XJTLU

ARCHITECTURE
MArchDes Prospectus 2014

MArchDES Prospectus 2014

CoNteNts
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Our University .............................................................. 4 Rebuilding architecture (in China)................................ 6 Rethinking Architecture as a practice (Globally) ......... 7 The Department of Architecture.................................. 9 The MArchDES .............................................................. 11 The Accomplishments ................................................... 14 Expertise ....................................................................... 16 Campus & facilities ....................................................... 18 Application, Fees & Scholarships ................................. 20 Contact us .................................................................... 22
MArchDES Prospectus 2014

our uNIVersItY
Xian Jiaotong-Liverpool University

XJTLU is located in Suzhou Higher Education Town; a modern, model city (containing 120 Fortune 500 companies) created alongside the UNESCO world heritage city of Suzhou. With a huge network of canals and bridges it is often referred to as the Venice of the east. It is a part of theYangtze River Delta, a region that accounts for 20 percent of Chinas GDP and one third of its imports and exports.

This is one of the most exciting places to study architecture; where the future of urbanism is being created before your very eyes. We want you to come and experience, research, understand and possibly influence one of the biggest social transformations in human history.

Architecture in China

Worldwide reputation for excellence from both parent universities

English-taught degree programmes

Jointly founded in 2006 by Xian Jiaotong University (one of Chinas leading universities) and the University of Liverpool (UK). As an independent university, it captures the essence of both prestigious parent universities and is the first and the largest of its kind in China.

All degree programmes at XJTLU are taught in English.

Located in Suzhou, China

A 2,500 year-old city and now Chinas Silicon Valley, a hub of global business and innovation just 25 minutes from Shanghai.

All Masters and PhD students will receive the globally-recognised University of Liverpool degree.

UK degree from the University of Liverpool

World-class international learning environment

MArchDES Prospectus 2014 7,000 students. Over 400 academic staff from 50 countries. Modern, lively and green leafy campus.

Opportunity to study Chinese language at all levels. Bilingual graduates (English and Chinese language) are highly sought after in the global job market.

Learn Chinese during your degree

Internationally recognised degree from the University of Liverpool

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MArchDES Prospectus 2014

Rebuilding Architecture [in China]

China is creating 20 cities a year for the next 15 years. It is also aware of the need to preserve much of its rich tradition and history. Shanghai has twice as many skyscrapers as New York while also containing some of the finest art deco buildings anywhere in the world. Old Suzhou, originally the cradle of Wu culture, is now a new city of 7 million people, with an expanding Hi-Tech Industrial Innovation Development District. China is an architectural and urban laboratory and XJTLUs Department of Architectures two-year MArch(Des) Masters programme engages with this risk-taking, forward-looking, challenging and contradictory agenda. In short, XJTLU Department of Architecture is well positioned to address important questions on Architecture, including some of the key grand challenges of the 21st Century.

MArchDES Prospectus 2014

ArcHItecture

Rethinking Architecture [as a Practice]

Critical thinking and creative engagement are buzzwords in the West, but have real meaning at XJTLU. Here we understand the need to generate criticism; involve ourselves in real debates; challenge perceptions; ask awkward questions; investigate new architectural types and styles; study unexplored urban dynamics; discuss city formation; uncover data. We need to understand this country in transition in its own terms, but also to bring the best of the west to bear on the analysis. We need to work out the problems, make proposals and test out ideas. The MArch(Des) takes the local context as a driver for developing architectural design beyond many of the contemporary global debates in architecture.

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MArchDES Prospectus 2014

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THe FACULTY
The XJTLU department of Architecture
Architecture in XJTLU is an ambitious, risk taking department. The department offers the full range of architecture programmes in the form of the BEng Architecture, the MArchDES and the PhD, spanning from critical, rigorous ecucation to practice and research. The members of faculty have a diverse expertise in all areas of architecture in research and in practice. The department is highly collegiate with the most international faculty in China: with academic staff from 15 different countries bringing a diversity of approaches and experience and challenging national prejudices. The facilities of the department include studio spaces, woodworking, laser cutting and printing workshops. XJTLU is seeking international validation at RIBA Part II level from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). This will apply to the first graduating cohort leading to Graduate member of the RIBA status, as well as professional accreditation from the Ministry of Construction in China. China is an architectural and urban laboratory and XJTLUs Department of Architectures two-year MArch(Des) Masters programme engages with this risk-taking, forward-looking and challenging agenda. In short, XJTLU Department of Architecture is well positioned to address important questions on Architecture, including some of the key grand challenges of the 21st Century.

http://arch.xjtlu.edu.cn

XJTLU is exciting and challenging at the same time: It really opens your eyes to converging cultures and it is amazing to see the underlying philosophy of different ways of thinking. The most exciting part though is building a university that is really universal in education, incorporating different ways of thinking but with an excellent quality assurance system.

Theodoros Dounas
Head of Department

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MArchDES Prospectus 2014

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MArch Design
The Curricullum
The MArch (Des) provides new opportunities to re-invent an activity that is in dire need of critical self-reflection and adaptation to new circumstances. As always the danger is that architects get stuck in the era and mindset in which they graduated, with no abilities to critically incorporate the new, or overcome the baggage of the past. In this situation, our MArch (Des) - taught in English, in China - is a unique opportunity in looking forward. The March(Des) focuses on architectural studio design as well as on humanistic and technical modules in preparation of either professional practice or PhD-level studies. Graduates of this programme will receive a Masters degree certificate from the University of Liverpool. Programme length: 2 years full-time at XJTLU in Suzhou Modules Year 1 Design Studio 1 Applied Technology in Architecture Architectural Theory and Criticism Advanced Professional Practice Design Studio 2 Topics in Architectural History Summer Practice Placement (3 months) Year 2 Design Studio 3 Architectural Design and Research Methods Practice Based Enquiry and Architectural Representation Thesis Design Studio 4 Design work in the studios is expected to amount to a coherent body of work for each student, which forms the intellectual basis for the final thesis design project and its accompanying written thesis. The MArch(Des) also comprises lecture-based modules addressing technology applications in architecture, construction and management, practice management, research methods and thesis writing complement and enhance the studio elements. A 3-month practice placement is required although non-credit bearing and will take place during summer between year 1 and year 2.

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MArchDES Prospectus 2014

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MArch Design
Philosophy: Staff and Student led
Faculty members come from diverse backgrounds offering a wide range of expertise in all areas of architecture. XJTLU is the most international department of architecture in China; with faculty coming from over 15 different countries. In this community we create the space for both students and faculty to formulate their own design inquiry. Far from the constraints of the past we shape our graduates through rigorous debate and speculation, to get them prepared for the next decades of architectural practice. The Master of Architectural Design programme has a length of two academic years. Each of the four semesters of the programme is centred on a unitbased studio module. Units are formed around research foci from within the Department of Architecture and to meet specific needs of the profession locally and abroad. Studio units are formed around the following (indicative) issues: -Urban development and regeneration -Innovation in fabrication and construction -Computer-aided architectural design -Architectural theory and criticism -Social and cultural studies Each studio module contains one or several shorter design briefs offering students opportunities and challenges to conduct practice-based research. Design work in the studios is expected to amount to a coherent body of work for each student, which forms the intellectual basis for the final thesis design project and its accompanying written thesis.

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MArchDES Prospectus 2014

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Success
XJTLUs architecture department has attained Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) candidate course status for its Part I undergraduate programme and is seeking international validation at RIBA Part II level. This will apply to the first Masters graduating cohort leading to Graduate member of the RIBA status, as well as professional accreditation from the Ministry of Construction in China. Students in the department regurlarly participate in architectural design competitions and exhibitions, having considerable success and recognition with awards of their work. The department hosted the first conference on masterplanning in China, with an international speaker list, including BIG, OMA, David Chipperfield Architects, Schmidt Hammer Lassen, BDP, Aedas, Miao Design Studio, Arup, Tongji University, Hong Kong University, Kansas State University, Texas University, University of Melbourne, University of Belgrade , University of Florida, University of Cambridge, Royal College of Art, Florida International University, etc, as well as the Britishand Irish Consulate-Generals and representatives of the British Council XJTLU has launched MPTF: the first independent online architectural magazine in China run by the department, which is already making an impact: Read this magazine, it is a valuable resource for those interested in the architecture of China, ProfessorAlan Dunlop, Robert Gordon University, Scotland It says what needs saying, which is good, Simon Allford, AHMM, London Great magazine, Will Alsop, architect Congrats on your fabulous magazine, Angela Brady, RIBA past-president Visit the magazine here: http://www.masterplanningthefuture.org

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Ganna Andrianova

PhD, Kyiv ZNDIEP OJSC (UA) MArch, Odessa State Academy of Construction and Architecture (UA) BArch, Odessa State Academy of Construction and Architecture (UA)

Theodoros Dounas

Dipl. Eng. Arch., Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (GR) Chartered Architect (GR)

generative systems, digital architecture, architectural typology

nature / architecture relationship, architectural typology

Edward Farrell Anuradha Chatterjee

PhD, Built Environment, University of New South Wales (AUS) Masters in Arch. History and Theory, University of New South Wales (AUS) Diploma in Architecture, TVB School of Habitat Studies, New Delhi (IN) Previously Registered at Council of Architecture India (IN)

MSc, Bartlett Graduate School, UCL (UK) BArch, University College, Dublin (IE) RIBA Chartered Architect and Specialist Conservation Architect (UK)

urban regeneration, conservation, professional practice

Architectural History, Theory, and Criticism; and Critical Research in Surface and Generative Fragments in Architectural Design

Thomas Fischer

PhD, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (AUS) PhD, University of Kassel (D) MEd equiv., University of Kassel (D)

computational design, empirical design research

Javier Fdez Contreras

MArch, ETSAM, Polytechnic University of Madrid (ES) Registered Architect (ES)

Maria Fullaondo

think-draw architecture, multi-scalar city, East-West context

PhD, ETSAM, Polytechnic University of Madrid (ES ) MArch, ETSAM, Polytechnic University of Madrid (ES ) Registered Architect (ES)

Design and Graphic Education,Architecture Language, Interdisciplinary Design

Nancy Diniz
MArchDES Prospectus 2014

PhD, Bartlett Graduate School, UCL (UK) MSc, Bartlett Graduate School, UCL (UK) MA UD, ISCTE/IUL (P), Lisbon (P) Dipl. Arch, Lusada University, Lisbon (P) Registered Architect OASRS (P), ARB (UK)

Christian Gaenshirt

Ph.D. Brandenburg University of Technology (D) Dipl.-Ing. Arch. Universitt Fridericiana zu Karlsruhe (D) Licensed and registered Architect, Berlin Chamber of Architects (D)

physical computing, information visualisation

Design research, architectural theory, urban design

EXPERTISE
Christiane M. Herr
PhD, University of Hongkong (HK) MArch, University of Hongkong (HK) Dipl.-Ing. Arch., University of Kassel (D)

Ciro Marquez

MArch, ETSAM, Polytechnic University of Madrid (ES) Registered Architect (ES)

structural design, cross-cultural education, CAAD

Drawing/Design Process Innovation/Association Flexible Architecture

SungHugh Hong

Benjamin A. Spaeth

PhD, Bartlett Graduate School, University College London (UK) MSc (Distinction), Bartlett Graduate School, University College London (UK) MArch, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (USA) Leed Associate

Dipl.-Ing. Arch., University of Stuttgart (D) Chartered Architect (D)

virtual architecture, acoustics, generative design

Energy performance, Building Science

Glen I. Wash

Andrew Johnston

PhD, University of Tokyo (JP) M.Eng., University of Tokyo (JP) Dipl. Arch,. Catholic University of Valparaiso (CL) Licensed Architect (CL)

PhD, University of California, Berkeley (USA) MArch, University of California, Berkeley (USA) MSUD, Pratt Institute (USA) BA, Hampshire College (USA) Registered Architect and Certified Planner (USA)

morphological analysis, self-built settlements

urban design, built heritage, cultural landscape studies

Austin R. Williams

Dip. Arch., Birmingham Polytechnic (UK) BSc(Hons), Bartlett School of Architecture (UK) RIBA Chartered Architect (UK)

Marian Macken PhD, University of Sydney (AUS)

environmental criticism, sustainability, urban population

MArch, University of Technology Sydney (AUS) BLArch, Hons I, University of New South Wales (AUS) BSc (Arch), University of Sydney (AUS)

Claudia Westermann

creative criticism, exhibition, architecture and the book

PhD, CAiiA, University of Plymouth (UK) Pgr. Dipl. Media Art, Karlsruhe University of Art and Design (D) Dipl.-Ing. Arch., University of Karlsruhe, TH (D) Chartered Architect (D)

design poetics, art/science/technology, society and place

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MArchDES Prospectus 2014

tHe XJTLU campus

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Current facilities
XJTLUs campus has expanded rapidly over the past few years, with excellent support and resource facilities all housed on the north campus.
The north campus development provides state-of-the-art teaching, studio, research and support facilities. The north campus, designed by Perkins+Will will accommodate 10,000 students by 2015. The central building housing the library and central administration has been designed by Dr.Andy Wen of Aedas. In addition to world-class fully-equipped science and engineering laboratories, and design studios, the campus also has conference facilities, tennis and basketball courts, a sports field and track, and a variety of catering facilities.

Future expansion
Looking ahead, construction of the south campus development is already underway, with Phase I set for completion in 2015/16.
Upon completion of this exciting development, XJTLU will have the capacity for 14,000 students. The new facilities will include teaching and research space for Humanities and Social Sciences, Industrial Design, and Interdisciplinary Sciences. The campus will also include more world-class labs, studios and study space, as well as catering facilities and a central park area.

MArch(DES) Prospectus 2014

Resources & FACILITIES

The Library
XJTLU students have access to a wide range of Library resources, from books and journals to electronic databases and articles. The XJTLU Library plays a key role as a Research Support and Learning Centre for the university. The Library collection is developed by focusing on subject development and research requirements. The Library currently holds over 500,000 books, which is added to and updated throughout the year in response to requests from academic departments. The Library provides 22,000 square metres of space, housing 300 PCs and 2,500 seats for studying, discussion, experimental computer use and studio work. All our postgraduate students also have free access to the University of Liverpool online library.

IT Services & Workshops

Our computer services take advantage of the latest technology advances and are updated regularly. We provide students with all of the major architecture CAD, image, modeling and simulation software, as well as fully-equipped computer labs across campus. IT Services also provide WI-FI access across campus, file server storage, printing services, and your student ID card. A dedicated IT Helpdesk is available to all students seven days a week. Students have swipe-card access to numerous computer labs across the university campus, and also swipe-card access to the modelling and construction workshops. Three computer labs are located in Building EB. They are equipped with 150 PC workstations with Built Environment relevant and general office software installed and upgraded annually. Students also have access to two large-format poster plotters, two A3 colour printers, and two A3 black and white printers. The modelling and construction workshops include two Trotec Speedy 300 laser cutters with a bed size of 726 x 432mm with cutting and engraving capabilities, soldering stations and a range of timber working tools: bench drill presses, small thickener, disc sanders, and circular saws.

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MArch(DES) Prospectus 2014

APPLICATION
Getting ready to apply
Documents required at the initial application stage include: Certificates of education qualifications and transcripts, translated into English (scanned) Personal statement on the theme: Why is Architecture important? (which you type directly into the online system) n Portfolio of projects, A3 size, typically 10-30 pages
n n

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We reserve the right to request additional documents and references or an interview to assess your academic qualifications for particular programmes.

Apply Online
We encourage all applicants to apply via our online application system. www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/postgraduate If you do not receive the confirmation email within 4 days, or experience any other problems using the online application form, please submit your full application documents to pgadmissions@xjtlu.edu.cn.

After submitting your application form successfully, you will receive a confirmation email from pgadmissions@xjtlu.edu.cn. You may login to view your application form and track your status at any time.

The priority date for applications (for September 2014 entry) is: n 20th February 2014 (international students -Early placement) n 1st April 2014 (for automatic inclusion in scholarship consideration)
We encourage you to complete your application well before this date.

theodoros.dounas@xjtlu.edu.cn architecture@xjtlu.edu.cn Contact us

Entry Requirements
Degree Programme
Architectural Design M MArchDES

Undergraduate Background
An undergraduate degree in BArch, BEng in Architecture, BA (Hons) in Architecture or equivalent. Applicants are required to submit a portfolio of their own creative works (A3-size, typically 10 to 30 pages, in PDF format), as well as references to support their application. Candidates should also bring a printed and bound version of their portfolio along for the interview, later in the application process.

Minimum Entry Requirements

English Language Requirements*

IELTS: 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each of the 4 language skills TOEFL iBT: 88 (with a minimum 21 in listening, 22 in reading, 23 in speaking and 22 in writing)

MArch(DES) Prospectus 2014

UK: Upper Second Class Honours China: 1st tier universities: 75% or above 2nd tier universities: 80% or above North America: 3.0 cumulative GPA (out of 4) or 3.2 cumulative GPA in the final two years of your undergraduate programme Other regions: Equivalent academic qualifications

*English Language Requirements notes

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If English is not your first language, but you are following a full-time degree programme delivered wholly in English, you will normally be exempt from the English language requirements. n If you have not studied at degree level in English, you will need to provide evidence of your level of English proficiency. You should normally possess IELTS or TOEFL as listed in the table, or equivalent. n Individual cases will be considered on their own merit. You may be required to attend an interview or take a test to further demonstrate your English proficiency. You may also be required to take the Pre-Sessional English course (see link here for details).

fees aNd scHolarHIps

Tuition fees
Degree Programme
MArchDES

Total tuition fee

RMB 160,000

Programme duration
2 years, FT

For all our current tuition fees, and further information relating to the fees due for individual programmes of study, visit our website: www.xjtlu.edu.cn/admissions/postgraduate/feesscholarships

Scholarships
XJTLU offers a generous scholarship of 50% of total tuition fee, based on academic merit. If you apply before 1st April 2014, you will automatically be considered for the graduate scholarship, and no separate application is required. Places on taught postgraduate taught courses are limited, so you should submit your application as early as possible. If you are an international applicant and need to obtain a student visa, you will need to leave plenty of time for this process.

The University of Liverpool discount

If you are a graduate of XJTLU, the University of Liverpool or Xian Jiaotong University, you will automatically receive a scholarship of 20% of the tuition fee.

Corporate discounts
We are pleased to offer corporate discounts of: n (1 student Full price) n 2 students 10% discount n 3 students 15% n 4 students or more 20% Note: If you are studying on a corporate discount programme, you will not qualify for an additional scholarship.

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MArch(DES) Prospectus 2014

MArchDES Prospectus 2014

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XJTLU Department of Architecture Exhibition Gallery

CONTACT US

Our team of recruitment and admissions staff are here to provide you with advice and support towards studying at XJTLU via email and in person on our campus. You can also meet the team and academic staff at various education fairs throughout the year - please visit our website for more information.
We are open five days a week from Monday to Friday to provide you with all the information you need about enrolling on a degree programme at XJTLU. Our team is at your service to provide you with admissions advice, programme information and any general questions you have about studying in Suzhou.

We look forward to meeting you soon. Admissions / International Office Central Building, 2nd floor Xian Jiaotong-Liverpool University 111 Renai Road, Dushu Lake Higher Education Town, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, 215123, P R China pgenquiries@xjtlu.edu.cn

Connect with us

www.facebook.com/XJTLU

www.twitter.com/XJTLU

www.linkedin.com/company/xian-jiaotong-liverpool-university MArchDES Prospectus 2014

www.weibo.com/xjtlu

Disclaimer - Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this prospectus. However, the information is subject to correction or change which will be communicated to students as soon as possible.

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