Recently, the exhibition A Shanghai Architect & The World He Connected opened at Tongji University. This remarkable exhibition was recently highlighted as the lead story on CCTV Variety Channel's Culture Spotlight. Let's take a look.

The exhibition is divided into two sections: The Documentary Exhibition for Documentary "L.E. Hudec" and Academic Genealogy Exhibition on Shanghai Modern Architects Researches by Tongji University.

The theme "A Shanghai Architect" refers both to the documentary's main subject European architect László Hudec, who worked in Shanghai, and to the modern Chinese and foreign architects in Shanghai. "The World He Connected" indicates that architects of this era were bridges and messengers of exchanges between Chinese and Western civilizations, and also that the profession of architecture connects a broad spectrum of social areas, with architectural heritage embodying cultural values and collective memories.

Documentaries, as cultural vehicles that bridge cultures and media, also connect the world and seek and achieve consensus during the processes of research, filming, and dissemination.

The Documentary Exhibition for Documentary "L.E. Hudec"

The Documentary Exhibition for Documentary "L.E. Hudec" highlights the five-episode documentary L.E. Hudec, produced by Central Studio of News Reels Production with support from the "Document China" Communication Project of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee (State Council Information Office). The documentary, which covers three continents and took three years to film, features extensive archival materials and interview footage gathered from various countries. It commemorates the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Hungary and Slovakia in 2024. The foundational research conducted by Tongji University played a vital role in the documentary's production.

Academic Genealogy Exhibition on Shanghai Modern Architects Researches by Tongji University

The Academic Genealogy Exhibition on Shanghai Modern Architects Researches by Tongji University showcases Tongji University's extensive research and academic legacy in the study of Shanghai's modern architectural history. The exhibition has reviewed thousands of theses from the College of Architecture and Urban Planning at Tongji University since the 1980s, identifying over 200 theses on the history of modern Shanghai's urban and architectural development. Among these, 15 theses specifically focus on the research of modern Chinese and foreign architects in Shanghai and their works, covering 13 groups of 17 architects (10 Chinese and 7 foreign architects). The exhibition explores the historical contributions of these 17 architects, who represent the modern architects of Shanghai from three perspectives: "Roots: Originating from the World", "Achievements: Shaping Shanghai Together", and "Heritage: Integrating into the Present". It highlights the connection between Shanghai's modern architecture and world culture, as well as its integration into modern life.

Zheng Shiling, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, an renowned expert at the history and heritage protection of modern Shanghai architecture, and a professor at Tongji University, commented after visiting the exhibition: "These are two exhibitions focusing on Shanghai's modern architecture and architects, highlighting the early connections with global globalization. We visited the documentary and architect exhibition with enthusiasm and respect. The exhibition, which is both academic and informative, connects architect László Hudec with 17 Chinese and foreign architects, transforming one building into hundreds and thousands of buildings."

"As an architect from Europe who arrived in China alone during a tumultuous period and made his mark in Shanghai, he has left behind a unique legacy for future generations," said Wu Jiang, one of the academic advisors of the documentary and former Executive Vice President of Tongji University. The documentary L.E. Hudec brings this legendary story to the screen and to the public, showcasing Shanghai's inclusiveness and greatness to the world. The exhibition further propels the research findings behind this legendary story to the forefront of academic research.

Venue: B1, Building C, College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University (Siping Road Campus)

Duration: Until February 14 (Off-campus visitors are welcome to enter the campus on foot using their ID cards)