Abstract

In the contemporary context of deeply pervasive digital media, traditional notions of placeness—grounded in linear temporal accumulation and stable narrative structures—are increasingly being displaced by de-anchored systems of signs, placing urban placeness under a condition of deconstruction. Against this backdrop, trans-localism, through a critical

re-recognition and repositioning of the role of media, shifts the framework from a “space–place ” paradigm to a “ space – media – place ” system. This approach constructs a media-mediated “synchronic field,” through which the city may reclaim its sense of placeness. The study further identifies four-dimensional anchoring mechanisms within such synchronic fields and proposes a media-informed design methodology for urban public space, aiming to reestablish the city as a continuously generative super-medium of meaning.

Speaker Bio

Yan Xiangqi is an associate Professor at the School of Architecture and Planning, Hunan University, Council Member of the Hunan Architectural Society, Council Member of the Hunan Design Artists Association, Vice President of the Hunan Interior Design Association, and Visiting Scholar at Harvard University’s CAMLab for the 2025-2026 academic year. His primary research focuses on dynamic urban design methods for existing spaces, as well as the conservation, renewal, and planning of historic urban areas.

Event Information

• Free and open to the public
• April 17th (Friday)
• 12:00 – 1:30 PM ET
• This is an in-person event.

Please note

Advanced RSVP required.
The event will be conducted in Mandarin Chinese.