From Kobe to Puli: The Ark of Hope - Paper Dome
by 祥.要去旅行
Aug 21, 2025
The Paper Dome, officially named "Paper Dome," is a unique structure made primarily of paper tubes and fiberglass. It is not just a church but also a touching story of love and hope that transcends borders. The story of the Paper Dome began with the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake in Japan. Architect Shigeru Ban designed and built this temporary paper church to comfort the hearts of the disaster victims. Ten years later, when the Paper Dome in Kobe had fulfilled its purpose, Puli Township, which had also suffered severe damage in the 1999 Jiji Earthquake, became its new home. To show their care for Taiwan's disaster-stricken areas, the Kobe community decided to dismantle the church and gift it to Puli, continuing its mission as an "Ark of Hope." The structure consists of 58 paper tubes, each 5 meters tall and 33 centimeters in diameter, forming an oval-shaped exterior space. This is complemented by rectangular fiberglass walls, creating a space filled with light and transparency. The arrival of the Paper Dome not only added a unique attraction to Puli but also symbolized the bond of mutual support between Taiwan and Japan in times of disaster. It stands as a testament to the resilience and rebuilding efforts of the people of Puli after the Jiji Earthquake and serves as a reminder that the power of love and hope can transcend borders and heal wounds.
Post by 祥.要去旅行 | Aug 21, 2025












