Tamsui Octagonal Tower

Completed in 1925, the Octagonal Tower is the spiritual fortress of Tamkang Middle School and a representative building from the post-Mackay era. Originally named the "Faith, Hope, and Love Tower," it was designed by Mr. K. Doawie, a math teacher and missionary at the time. Its architectural style draws inspiration from famous schools in England and America, blending Chinese and Western elements while also incorporating local Taiwanese architecture. The layout follows the "sanheyuan" (three-sided courtyard) style. The 60-foot tall main tower is flanked by two-story sections, which then gradually lower along the classrooms of the two wings. The classrooms at the front end conclude with wing towers. In front, there is a balcony, and the two wings feature corridors. The three towers encircle a lush front courtyard, with a coconut tree-lined path leading to the main entrance. The main entrance uses Guanyin stone as its lintel, carved with *quetis* (bracket supports) and palace lanterns to emphasize its Chinese character.