The Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) in Beijing, China, has tapped award-winning Chinese architect Zhu Pei as its next dean of the School of Architecture. Zhu Pei founded his firm Studio Zhu-Pei in 2005 known for its cutting-edge integration of cultural roots and contemporary innovation in design. Zhu Pei has taught at Harvard GSD and Columbia University GSAPP, two of the leading graduate programs in the world.
Studio Zhu-Pei is recognized for a range of projects around the world, including Imperial Kiln Museum in Jingdezhen, The Performance Art Center in Dali and Minsheng Museum of Modern Art in Beijing. While his studio has an extensive portfolio of novel work, Zhu Pei himself also boasts a long list of awards. His accolades include the AIA Honor Award, Design Vanguard Award from Architectural Record, China Award from Architectural Record, as well as the honor of being an architecture jury member for the Mies van der Rohe Award.
"As the top art school in China, CAFA has a strong culture and tradition which are art and innovation. School of Architecture CAFA should be leading Chinese architecture academic society to generate a critical thinking and creativity about future architecture," Zhu Pei said in a statement to the press. "Our school will focus on cutting-edge issues in architecture education, research and practice, build a high academic platform for future critical architectural education with a sensibility of nature, culture and creativity."
Studio Zhu-Pei's Vaulted Museum Design Takes Inspiration from Historic Chinese Ceramic Kilns
