Press Release:

XJTLU’s Department of Architecture (XLarch) is pleased to announce a new two-year Masters programme granting an MArch(Des) degree from the University of Liverpool.

This English-language programme provides a professional architecture degree in the international context of China. The Masters programme balances practice and academically oriented elements. The core of the programme lies in studio design project work, which develops competencies in architectural design, communication, and individual and group design beyond the first degree level. Studios are complemented by modules focused on research and writing, a 10-week long summer practice placement module, and an advanced professional practice module. MArch(Des) graduates are trained to demonstrate critical inquiry in contemporary problems in architectural research and ability in the planning and design of achievable buildings.  XJTLU cultivates a learning environment that fosters independent, innovative and socially aware designers for today’s globalizing world.

More information about the MArch(Des) program is available here.

XLarch offers English-language architecture programmes in China at the undergraduate, Masters, and PhD levels.  Students earn University of Liverpool degrees in one of the world’s most dynamic learning environments.

XJTLU brings together traditions and opportunities from the East and the West on a vibrant, fast-growing campus with world-class facilities in the greater Shanghai area.  Located in the historic city of Suzhou (called the Venice of the East), within one of China’s premiere development projects, the new town of Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), XJTLU embraces the tensions facing China, and indeed the world, between tradition and rapid urbanization.

For more information on the architecture programmes at XJTLU please visit the Department of Architecture.

Department of Architecture
Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
111 Ren’ai Road, Dushu Lake Higher Education Town, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province P.R.China 215123

Trojan Horses
A Rattle Bag from the “Cybernetics: Art, Design, Mathematics—A Meta-Disciplinary Conversation” post-conference workshop.

compiled and edited by
Ranulph Glanville
with
Mick Ashby | Thomas Fischer
Christiane M Herr | Michael Hohl
Aartje Hulstein | Louis H Kauffman
Claudia Westermann

With many others contributing to the ‘play’ chapter 4 laid-out and edited by Aartje Hulstein and me.

Aartje’s and my thanks go to:

Graham Barnes, Jocelyn Chapman and Laura Ehmann, Marianne Ertl, Ranulph Glanville, Ernst von Glasersfeld (†), Phillip Guddemi, Christiane M Herr, Alfred Inselberg, Louis H Kauffman, Allenna Leonard, Judy Lombardi, CJ Maupin, Albert Mueller, Karl H Mueller, Joy Murray, Paul Pangaro, Larry Richards, Bernard Scott, Stuart A Umpleby

edition echoraum | Wien

You can find it here: Claudia Westermann, Myths of Complexity (pre-print version). The manuscript of the presentation at the AA that is mentioned at the end of the article is also available on this blog: Leaves of Architecture (Excerpt) : : Re-Initiation.

Abstract of the Article

The article takes up a dialogue that was initiated in the first issue of Design Ecologies, evolving in relation to questions of design within a context of concepts of complexity. As the first part of the article shows, this process of taking up a dialogue – through reading and writing – can be considered a question of design. This is elaborated alongside de Certeau’s concepts of `tactics’ and `strategies’. Further, in relation to questions emerging from the previous issue of the Design Ecologies journal, the article addresses the notion of complexity through the conceptual lens of poiēsis. It leads complexity to the borders of language.

In China today most people in society have no understanding of what architecture is. They either think that architecture is about bricks and mortar and therefore civil engineering or about carved beams and painted rafters and therefore fine art. They do not realize the true significance of architecture, which demands that something is fit for purpose, solid and beautiful.*

Certainly, this holds true still today, and for most parts of this world – not only China.

* Transcribed from the third part of the documentary: Journeys in Time: Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin by Hu Jincao 

Deadlines

Abstracts (no more than 500 words): February 7, 2013 (deadline was extended)
Full papers: March 1st, 2013
Publication of the printed conference proceedings: March 16th, 2013
conference dates: March 31st- April 2nd.

Please refer to the conference website for further information.

If we could fly we could design places to meet that are like trees.

The architecture department in Suzhou, China, where I currently work at is undergoing further growth. There are several new faculty positions to fill. If you are interested you might want to look at our website for an overview of the department: Architecture Department at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. Informal enquiries may be addressed to the Acting Head of Department, Dr. Thomas Fischer.

Deadline for applications is January 25. To apply, please go to the XJTLU’s online application page: Job Advertisement, XJTLU, Architecture Department

Applications are invited for positions in the Department of Architecture at Xi’an Jiaotong- Liverpool University. The Department currently has 14 academic staff and 300 students. Successful applicants will have, or expect shortly to receive, a PhD, or have teaching experience in higher education of five years or more. Candidates for the position of Associate Professor should also have a strong track record in teaching and academic supervision, as well as an international research profile in their field and a successful record of research funding.

Preference may be given to candidates who can contribute expertise in: architectural design and architectural studio education; mass housing and social aspects of architecture; architectural, environmental or construction science and technology; computer-aided architectural design; professional architectural practice in the Chinese context; architectural theory and criticism. Nevertheless, applications are invited in all areas of architecture, architectural education and architectural research.

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) is a unique collaborative institution, the first and currently the only university in China to offer both UK (University of Liverpool) and Chinese (Ministry of Education) accredited undergraduate degrees. Formed in 2006, the first cohort of students graduated in August 2010. The University now has 6,000 students studying on campus. The language of instruction in Years 2 to 4 is English. XJTLU aims to become truly research-led, and has recently committed significant investment into research development and the expansion of PhD student numbers on campus.

The new and exciting Department of Architecture (“XLarch”) has high ambitions. It is driven by a unique vision and by unique values, setting itself a unique mission and harnessing unique opportunities. Combining East and West, it strives to provide the best of both perspectives in architectural design, appreciation and critique. XLarch cultivates a learning environment that fosters independent, innovative and responsible designers with a thoughtful and imaginative approach to space making. Operating in the English language, XLarch recruits students from amongst the top 5% of Chinese creative thinkers. Synergy with the University of Liverpool leads XLarch to also recruit from overseas, ensuring a diverse mix of approaches to the subject. XLarch students benefit from the Department’s dynamic atmosphere, which constantly engages the vibrant architecture and construction context of Suzhou and the wider region as well as live projects, competitions, academic institutions and events.

XJTLU is located in the Higher Education Town of Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), one of China’s flagship development projects. SIP is a major growth zone, including operations run by nearly one-fifth of the Fortune 500 top global companies. Greater Suzhou is now the fourth largest concentration of economic activity in China in terms of GDP ($160 billion in 2011). The broader Suzhou area encompasses the spirit of both old and new in China, with the historic old town’s canals, UNESCO World Heritage Site gardens, and the I.M Pei-designed Suzhou Museum attracting millions of tourists annually. SIP offers an excellent quality of life with high environmental standards. The nearby Jinji Lake provides attractive views, by day and by night, and there are a variety of shopping facilities, international and local restaurants, entertainment hubs and a great nightlife. Suzhou is also home to four international schools.

The salary range for the positions is 22,932 – 28,098 RMB/month (Lecturer), and 28,523 – 38,939 RMB/month (Associate Professor). In addition, members of academic staff are entitled to accommodation and travel allowances, medical insurance, and relocation expenses. Overseas staff may receive a tax “holiday” of up to three years, depending on nationality and personal circumstances.