The restoration of Gongziting -- the former imperial courtyard that now houses the university administration and staff offices – won an Honorable Mention in the 2004 annual UNESCO Asia- Pacific Heritage Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.

Tsinghua architecture professor Lu Zhou did the design for the preservation and renovation of the impressive garden-style complex. The project was completed in 2001.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization hailed Professor Lu’s design for its “clearly articulated conservation strategy combining thorough research and minimal intervention undertaken within a well-developed theoretical framework.”

“Through judicious use of traditional materials and methods, the buildings and grounds have been restored to reflect their significant historic status and cultural value,” UNESCO noted.

The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation were established to recognize the achievement of individuals and organizations within the private sector, and the public-private initiatives, in successfully restoring culturally significant structures in the region.

Three other restoration projects in China took honorable mentions in the 2004 UNESCO awards: the Suzhou Warehouse in Shanhai; the historic streets of Zhangzhou in Fujian province; and Tak Seng On Pawnshop in Macao.

By Li Han