Architecture is a microcosm of the times. In the past three decades when China experienced the massive urbanization, architectural market also developed from scratch, then grew and expanded explosively. He Jingtang, who has been leading his team practicing the architectural design in the market from the very beginning of the urbanization movement, witnessed the drastic changes in China over the past three decades, and every architecture they create reflects profound thoughts on place, culture and time.

This exhibition selected more than 20 pieces of works of He Jingtang that represented influential social events and important periods in China, such as China Pavilion, EXPO 2010 Shanghai, China; Expansion Project for Memorial Hall of Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders; Wenchuan Earthquake Epicenter Memorial Hall and Dachang Cultural Center. 

Located in the Wurster Hall of UC Berkeley, this exhibition occupies spaces of square, entrance hall and reading room. Models dominate while multimedia presentation and interactive screen touch techniques as assistance for audience. Indoor and outdoor exhibition are well-integrated.

In the opening address, academician He Jingtang said that Chinese cities were undergoing drastic urban transformation and development in an unprecedented scale and speed. And “This is a golden age with both opportunities and challenges for architect”. In many years of dedicated architectural practices, academician He has been exploring the ultimate truth about architecture and the philosophy of architectural creation. Gradually his ideas could be summed up as “Two Concepts (holism and sustainability) and Three Features (place, culture and time)”, which means that architecture needs to embody holism and sustainability, while the architectural creation should realize the harmony and unity of place, culture and time. In the meantime, efforts of academician He in working on innovative concepts, cultivating innovative talents and building innovative teams combined with architecture design are reflected in the designs of a series of representative buildings as he keeps exploration to respond to the enormous transformation and challenges faced by the Chinese society and the major events of the society. At the end of speech, academician He expressed his deep gratefulness towards the support from the University of California, Berkeley, Mr. Choi Kin Chung and his team, as well as the student team for their great supports and kind help. 

For more information, please click here.