How This Colonial Architecture Became Taiwanese-That’s Curious Ep. 5

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Walking the streets of Taipei, Taiwan, you will see a variety of different architectural influences. One distinct style is colonial architecture from Japan. Join host Lin Yao as he explores the history behind arcades in Taiwan, the ubiquitous structures that can now be considered distinctly Taiwanese. Arcades or qílóu (騎樓) are everywhere in Taipei. They have myriad uses: a place to walk when it is raining, as storage space, or simply a place to sit and chat with friends and neighbors. No matter what, they are a home for people, bikes, scooters, and everything in between. However, beyond their useful design, these pieces of architectural history tell a story of Taiwan, of colonial inheritance and Taiwanese resilience. Host Lin Yao investigates the history, development, and adaptation of these unique buildings and what the future development of cities in Taiwan looks like in this episode of “That’s Curious.”

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That's Curious

That’s Curious explores Taiwan through everyday details hidden in plain sight. From household objects to social rituals, each episode reveals deeper cultural meaning. Blending local and global perspectives, the series shows how small details reflect identity and adaptation.