On September 16, 2024, the final report of the Sino-Japanese Joint Design Workshop between Dalian University of Technology, Dalian Minzu University, and Hiroshima University was successfully completed in Dalian. This project started in 2016 with the theme setting by Dalian University of Technology and Hiroshima University in turn. It has been held for six sessions and is a successful example of international cooperation in teaching.
34 undergraduate and master's students from Architecture, Urban Planning, Industrial Design, and Visual Communication majors from three universities participated in the workshop, divided into six groups with school intersection. The workshop was co-directed by Prof. Lu Wei, Prof. Li Shifen, Assoc. Prof. Lang Liang from the School of Architecture and Fine Art at Dalian University of Technology (DUT) , Prof. Jin Hua, Assoc. Prof. Zhang Dan, Dr. Lin Zixiang from the School of Design at Dalian Minzu University (DLMU), Prof. Bu Deqing from the College of Architecture and Art at North China University of Technology (NCUT), and Prof. Nishina Daisaku, Prof. Tanaka Takahiro, and A. P. Sumikura Hideaki from the Department of Architecture at Hiroshima University (HU). The theme is "Renewal Planning and Design of the Surrounding Area of JR West Hiroshima Station". The site is located in the area of JR West Hiroshima Station in Hiroshima City, where a redevelopment is needed with full consideration of current demand and the exploration of site potential.
The workshop began on June 25th with a welcome Ceremony. Prof. Nishina Daisaku explained the design task and requirements, and conducted the investigation and survey at JR West Hiroshima Station. From June 26th to 30th, each group conducted a secondary survey, as well as discussions on current situation and problem analysis. Under the guidance of tutors from both China and Japan, preliminary design results were formed, and on July 1st, a staged report was conducted. Chinese and Japanese tutors asked questions and provided comments, giving suggestions for deepening the proposal. Prof. Lu Wei and Prof. Nishina Daisaku made summaries of the first stage of work. From July 2nd to 6th, Chinese tutors and students conducted a field trip to Hiroshima, Osaka and Kobe on urban renewal projects and classic architectural works. The next day, they successfully completed the first phase of the workshop and returned back.
Subsequently, students from both China and Japan continued to advance the design progress by groups through online collaboration. According to the schedule, the second phase of the workshop was held from September 14th to 16th at DUT. On September 15th, each group improved the design proposals. On September 16th, the workshop held a final presentation, where 6 groups reported on their previous surveys and final design works. They elaborated on their planning and architectural design considerations for the renewal of JR West Hiroshima Station areas from the aspects of residential revitalization, urban green belts, pedestrian connections, cultural heritage, and station complexes. Prof. Zhou Bo from the School of Architecture and Fine Art at DUT participated as a special guest in the presentation. The excellent presentations and rich achievements of the students received unanimous praise from both tutors and the guest, providing diverse ideas for the urban renewal of the JR West Hiroshima Station area in Hiroshima. Finally, Prof. Lu Wei and Prof. Nishina Daisaku respectively made concluding remarks on behalf of Chinese and Japanese tutors and put forward prospects for future joint design workshops. The 6th Sino-Japanese Joint Design Workshop in 2024 has come to a successful conclusion.
The Sino-Japanese Joint Design Workshop, jointly initiated by three universities, focuses on the renewal and spatial restructuring of urban transportation station areas, and carries out interdisciplinary collaborative design in Urban Planning, Architecture, Landscape, and other aspects. Through continuous visits between the three universities and two locations, a stable international teaching cooperation and exchange platform has been established, forming an innovative model for cultivating international interdisciplinary talents in the field of Architecture category of New Engineering that highlights professional characteristics. Since its establishment, the workshop has received high praise and benefited nearly 300 teachers and students. The tutors of the three schools have all expressed their intention to continue deepening teaching cooperation, consolidating exchange platforms for young students in the fields of Architecture and Urban Planning between the two countries, and contributing to strengthening cultural and academic exchanges between Chinese and foreign young students.
（The workshop was sponsored by the International Fund of School of Architecture and Fine Art.）
