Architecture

Taiwan's residential and commercial architecture is centered around the need to maximize small spaces in overpriced real estate markets (much like in Japan) because of the huge populations in the crowded cities where most jobs are located.

Many homes (in actuality mid to high-rise apartments) and small businesses are square concrete boxes covered in small square, bland-colored tiles and barred windows (a hold-over from the martial law period). Often these houses also have illegal additions or flat rooftop rooms built-on. Oftentimes even terraces and frontyard pavement areas are turned into extra rooms. As you've guessed, the artistry of all this is severely lacking in taste to put it mildly.

However, recently tea shops, pubs, restaurants, KTV (Karaoke bars) and retail stores have started to get creative (at least on the inside...) Flourescent lighting (with its annoying flicker) have given way in some parts to more interesting halogen lighting for effect and interior decorators are in increasing demand.

The reason most families seem to lack design taste is because they usually are so busy working, raising families or saving money that they aren't in a rush to spend money on candles, wallpaper, carpeting or other interior improvements.

Enforcement of housing codes are somewhat lax and rely mostly on complaints by neighbors who rarely turn each other in for fear or losing face or creating conflict except in extreme situations.

Taiwan's temples are extremely ornate and point to the creativity in design which the Taiwanese innately share, but unfortunately it rarely translates to beauty, rather sensory overload as evidenced by the lighting in most business streets with the garrishly illuminated billboards and signs adorning every alley (and Betelnut Stands...).