Cultural Immersion: Art, Society and Architecture

Architecture/Design/General Education

Course Code (Undergraduate): 020376

Course Code (Postgraduate): /

48 Contact Hours

7.5 ECTS points Credit Points

Course Description

The course introduces students to ancient and modern Chinese cities, with a focus primarily on how culture and architecture impact individuals and lead their lifestyles in the city. It also covers how urban culture shapes the way communities construct cities in China. This course looks into a wide range of issues, including, but not limited to the major Cities in China, China’s developments in urban areas in the last two decades, economic reforms and the urbanisation of regions, built landmarks, individuals and the community, public space, new typologies, global integration and urban consumerism.

The aim of this course is to allow students to appreciate the design and structure of buildings in China, including both the binaries of the old and new architecture. Field trips in this course provide students with new design insights through involving themselves in exploring and appreciating the aesthetic creations.

Timetable

Schedule and Topics

1. Art and architecture
2. The art history of Soil and timber
3. Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties, Late Qing and the Republic of China
4. Urban Development
5. City Planning
6. Infrastructure
7. Transportation System
8. Urban Fabrics
9. Architectural Landmark
10. Public Space
11. Urban Geography
12. Urban Ecology
13. Urban Heritage
14. Community and Livelihood
15. Post-industrial Urban Economy

Assessments

In-class performance (40%);
Workshop Exercises (20%);
Case Study Report (25%);
Oral Presentation (15%).

Prerequisite

The course is open to students from all academic disciplines who are willing to explore Chinese architecture and culture.

Reference Books

John R. Logan, The New Chinese City: Globalization and Market Reform (Blackwell, 2002)
Laurence J.C. Ma & Fulong Wu (ed.), Restructuring the Chinese City: Changing Society, Economy and Space (Routledge, 2005)
Charlie Q.L. Xue, Building a Revolution: Chinese Architecture since 1980. (Hong Kong University Press, 2005)
Yingjin Zhang, The City in Modern Chinese Literature & Film: Configurations of Space, Time, and Gender (Stanford University Press, 1996) Part-I to Part-III.