This illustrated short course explores the history and culture of Beijing through its architecture. In four sessions, participants will gain an understanding of Beijing’s history as a capital of China, from its imperial architecture and layout to its commercial and residential architecture and changes undergone in the 20th and 21st centuries.Each session will feature a well-known speaker on a select subject. Topics covered will include the construction of the Forbidden City and the main monuments of imperial architecture, the interior design of well-known houses, city planning, and the challenges and promise of contemporary architecture. Our final session will feature a discussion with Chien Chung Pei, talking about the works and experiences that Pei Partnership Architects has had constructing and designing buildings and interiors in Beijing.

• April 29 – Nancy S. Steinhardt, Ph.D, The Forbidden City: Then and Now
• May 6 – Ronald G. Knapp, Ph.D., Beijing’s Traditional Homes
• May 13 – Michael Meyer, The Last Days of Old Beijing (Mr. Meyer will join via Skype)
• May 20 – A Conversation with Chien Chung Pei, Pei Partnership Architects in Beijing

(Recommended readings and curriculum materials will be provided to course participants.)

Wednesday Nights
April 29 – May 20

6:30 PM – 8:00 PM