On February 19, 2024, a student delegation from the college of Civil Engineering and Architecture at Zhejiang University embarked on a journey to visit Saitama University in Japan. This visit aimed to strengthen the academic exchange and cooperation between China and Japan in the field of architecture, and to jointly promote innovation and development in architectural studies.
Saitama University, a gem among Japanese national universities, is located in Sakura district, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, and is a member of the "5S" alliance of Japanese national universities. The university has garnered global attention for its rich historical and cultural heritage and outstanding academic achievements. Since its establishment in 1949, Saitama University has adhered to an academic philosophy of openness, innovation, rigor, and pragmatism, dedicating itself to cultivating talented individuals who serve the nation and society. Its academic disciplines cover liberal arts, education, economics, science, engineering, and more, meeting the diverse needs of students and providing ample space for academic research.
Of particular note is Saitama University's significant achievements in academic research. Professor Takaaki Kajita, an alumnus of the university, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2015, a testament to the school's academic strength. Additionally, Saitama University actively engages in international academic cooperation, maintaining good partnerships with numerous renowned universities and research institutions worldwide, aiming to drive academic innovation.
In the field of architecture, Saitama University boasts profound academic foundations and extensive practical experience. Japan's frequent natural disasters have given rise to a unique architectural culture, especially in terms of seismic design. During their visit, the delegation from Zhejiang University's College of Architectural Engineering toured Saitama University's campus buildings and representative buildings in the surrounding area, experiencing the distinctive style of Japanese architectural design and understanding the strict requirements for structures and materials in Japanese architecture.
One of the highlights of the morning's exchange activities was the visit to Saitama University's architectural department laboratory. The delegation was deeply impressed by the rigorous and innovative academic atmosphere in the laboratory, as well as the respect and enthusiasm for scientific research work. The lab staff demonstrated extreme diligence and standardization in their preparation and operation of various experiments, showing reverence for scientific research. During in-depth exchanges, researchers from Saitama University not only shared their research directions and latest achievements but also introduced the laboratory facilities in detail. These interactions profoundly impacted the delegation, showcasing the professionalism, perseverance, and dedication of Japanese researchers in their scientific endeavors.
The afternoon's exchange meeting was warmly hosted by Saitama University. During the meeting, student representatives from both sides shared academic achievements. Members of our delegation presented their research projects undertaken during their undergraduate studies, especially innovative attempts in architectural earthquake resistance technology, which sparked in-depth exchanges and discussions. Saitama University's achievements in the field of architectural earthquake resistance research are particularly notable. Its development of advanced seismic systems and concepts for seismic building design provides important technical support for disaster prevention and mitigation, offering valuable learning opportunities for students from Zhejiang University.
This exchange activity had a profound impact on the participating students. Saitama University is renowned for its excellent teaching philosophy and school spirit, particularly in integrating practical teaching with innovative research, encouraging students to involve themselves in scientific projects and practical applications. The school's research in architectural earthquake resistance not only enhances students' practical skills but also inspires innovative thinking and improves their ability to solve complex engineering problems. Students from Zhejiang University can learn from these experiences, combining theory with practice, actively participating in practical projects such as architectural earthquake resistance, enhancing their practical skills and innovative spirit, while also strengthening their global vision and cross-cultural communication abilities. By learning from Saitama University's advanced concepts and methods, students from Zhejiang University can achieve comprehensive improvements in academic pursuits, practical skills, and international competitiveness, laying a solid foundation for future development.
The visit not only deepened the exchange and cooperation in the field of architecture between China and Japan but also provided a rare opportunity for students from Zhejiang University's College of Architectural Engineering to study earthquake resistance research in architecture. Members of the delegation expressed that the visit not only broadened their horizons but also ignited their passion for building safety and disaster prevention and mitigation work. This academic trip was filled with gains. During this study visit, scholars, researchers, and students from both sides engaged in full academic exchanges and in-depth discussions. The visit not only enhanced mutual understanding and respect between China and Japan in the field of architecture but also laid a solid foundation for future cooperation.
