An exhibition highlighting the integration of traditional Chinese culture and modern building technology is on at the Run Run Shaw Library (Library) of City University of Hong Kong. The “Discovery of the Architectural and Cultural Values of Chinese Bridges Exhibition” displays models of ancient bridges made by students, panels depicting the features and developments relating to Chinese bridges and a series of related teaching materials.

An initiative of the Library, the exhibition is jointly organised by the Chinese Civilisation Centre (CCIV) and Division of Building Science and Technology (BST). The display items showcase the students’ learning outcome after they combined their knowledge of Chinese culture and building technology with the understanding they had acquired of the architecture and art of ancient Chinese bridges that remain intact through the years. Their works include scale miniature models of Zhaozhou Bridge, Lugou Bridge and Seventeen-Arch Bridge, graphic art and study models. The Library’s collection of study materials relating to bridges are also presented in the exhibition, including reference books, e-books, media resources and a video about Rainbow Bridge. The exhibition aims to promote the students’ output and the Library’s study resources to enhance interdisciplinary study.

The opening ceremony of the exhibition on 2 November was officiated by Professor Paul Lam Kwan-sing, Vice-President (Student Affairs); Dr Paul Ho Kok-keung and Dr Charlie Xue Qiuli, Head and Assistant Professor of BST respectively; Dr Ma Ka-fai, Assistant Director of CCIV; and Professor Steve Ching Hsianghoo, University Librarian. The exhibition will run until 26 November.

The newly renovated Library itself serves as a bridge between the East and the West, the past and the future, authors and readers and instructors and students. The Library places a strong emphasis on being more than a repository for books. The revamped facilities create a wonderful ambience for study, whether using old media or new. The Library is also utilising its position as a University hub to bring together different academic departments to strengthen cross-disciplinary interaction.