A delegation from Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology (XAUAT) visited the Faculty of Architecture of Chulalongkorn University (Chula) in Thailand from May 24 to 28, 2024, at the invitation of the Faculty. The delegation members included Professor Lei Zhendong, Dean of the College of Architecture, Professor Dang Yutian, Vice Dean, Associate Professor Liu Zonggang and Associate Professor Li Kun, commissioners for international exchange and cooperation in Asia.

It is the second formal visit between the two sides since XAUAT initiated the establishment of the SRIAATU and its Architecture and Urbanism Sub-Alliance in October 2023. At the closing session of the Asian Universities Alliance Academic Conference on Design for Society hosted by the Chula Faculty of Architecture, Professor Lei gave a speech entitled “Design for Rural Life with Different Needs”.

He analyzed the connotation of and relations among architectural modes, design methods and architectural technologies in rural construction, and took five ongoing rural architectural projects in China as examples to explain the design methods in rural architecture, that is, adapting to local conditions, solving problems according to specific circumstances and tailoring to individual needs. During the visit, the two schools held several formal discussions on launching international exchange and cooperation projects. They discussed topics such as research orientations, teaching models and types of exchange programs, and reached an understanding on joint training of graduate students, dual degrees and visiting scholars. They agreed to launch this year an international design workshop on the protection of historical and cultural heritage and the renewal of urban and rural buildings.

The two sides also make a field trip to the subdistrict of Bang Khu Wiang to the northwest of Bangkok, one of the potential subjects for bilateral cooperation in research and teaching. This area boosts unique traditional rural settlements and preserves a complete water transportation system, local residential buildings, and lifestyle, while its landscape and development have been challenged by natural disasters, urban expansion, construction, and outbound migration. Exploring the protection and development of traditional settlements provides an opportunity for future cooperation and exchanges between the two sides.

This successful visit has deepened the mutual understanding between the XAUAT College of Architecture and the Chula Faculty of Architecture, promoted the friendly relations between the two sides and laid the foundation for future cooperative projects in multiple fields.