Preface: Tsinghua University School of Architecture is a world-renowned institution for architectural education. But how does a design institute operate within such a prestigious university system? Over its 60-year history, how has the Tsinghua University Architectural Design and Research Institute (THAD) maintained its relationship with the school, and what transformations has it witnessed in China's architectural industry? What challenges does the contemporary architectural field face? How will design institutes evolve under shifting national policies? How significant is the gap between architecture students and practicing professionals, and what qualities do contemporary architects lack? ArchDaily had the privilege of conducting an in-depth interview with Professor Zhuang Weimin, Dean of the Tsinghua University School of Architecture and President of THAD, to explore these questions.
ArchDaily: Hello, Professor Zhuang, and thank you for taking the time for this interview. To begin, could you share a bit about your career? When did you start practicing, when did you join the Tsinghua Design Institute, and when did you assume the role of president?
Zhuang Weimin: I returned to China in 1989 after completing a joint PhD program abroad, after which I completed my dissertation and defense. I officially graduated and joined the Institute in 1992. Back then, the Institute was divided into several smaller offices, and its scale was nothing like it is today—we had about 150 people. I started as an entry-level designer and became president in 2000.
