Characteristics of the College of Architecture and Urban Planning

Since its inauguration in 1952, the College of Architecture and Urban Planning has been developing its own character and culture while also developing its programs, comprehensive training curriculum, social services, and international exchange programs.

The teaching method at CAUP integrates theoretical foundations with professional skills. Creative thinking and clear teaching styles are greatly encouraged within our faculty. We believe students should be prepared to meet the challenges of modern scientific developments while also accommodating social demands in all facets of their work. In 1989, we established a teaching platform to measure students’ Graduation Design success, not only by theoretical competence, but also by social utility and acceptance. This platform was awarded the National Special Prize. Particularly within the past five years, students’ design work has become further integrated with new social demands and changing social circumstances. These efforts and achievements have been recognized and celebrated by the Chinese society at large. To upgrade the quality of professional training, teaching labs and practice centers have been established, providing practice opportunities for students from varied disciplines and specialties. In 2004, CAUP built ten teaching sub-centers to facilitate the needs of undergraduate educations while also establishing a complete platform for creative practice.

Relying on our comprehensive educational programs and strong team cooperation, we have attained tremendous achievements in basic education, international exchange, applied research and social services. The College and numerous professors have sponsored events which have received great accolades within the national and international design communities. Professor WU Zhiqiang has been selected as the Chief Planner of EXPO 2010, and under his guidance, the College has made great contributions to this significant global project in both research and consultation. The First World Planning Congres, held at CAUP in 2001, was a great success and is regarded as a milestone in the world planning profession. The Design for the Regeneration of a Clan Settlement by Professor CHANG Qing won the golden prize in the First Holcim Awards for Sustainable Construction in the Asia Pacific Region. Professor Ruan Yisan, who is dedicated to historic heritage preservation, won the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Awards. The Table Tennis Stadium design for the 2008 Olympics, completed by Professor QIAN Feng, won First Prize and the commission.

Professor WU Zhiqiang has been selected as a permanent member of UNESCO-UIA World Architectural Education Council and is the only supervisor of the organization’s coordination section of China. Professor RUAN Yisan and Professor ZHOU Jian have received the title of Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. Professor ZHENG Shiling has been granted the thitle of Commendatore della stella della Solidarieta Italiana. Professor FENG Jizhong, Professor LUO Xiaowei and Professor ZHENG Shiling have all received the title of Honorary Fellow Member of the American Institute of Architects (HFAIA).