Taipei, Feb. 18 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian urged architects Monday to join forces with the government in improving Taiwan's living environment.
In a meeting with the winners of this year's distinguished architects prize, the president said elite architects have a "noblesse obliges" to improve the country's image with buildings that combine international character with domestic traits.
Noting that the construction industry is one of the locomotives of economic development and an important gauge of the country's competitiveness, Chen said this industry features large on the government's agenda.
Describing buildings as achievements of technology, science and art, the president urged Taiwan architects to fold artistic beauty and the spirit of modern times into their creations.