountains and natural landforms, the design incorporates these elements throughout the room. The triangle—symbolizing the protective embrace of surrounding mountains and representing a key Tsou cultural motif—serves as the primary spatial unit. This triangular geometry extends from the recessed ceiling lighting along one wall to the built-in cabinetry on the opposite side, establishing a clear east–west visual alignment. Material choices further emphasize a natural, unembellished aesthetic, using rammed-earth–like finishes on the walls and raw wood paired with exposed metal details for the built-ins.

A Thoughtful Spatial Layout Balancing Design Intent and Functional Needs

The spatial arrangement reorients student seating toward the north, opening additional room for storing large scientific equipment while preserving a wide expanse of north-facing windows that frame distant mountain ridges. This subtle visual connection reinforces the mountain-inspired interior geometry and creates an atmosphere of respect for the natural environment. The redesigned modular laboratory tables—one of the highlights of the renovation—allow four smaller stations to combine into one large table or two medium-sized configurations, accommodating diverse experiment types and offering flexible teaching arrangements.