The joint exhibition on “Peruvian Architectural Heritage” co-hosted by the School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, and the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP) opened at the school’s exhibition hall on the morning of November 2, 2023. Invited with the support of Tsinghua University Latin America Center, Ms. Selena Zhou, the official in charge of Cultural, Tourism, and Educational Affairs at the Embassy of Peru, attended the opening ceremony and gave a speech. And Prof. Chen Taotao, Director of Tsinghua University Latin America Center, was also in attendance and spoke.
Scene at the opening ceremony
In her address, Ms. Selena Zhou highlighted that Peru’s architectural heritage is a genuine wonder that intertwines the history, culture, and exceptional craftsmanship of various epochs. This country boasts a myriad of architectural wonders, reflecting the rich influences that have left indelible marks on its built environment. These architectural marvels, each adorned with its own distinctiveness, carry immense historical significance, serve as a testament to the wisdom, creativity, and unfathomable depths of spirit possessed by the people who once thrived on this ancient Andean land.
“As a cultural officer at the Peruvian Embassy in China, on behalf of our Ambassador to China, Marco Balarezo, I would like to extend our gratitude to Tsinghua University and the PUCP for organizing this exhibition, as you have provided us with a platform to celebrate and study these architectural masterpieces. It is through such collaborative efforts that we can continue to learn from the past, enrich the present, and inspire future architects and heritage enthusiasts. Thank you for your dedication and support in preserving and promoting the architectural marvels of Peru.”
Speech delivered by Ms. Selena Zhou
Prof. Chen Taotao, in her address, firstly congratulated the successful opening of this exhibition and expressed heartfelt gratitude to Vice Dean Liu Jian and Professor Qing Feng for their invaluable contributions in making this exhibition possible. She took a brief look at the international cooperation and exchanges between Tsinghua University and the PUCP, with the School of Architecture being a particularly active player. This exhibition allowed us who are far away on the other side of the globe to appreciate the greatness and immortality of Peru’s architectural heritage. We are very grateful for the efforts made by both schools of architecture. Looking ahead, Tsinghua University Latin America Center will continue to offer support in facilitating enhanced cooperation and exchange between Tsinghua University and fellow academic institutions throughout Latin America!
Address by Prof. Chen Taotao
In the exhibition’s “Preface”, architect Adriana Scaletti, who is one of the responsible individuals behind organizing this exhibition, stated that “With the kind invitation from Tsinghua University, this collection of exhibition boards presents us with a chance to get a slight glimpse of that mighty and splendid history in China. Although we may be geographically distant from each other, we both have our own familiar spheres of expertise, and, above all, we carry a deep sense of duty and pride derived from the architectural legacies of our past. Culture has always been a driving force, serving as a tool through which our ancestors crafted landscapes, simulated territories, experimented with materials and techniques, enhanced technology, and ultimately, improved the quality of life and societal development”.
As such, we aspire for the utilization of this modest representation to transcend the barriers of oceans and time, bridge the gap between Peru and China, and convey our unique characteristics and pride. Within it, one can encounter immortal architecture from the pre-Spanish era (primitive, indigenous, and locally inspired), sophisticated government buildings (somewhat reflecting elements of European architecture), and a handful of 20th-century constructions, all of which enable us to explore our place in the discourse of modern movements.
It has been reported that the School of Architecture plans to invite architecture faculty and students from relevant universities in Beijing for a visit to Tsinghua University, where they can partake in the exhibition and exchange insights into rich architectural legacy of Peru.
