Recently, Bo Zhang, tenured professor at Oklahoma State University and vice president of the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA), visited the School of Landscape Architecture, BFU.

During the visit, the vice dean of the School of Landscape Architecture and Professor Bo Zhang signed a cooperation agreement for the International Joint Laboratory for "Overseas Chinese Gardens" and unveiled the plaque for the new laboratory. This collaboration will provide an important platform for promoting Chinese garden culture overseas, advancing international academic exchange, conducting joint research projects, and facilitating mutual faculty and student visits.

Both parties expressed their commitment to carry out collaborative research and academic activities through this platformin in areas such as the historical study of Chinese gardens overseas, interpretation of their cultural significance, contemporary design approaches, and localized construction techniques. The initiative aims to provide solid academic support for the global dissemination of outstanding Chinese garden culture.

After the signing ceremony, Professor Bo Zhang delivered an academic lecture titled "Research Methodology in Design Disciplines: Addressing the Challenges of the New Era" at the Xuelian Center's Chuihua Gate. Leveraging his extensive teaching and research background, he analyzed the opportunities and challenges tackling contemporary design disciplines. His innovative methodologies and global perspective subsequently stimulated a vibrant discussion among the attendees.

The new laboratory will help advance the global presence of Chinese garden culture and support its innovative development internationally. Moving forward, the School will remain committed to expanding global academic cooperation and nurturing landscape architecture talent with international competence.

Written by Guo Zijing
Translated and edited by Song He
Reviewed by Yu Yangyang