On September 29, 2024, the USC U.S.-China Institute hosted a workshop at the Huntington’s Chinese garden, offering K-12 educators hands-on insights into using the garden as a teaching tool. With expert presentations, a guided tour, and new resources, the event explored how Chinese gardens' rich history and cultural significance can be integrated into classrooms. Interested in learning more? Click below for details on the workshop and upcoming programs for educators.
Medieval Architecture in China through Modern Technology: Region, Style, and Patterns of Change
Tracy Miller will give a talk on architecture at the University of Pennsylvania
Where
Tracy Miller, Vanderbilt
Today an open China that embraces foreign tourism and study has allowed for an unprecedented awareness of and access to the monumental timber-frame buildings of traditional China. Dozens of buildings dated between the years 900-1200 CE are extant, and a vast array of difference in architectural detail and building technique has increasing come to light--differences which demand our attention. Using GIS technology to document Chinese temple architecture from this period, I have worked to map architectural features of more than 100 buildings across the PRC to examine the distribution of these elements geographically.
As a form of public art, the decision to retain local stylistic traditions or respond to trans-local trends reveals self-conscious choice. This paper examines the ways in local styles were retained even when confronted with new architectures expressing trans-local tendencies in building practice and explores reasons why these choices may have been made during a dynamic period of divided rule in China.
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Happy Lunar New Year from the USC US-China Institute!
Events
Ying Zhu looks at new developments for Chinese and global streaming services.
David Zweig examines China's talent recruitment efforts, particularly towards those scientists and engineers who left China for further study. U.S. universities, labs and companies have long brought in talent from China. Are such people still welcome?