Tsinghua Xue Tang

What a coincidence: After reading David Orr's chapter "Architecture and Education" not that long ago, I was told by parents over the phone last night over the ocean that the oldest building in Tsinghua University was damaged by a big fire. Tsinghua University, one of the top rated university in China, has a special relation with me and my family. I went the middle school attached to Tsinghua University, which is in(or at least right next to) the University. Going to school every day, I walked across the campus, hoping that one day I will be able to go there. I knew that Tsinghua was the place for me since middle school until my whole life path changed when I came here to the US.

The building, "Tsinghua Xue Tang" (Tsinghua College) was one the first architectures on campus. It was built in 1911 by the education directers in Qing Dynasty. It was originally built for the use if offices similar to the "study aboard office" here at St. Olaf. Since then this building has become a symbolic architecture not only in Tsinghua but also in all colleges and university in China. I find it surprising at first because when I think of an iconic architecture in China a picture of old tradition Chinese building with red paint and stuck out roof like this.

Tsinghua Xue Tang is a classic German style building, contrasting the "Chinese old" college environment. It was later used for classrooms and dorms for the science department after the Qing dynasty. This reminds me of Holland Hall here, where it was also home of the science building, and it was also the sort of different style building. Technology and science in old China represent the western continents. It seems reasonable that the science department was set here.The building was also used for the architecture department. If I were the executive decision maker I would make it the architecture department too because its architectural structure is so distinct, special, and innovative. Just before the fire, the building served as the administration building, especially when first year students arrive on campus on their first day of college, they come to Xue Tang as their first stop.

It was heart breaking when I heard the news that it was mostly ruined by the fire. It is soon going to be the 100 year anniversary of the university. As one of the major and important symbolic building, there exists so much history, stories, and for me, a lot of good memories.