Asian/Chinese Architecture Expert Lectures

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 20, 2009) - The last lecture of the fall semester for the University of Kentucky College of Design Lecture Series (pdf) will be presented by Jianfei Zhu, a senior lecturer in architecture at the University of Melbourne. Jianfei Zhu's lecture, which is free and open to the public, is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, in 209 Pence Hall.
 
Jianfei Zhu studied architecture in China and England. He lectured at the AA (Architectural Association), Bartlett School of Graduate Studies at University College London, and a few other schools before joining the University of Melbourne in 1999. He teaches theories of architecture, Asian metropolis, and architectural design. Jianfei's work explores aspects of Asian/Chinese modernities.

Jianfei's research focus has evolved from political space of imperial Beijing to modern architecture and urbanities in China and parts of Asia. In the earlier work, "a celestial battlefield," the first in any language to analyze space-power operations of Beijing's palace, was translated into Chinese and has attracted sustained attention in China. Published now as a book, "Chinese Spatial Strategies," it offers an analytical study of the pre-1911 imperial capital.

Recent articles by Jianfei on modern and new architecture from China appeared in French, German, Spanish, English and Chinese. These articles explore historical structure, breakthroughs after 1976 and 1996, and current dialogue between China and the West. Jianfei has guest lectured at various places including the AA and the Royal Academy of Arts in London, as well as schools in China. His current work explores Beijing of the 1950s and issues of the metropolis.

The UK College of Design Lecture series event featuring Jianfei is made possible with the support of a co-sponsor, the UK Asia Center.

For more information on the Jianfei Zhu lecture, call the UK College of Design at (859) 257-7617.