Collaboration for Service learning in historical architectural education: old rendering and new media

Abstract

Research into a historical architecture is an important means of preservation and appraising its value. Since 2008, applicants Xue and Ching have been involved in organizing students and staff of various departments at CityU to participate the investigation, exhibition and publication on traditional Chinese architectural heritages. This project will continue the effort of engaging students from architecture studies by using Chinese heritage building as a platform. This project aims to arouse student’s interest on exploring historical archives and heritage through the method of creating replica model and digital records of historical architectures based on ancient documents and information collected during field studies. This may enhance students’ understanding of information literacy and sharpen their skills on digital interpretation through deep reading. The experiential learning method was proved that it can strengthen a wide range of interpersonal skills, increase intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and promote emotional intelligence of students. Based on the cross-pollination design of learning activities, students from different academic subjects may gain knowledge from other professions and share their knowledge to the others.