2006 China Prize
Luo Ke

In 2004, I was selected by my school to visit six Japanese cities. I gained much from that journey. It is no doubt that as a Chinese architecture student, it is a precious chance for me to feel other countries’ architectural history and culture, and learn from their experience. Therefore, I will consider the following things during my next journey:

• Europe is the origin of the current architectural system, and as a student coming from China, it is absolutely the very first choice for me to visit. This trip will help me compare the differences between Eastern and Western architecture.
• Austrian, French, German, and Italian cultures are not only interlinked but also have their respective characteristics: (1) Italy is the cradle of European classical culture. Rome’s classical proportions and plans, Siena and Venice’s layout of city space, and the magnificence of Florence and the Vatican’s Renaissance architecture have made Italy every architect’s pilgrimage place. (2) Germany is the origin of modern architecture. There I can trace the footprints of the Bauhaus and experience the collision of architectural culture and blends of East and West Germany after the Cold War. In addition, Berlin is Europe's biggest construction site, and the reforming of places like Hamburg’s old industrial city are valuable case studies for China. (3) Compared to Germany, France’s old buildings are better retained and the design style is freer. Le Corbusier’s most famous works are located in France. China may directly benefit from Paris’s plan to protect their old town and direct new construction to La Défense. (4) Austria has brought up the profound Vienna separatists, and continuously stands at the forefront of modern design ideas.
• The four countries mentioned above all joined the Schengen Agreement, which lets me avoid the trouble of multiple visas.
• With this traveling loop route, I can experience the most of Western architectural culture within a limited time frame and budget.