To better understand the historic sites of Taipei City, the “historic site detective team” carried out its “investigations” led by Professor Li through the use of perspective drawing. In the early morning hours, Professor Li led all of us to conduct field inspections of the Taipei Confucius Temple, Dalongdong Bao’an Temple, Zhongshan Hall, Futai Street Mansion, and the North Gate. We analyzed the basic structure of ancient architecture, moving from the exterior to the interior of each structure. Through Professor Li’s explanation and remarks, we were able to experience the aesthetics of ancient buildings from multiple perspectives. The main purpose was to use brush strokes to understand the spirit of ancient buildings, and then to increase awareness of the current situation of buildings and how they have been preserved. Furthermore, we also learned that ancient buildings, modern culture, and local cultural ecology can in fact coexist in harmony, which makes this experience even more rewarding.

Professor Li is the first person to have used perspective drawings to depict these ancient buildings. He is well-known in Taiwan and also abroad for his use of hand drawings to show the layout of different styles of architecture. During our field investigations, we truly felt how ancient buildings could appear right on the paper through his ingenious brushstrokes. His award-winning works include Into the Heart of Craftsmanship, Master Craftsmanship, and a dictionary of ancient architecture in Taiwan. All these works show how perspective drawings can precisely express the beauty of historic buildings. In each instance, drawings express the world inside the building, and not only its outer appearance. This invaluable activity allowed us to complete the painting of two different historic sites under the guidance of Professor Li. While it might be our first experience, each student certainly developed their own style and enjoyed the process as well. Our two sites of choice were the Confucius Temple and the North Gate. Despite time restrictions, we completed both paintings.

Perspective drawing shows space and depth. It presents objects at various angles and distances and its angles can be verified through mathematical scales. Professor Li explained the techniques used for proper proportions between objects and images on the paper as well as how to master its use through brushstrokes. His teaching makes it possible for each student to imagine the effort placed into drawings and how to perfect its presentation. Through the class, I visited the site with my eyes, hearing professor Li’s explanation of sites and drawing, experienced the walk and the mind’s process through the heart, and presented the beauty of the historic sites one by one through my hands. I used all my senses to complete the work. When it was completed, a strong sense of the heritage of historic sites was inspired in my heart. This was later reflected through my participation in internet discussions during which I strove to put these feelings into practice in life and continue to arouse a sense of responsibility for historic buildings.