CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- “When did Ciqikou Back Street have so many building models? And they're all pretty good!” The Chongqing University Student Science Popularization Construction Competition and the 11th Chongqing University Construction Season event were held on Ciqikou Back Street in Shapingba District. The appearance of many 'new buildings' attracted the attention of citizens, causing them to stop and watch.

The Chongqing University "Construction Season" initiative commenced in 2013, extending from the campus to areas like Mountain City Alley and Baixiang Street, and now to Ciqikou, marking a decade-long journey. This event represents an innovative practical endeavor led by the School of Architecture and Urban Planning of Chongqing University, blending the "Fundamentals of Architectural Design" course with the teaching module focused on "Space, Materials, and Construction."

This year's event sees a notable expansion in participation, with not only 21 teams from Chongqing University but also 14 teams from other institutions like Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, Chongqing Jiaotong University, and Chongqing Metropolitan College of Science and Technology joining in. Unlike past editions where a variety of materials were employed, this time around wood takes center stage in the construction projects. Moreover, the theme for this year's Construction Season aligns with the government's emphasis on "urban renewal" and "rural revitalization," urging students to craft architectural prototypes that address both urban and rural needs effectively.

"We aim to bridge the gap between academia and society, bringing our expertise out of the ivory tower and into the daily lives of citizens. By doing so, we hope to effectively communicate the knowledge and skills of the architecture profession to the public, enhancing their awareness and understanding of this field," explained Yang Wei, the director of first-year design foundation teaching at the School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Chongqing University. He emphasized the integration of knowledge dissemination with value guidance, engaging in a dialogue with traditional history through a retrospective exploration of wooden structures' life journeys. This approach not only enables students to gain a fundamental understanding of architectural space and function through hands-on experience with their own creations but also facilitates the deepening of teaching reforms, consolidation of teaching achievements, and expansion of teaching exchanges. Simultaneously, it serves to guide the public in strengthening their comprehension of architectural space, aesthetics, mechanics, and other relevant professional knowledge, fostering a mutually beneficial interaction between university education and society at large.

Additionally, the reporter discovered that these structures will be preserved until the end of May, allowing citizens to visit for free and take photos at Ciqikou Backstreet. (Translated by Wang Zhong, Fathom Language Limited)