Description
An ancient Chinese proverb states: “In heaven there is paradise, on earth there is Suzhou and Hangzhou.” Organized by the Accademia Adrianea in collaboration with the SIURH research unit (Sino-Italian Urban Regeneration HUB) and the Department of Architecture of the Design School at XJTLU (Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University), the workshop focuses on reinterpreting the traditional Chinese garden through the language of contemporary architecture.Set within the Humble Administrator’s Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of extraordinary beauty located in Suzhou's historic Gusu district, the initiative aims to explore new modes of dialogue between the past and the present. The Gardens, a celebration of the balance between nature, architecture, and spirituality, embody a metaphysical vision of the landscape that participants will be tasked with reinterpreting. The workshop invites attendees to imagine how these symbolism-rich places can accommodate innovative design languages that respect their historical essence while simultaneously enriching the cultural and tourist experience. The Gusu district will also provide an ideal setting for experimenting with solutions that blend tradition and modernity.
During the workshop, students will work at the XJTLU campus in Suzhou, just thirty minutes from Shanghai, where they will have access to laboratories, digital resources, and collaborative workspaces to develop their design proposals in an interdisciplinary environment. The program includes guided visits, thematic seminars, and hands-on workshops. The design proposals, which will range from museum itineraries to temporary exhibition spaces, will integrate traditional materials and advanced technologies, with particular attention paid to sustainability.
The results of the workshop will be presented in a public exhibition hosted by the Department of Architecture at XJTLU, celebrating the dialogue between East and West and the role of contemporary architecture in enhancing and reinterpreting cultural heritage.
| Period | 2 Jan 2026 → 12 Jan 2026 |
|---|---|
| Event type | Workshop |
| Location | Suzhou, ChinaShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | International |