Hosted jointly by the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University and The Royal institute of Traditional Arts (WRTH), this event is organized by the Department of Arts and Crafts, the Department of Information Art and Design, AADTHU, and the ArtTech Innozone, Tsinghua University.

Rawasheen and Mashrabiyya in Western Architecture: A Cultural Encounter Across Time

April 25
The opening ceremony will feature a keynote lecture by Saudi experts titled “Rawasheen and Mashrabiyya in Western Architecture: A Cultural Encounter Across Time.” Witness the interplay between Rawasheen woodcarving craftsmanship from Saudi Hejazi architecture and China’s traditional timber-framed construction wisdom. This intellectual dialogue will explore how the geometric patterns of desert culture and the wooden structural lines of Eastern aesthetics converge in their interpretations of “order.”

Two-Day Workshop: Contemporary Interpretations of Traditional Crafts

April 26–27

1. Traditional Wood Art: Create an Art Piece Inspired by Najdi Windows
In this workshop, every carving tool becomes a temporal conduit. Participants will transform the architectural heritage of Saudi Arabia’s nomadic traditions into tangible wooden narratives. Through 90 minutes of guided instruction, decode the diamond motifs of Najdi woodcarving and explore the cultural symbolism and technical artistry of lattice window design.

2. Traditional Metal Craft: Create a Chinese Hairpin with Saudi Essence
A journey from Arab metal chasing techniques to Chinese classical aesthetics, where the rigor of metal harmonizes with the elegance of silk. Through meticulous craftsmanship, this workshop highlights the fusion of Saudi geometric artistry and China’s ornamental traditions, crafting hairpins that embody cross-cultural dialogue.

3. Traditional Leather Art: Create a Medal Representing Saudi Culture

Integrate Saudi cultural motifs into medallion design using leather pyrography. By merging traditional branding techniques with storytelling, participants will craft medals that serve as materialized symbols of civilizational exchange, blending Saudi iconography with universal narratives.

Note:

·Exclusive to Tsinghua University faculty, students, and alumni during the anniversary celebrations.

·Registration:
https://www.wjx.cn/vm/t5X5Fbw.aspx