Title
Tenured Professor
Education Background
Admitted to the Department of Architecture, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University in September 1987
Graduated from the School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture in July 1992
Admitted to the Institute of Architectural History and Theory, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University in September 1997
Graduated from the School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, with a doctoral degree in Engineering in the field of Architectural History and Theory in July 2002
Work Experience
Worked as a teacher at the Department of Environmental Art Design, Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University since August 2002
Appointed Executive Deputy Editor-in-Chief of ZHUANGSHI in January 2007
Appointed Editor-in-Chief of ZHUANGSHI since May 2009
Served as an assistant to the Dean of the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University from 2015 to 2018
Served as the Dean of the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University since July 2018
Social Services
Executive Deputy Editor-in-Chief of ZHUANGSHI in 2007
Editor-in-Chief of ZHUANGSHI since 2009
Deputy Director of the Beijing International Design Week Organizing Committee Office
Director of the 5th Council of the China Periodicals Association
Vice Chairman of the Professional Committee of Environmental Art, Architectural Society of China
Honorary Vice Chairman of the Glass Committee, China Arts and Crafts Association
Vice Chairman of the China Association for Standardization Urban Furniture Branch
Editorial Board Member of Design Community
President of Nest Award Organizing Committee
Vice Chairman, Secretary-General of the China Habitat Environment Design Academic Year Award Organizing Committee
Research Interests
Research on Chinese traditional gardening theory and its contemporary application, as well as Chinese contemporary urban public space design
Academic Claims
Professor Fang Xiaofeng received his doctoral degree in Architectural History and Theory from the School of Architecture, Tsinghua University with his dissertation titled Research on the Religious Architecture of Beijing Palace in Qing Dynasty. He developed a set of design culture research methodology that focuses on understanding people through objects. In recent years, he has primarily focused on the study of Chinese classical gardens, architectural history, and design history. Starting with an inquiry into causes, he examines the act of creation within the context of cultural systems from an ontological perspective, thereby refining his academic framework of “big history” and developing a comprehensive, integrative view of design culture. Through this, he has established a systematic method for exploring design history and culture, while also shaping a holistic approach to design thinking. His presented his views in his main works such as Prefaces, On Architecture, and The Great Chinese Gardens: History, Concepts, Techniques.
For the past decade, he has been contemplating, exploring, and actively practicing how to establish the disciplinary paradigm of design studies. On a global scale, design, as a newly emerging discipline, faces the challenge of an unclear disciplinary paradigm. In many universities across China, the discipline of design is evolved from either fine arts or engineering, leading to its academic paradigm being greatly influenced by the two disciplines. Professor Fang Xiaofeng proposed establishing a new paradigm for design studies based on its integrative nature and practical capabilities, through a “practice-oriented, research-driven” approach. In his works New Paradigm of Design Study, New Paradigm of Design Study 2, and New Paradigm of Design Study 3, he systematically presented outstanding research achievements from both China and abroad under the new paradigm for design studies, providing design researchers with a wealth of valuable perspectives, methods, and approaches for research.
He focused on the education and dissemination of design thinking, and was invited to give lectures at several leading design universities across the country on the topic “Design Thinking Beyond Form.” He proposed the theoretical framework of “replacing formal aesthetics with environmental aesthetics," which strengthened the theoretical foundation of the discipline of environmental design. In his view, traditional art forms serve as both the starting point and the endpoint, with the creation itself being the object of aesthetic appreciation. However, in environmental art design, the relationship with the environment is the starting point, while form is the endpoint, though not the entirety; environmental relationship is the object of aesthetic appreciation.
He is an active advocate for design ethics research in China. Ethical thinking is an important reflection of the cultural attributes of the design discipline and a key part of design thinking that goes beyond mere formal aesthetics. Since 2007, he has been organizing national design education forums, focusing on discussions related to design ethics. In September 2007, he co-hosted a Design Ethics Forum in Hangzhou in collaboration with the Art Design College of Zhejiang Gongshang University. He signed and issued the Hangzhou Declaration with the teachers’ representatives of design schools across the country. He made full use of ZHUANGSHI as an academic platform, and organized multiple themed discussions on topics related to ethics, such as design for the elderly, design care, service design, safety, design for children, and the debate on green design.
Publications
2020, New Paradigm of Design Study 3, Shanghai People’s Fine Arts Publishing House
2019, New Paradigm of Design Study 2, Shanghai People’s Fine Arts Publishing House
2018, New Paradigm of Design, Shanghai People’s Fine Arts Publishing House (The book has received considerable attention in academic circles. It has been reissued in one year after its initial publication and been adopted as required reading for graduate students in several design schools across China)
2018, Research on the Religious Architecture of Beijing Palace in Qing Dynasty, Liaoning Art Publishing House
2016, Locus - Identified by the History, China Architecture Publishing & Media Co., Ltd. (awarded one of the “Most Beautiful Books in China” in 2018)
2014, Prefaces, Jiangxi Fine Arts Publishing House
2009, The Great Gardens of China: History, Concepts, Techniques, China Youth Publishing House (It has been published in six languages overseas, becoming an important document for people around the world to understand Chinese garden art)
2007, Material Insights: Application and Research of Decorative Materials, China Architecture Publishing & Media Co., Ltd.
2007, On Architecture (self-selected collection of essays), China Water & Power Press (awarded one of the “Most Beautiful Books in China” in 2007)
Academic Papers
[1] Fang Xiaofeng. Moving Beyond the Myth of Bauhaus: The Need for Platform-Based Design Education [J]. Design, 2019,32(24):28-31.
[2] Fang Xiaofeng. Practice Guide, Research Drive: How Does Design Study Establish its Own Disciplinary Paradigm [J]. ZHUANGSHI, 2018(09):12-18.
[3] Fang Xiaofeng. The Beauty of the City: Contest and Consensus [J]. Art Observation, 2018(05):13-14.
[4] Fang Xiaofeng. Ethical Thinking of Design Intervening in Rural Construction [J]. ZHUANGSHI, 2018(04):12-15.
[5] Fang Xiaofeng. The World in A Pot, An Exquisite Creation: Alienation of Mountains in Jiangnan Private Gardens in the Late Qing Dynasty [J]. ZHUANGSHI, 2017(03):12-17.
[6] Fang Xiaofeng. Beautiful Villages and Rural Construction Ethics: A Review of the Cultural Center in Chetian Village, Gui’an, Guizhou [J]. Time Architecture, 2017(01):94-101.
[7] Fang Xiaofeng. Folk Art Saving Design [J]. New Arts, 2015,36(11):65-67.
[8] Fang Xiaofeng. On Design Activism [J]. ZHUANGSHI, 2015(07):12-16.
[9] Fang Xiaofeng. Environmental Awareness Raising [J]. Design Community, 2015(03):12-17.
[10] Fang Xiaofeng. The Dangers and Value of the “East” [J]. New Arts, 2015,36(04):9-10.
[11] Fang Xiaofeng. The Possibility of Minimalism: Inspiration from Alvaro Siza [J]. ZHUANGSHI, 2014(10):20-25.
[12] Fang Xiaofeng. Production is the Basis of Arts and Crafts Aesthetics [J]. ZHUANGSHI, 2014(05):22-25.
[13] Fang Xiaofeng. Hometown: A Vision of the City Beyond Images [J]. Public Art, 2014(01):86-88.
[14] Fang Xiaofeng. Learning from Greece, Becoming Rome: The Innovative Path of Ancient Roman Architecture [J]. ZHUANGSHI, 2013(08):12-17.
[15] Fang Xiaofeng. Star Power in Design? - A Perspective on the Design Star System [J]. ZHUANGSHI, 2013(03):12-15.
[16] Fang Xiaofeng. Reflections on the Forms of Public Art: An Interview with Fang Xiaofeng, Editor-in-Chief of ZHUANGSHI [J]. Art of Design (Journal of Shandong University of Art and Design), 2013(01):30-35.
[17] Fang Xiaofeng. Ethical Turn of Postmodernism [J]. ZHUANGSHI, 2012(10):26-31.
[18] Fang Xiaofeng. How to Express Dynamic Image through Baroque Architecture [J]. ZHUANGSHI, 2012(05):12-16.
[19] Fang Xiaofeng. Study History with Questions [J]. ZHUANGSHI, 2012(01):60-61.
[20] Fang Xiaofeng. The Perfect Dome: The Innovative Path of Italian Renaissance Architecture [J]. ZHUANGSHI, 2011(09):12-15.
[21] Fang Xiaofeng. Ethical Thinking on the Design of Urban Spatial Boundaries [J]. ZHUANGSHI, 2011(07):18-21.
[22] Fang Xiaofeng. Architecture: Fashion or Eternity? [J]. ZHUANGSHI, 2011(03):12-17.
[23] Fang Xiaofeng. How to Achieve Ideal Community [J]. Design Community, 2011(01):42-44.
[24] Fang Xiaofeng. How to Resist the Vulgarity of the City [J]. Art Observation, 2010(11):23-24.
[25] Fang Xiaofeng. National Image in the Expo Park [J]. Art Observation, 2010(09):15-16.
[26] Fang Xiaofeng. Building or Machine: Machine Aesthetic in Modern Architecture [J]. ZHUANGSHI, 2010(04):13-20.
[27] Fang Xiaofeng. The Goodwill of Museums: Museums, Culture, and Architecture [J]. Urban Environment Design, 2009(12):168-169.
[28] Fang Xiaofeng. Translation of ZHUANGSHI [J]. ZHUANGSHI, 2009(12):23-24.
[29] Fang Xiaofeng. The Power of Gothic Architecture: Plebification and Integrity [J]. ZHUANGSHI, 2009(11):14-21.
[30] Fang Xiaofeng. Illuminating Public Architecture with the Light of Public Spirit [J]. People’s Tribune, 2009(10):32-33.
[31] Fang Xiaofeng. The Imperial Utopia - The Ideal Realm of Imperial Gardens in the Qing Dynasty [J]. ZHUANGSHI, 2009(05):19-23.
[32] Fang Xiaofeng. The Practical Significance of the Issues of Regionalism and Contemporaneity [J]. Art Journal, 2009(01):8-10.
[33] Fang Xiaofeng. The Four Emperors of the Early Qing Dynasty and the Construction of Court Religious Architecture [J]. ZHUANGSHI, 2008(12):66-72.
[34] Fang Xiaofeng. Discussion on People’s Livelihood Design [J]. ZHUANGSHI, 2008(10):12-15.
[35] Fang Xiaofeng. New Possibilities for Academic Media in the Digital Age [J]. Art Research, 2008(02):11-13.
[36] Fang Xiaofeng. Critique and Inheritance of the Homeland: A Cultural Comparison of Courtyard-style Housing [J]. ZHUANGSHI, 2008(03):20-25.
[37] Fang Xiaofeng. Chopsticks · Clock · Olympic Torch - Cultural Standpoint of Ethic Thinking [J]. ZHUANGSHI, 2007(09):23-25.
[38] Fang Xiaofeng. The Freshness of Art Nouveau [J]. ZHUANGSHI, 2007(05):8-11.
[39] Fang Xiaofeng. The Spatial Structure and Origins of Religious Architecture in the Forbidden City during the Qing Dynasty [J]. History of Architecture, 2003(01):37-44+248.
[40] Fang Xiaofeng. Research on the Religious Architecture of the Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace) [J]. Palace Museum Journal, 2002(01):39-49.
[41] Fang Xiaofeng. Exploring “Ritual Architecture” [J]. Treatises on History of Architecture, 2002,15(01):65-70+259.
[42] Fang Xiaofeng. A Preliminary Study of the Religious Architecture and Spatial Layout of the Imperial Harem in the Forbidden City [J]. Treatises on History of Architecture, 1999,11(00):104-110+297.
Main Awards
2007, “Academic Newcomer Award” from Tsinghua University
2020, Excellence Award, Traditional Chinese Garden Art as Spatial Narrative Text, Art Project of the National Social Science Fund of China
Design Works
2020, Landscape Design of the Engineering Physics Building, Tsinghua University
2020, Landscape Renovation Design of the Northeast Entrance of Tsinghua University
2019, Design Proposal of Zibo Tsinghua Academy of Arts & Design Industrial Culture Park
2019, Landscape Optimization Design for the Tsinghua University Memorial Monument “Children of the Motherland, Heroes of Tsinghua”
2019, Landscape Design of “Xuyuan,” Tsinghua University
2017, Architectural Planning and Design for Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts, Wusong International Art City, Shanghai
2007, Overall Environment and Landscape Design of the Monument of National Southwest Associated University, Tsinghua University
2006, Comprehensive Environmental Renovation Design for the Area in Front of the Main Building of Tsinghua University
2006, Reconstruction Design for the North Gate of the Beijing Banknote Printing Factory
2005, Master Plan for Artistic Design and Cultural Construction of the Three Gorges Dam
2004, Planning and Design of “Hujia Garden” in Nanjing
2004, Planning and Design of “Yinzi Shanche Cultural Park” in Nanjing
2003, Conservation Plan for the Modern Architecture (Former Expert Apartments) of the Beijing Banknote Printing Factory
2002, Conservation Planning for the National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site “Ji Ming Station” in Hebei Province
2001, Survey of Cultural Relic Buildings in Dongcheng District (12 Sites Completed)
2001, Conservation Planning for “Snow City,” Potala Palace in Tibet
2000, Graduate Dormitory Design Proposal for University of Science and Technology of China
1999, Design Proposal for the New Leifeng Pagoda at West Lake, Hangzhou
Organization and Planning of Academic Activities
In 2020, he curated and chaired the “6th China Habitat Environment Design Academic Year Award” and the “3rd ZHUANGSHI Annual Symposium” themed “New Paradigms in Design Research: Reality, Issues, Transformation.” He also participated in the organization of the “New Era · New Liberal Arts: National Symposium on Art Disciplinary Development,” and the planning of the 2020 Beijing International Design Week theme exhibition “In the Perspective of Well-being - Design Innovation in Poverty Alleviation;”
In 2019, he curated and chaired the “5th China Habitat Environment Design Academic Year Award” and the “2nd ZHUANGSHI Annual Symposium” themed “New Paradigm of Design Study: Methods, Tools and Paths.” He also participated in the planning of the “Create for China • Create for People - Works of Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University” and the 2019 Beijing International Design Week theme exhibition “Exhibition of National Image Design at the Beginning of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China;”
In 2018, he curated and chaired a series of events to celebrate the 60th anniversary of ZHUANGSHI, including the Commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of ZHUANGSHI Journal, “Beauty for the Masses: A Documentary Exhibition of Chinese Design Journals,” “Invitational Exhibition of the 60th Anniversary of ZHUANGSHI Journal,” and “Future-oriented Design: International design Journal Editor Forum.” He also curated and chaired the “4th China Habitat Environment Design Academic Year Award” and the “1st ZHUANGSHI Annual Symposium” themed “New Paradigm of Design Study;”
In 2017, he curated and chaired the “China Modern Design History Forum and Literature Research Workshop,” “The 3rd China Habitat Environment Design Academic Year Award,” and “Exploring the Path of Chinese Design - ZHUANGSHI 2016 Outstanding Paper Selection and Author Exchange Meeting;”
In 2016, he curated and chaired the “2nd China Habitat Environment Design Academic Year Award,” and “Exploring the Path of Chinese Design - A Review of ZHUANGSHI 2015 Outstanding Paper Selection and Author Exchange Meeting;”
In 2015, he curated and chaired the “Active Publication - Symposium on the 100th Issue of the ZHUANGSHI Special Feature,” “Exploring the Path of Chinese Design - ZHUANGSHI 2014 Outstanding Paper Selection and Author Exchange Meeting,” and participated in the planning and organization of the “1st China Habitat Environment Design Academic Year Award;”
In 2014, he curated and chaired the “Exploring the Path of Chinese Design - ZHUANGSHI 2013 Outstanding Paper Selection and Author Exchange Meeting,” and “ZHUANGSHI 2000-2013 Cover Design Exhibition;”
In 2011, he curated and chaired the “1st Beijing International Design Triennial,” and co-curated the “Reason Design Emotion” exhibition section with French curator Benjamin Loyauté;
In 2009, he curated the “Art Innovation - Invitational Exhibition of the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University;”
In 2008, he curated and chaired a series of events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ZHUANGSHI, including the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of ZHUANGSHI Journal, “ZHUANGSHI • The Chinese Path - Exhibition of Design Documents in New China.”
Teaching
Courses Taught
Overview of Environmental Art Design
Introduction to Environmental Art Design
History of Chinese and Foreign Architecture and Gardens
Chinese Traditional Garden Design
The Value and Experience of Design
Survey and Mapping of Gardens and Residences, etc.
He supervised 15 master’s theses, including:
A Study on the Landscape Renovation Design of the Eastern Section of the Yuan Dadu City Wall Ruins Park (2020)
Research on the Design of Age-Friendly Living Environments: A Case Study of the Apartment for the Aged in Shangzhuang Town, Beijing (2018)
Research on Landscape Strategies for Historical Information Presentation: A Case Study of the Jinsitao Street (2017)
Landscape Renovation of the Commercialized Guozijian Block (2017)
Spatial Renovation Design of the South Garden of Yuetan Park: A Study of Spatial Narrative of Moon Viewing (2016)
Urban Living Room (2015)
Research on Fine Design of Urban Park Landscape (2015)
Huangchenggen Relics Park (2015)
Landscape Design of the Peony Porcelain Industrial Park in Luoyang, Henan (2014)
Waterfront Landscape Design for Shaping Urban Image: A Case Study of Yunxi River in Jiaozhou (2014)
Sequential Spatial Landscape Design of Buddhist Temple Scenic Areas in Mountain Forests: A Case Study of Wuzu Temple in Huangmei (2014)
The Interior and Exterior of the Theatre (2013)
Urban Interiors: Design Strategies Based on the Community Public Space System (2011)
Research on the Application of Visitor Experience in Urban Parks: A Case Study of the Northern Section of Chaoyang Park (2011)
Research on the Openness of Newly Built Urban Parks in China: A Case Study of Chaoyang Park in Beijing (2010)
