Abstract

This lecture focuses on the design and construction of the “Chinese Garden” at the Louvre-Lens branch in France, tracing its core path from concept to implementation. At the beginning, the architect faced multiple challenges such as site limitations, integration with the local context, and cross-border construction. Instead, he drew inspiration from the “following the terrain” principle and the artistic atmosphere of literati gardens in the southern Jiangnan region. Subsequently, through on-site investigations, he selected the best location for the garden. Based on the local environment, the architect refined the concept of “Whirling Shadows”, combining traditional construction with local coal gangue, and using prefabricated components to solve construction problems, resulting in a design scheme that combines traditional charm with contemporary style. Finally, the garden was constructed through Chinese prefabrication processing, cross-border transportation, and on-site assembly. The lecture concludes by reflecting: In a multicultural context, the “Chinese Garden” inherits traditional garden culture with innovative thinking, providing new possibilities for its contemporary international dissemination.

Speaker Bio

Tian LENG is the Associate Professor, Deputy Department Head, and Master’s supervisor of the School of Architecture and Urban Planning at Nanjing University. He is also the visiting Scholar at Harvard FAS CAMLab for the academic year 2025-2026. His main research areas include the protection and renewal of modern architectural heritage, and the comparison of Chinese and Western cultures.

Event Information

• Free and open to the public
• November 14th (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.