On 25 January, the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) visited BUCEA for a panel discussion at the university. ZHANG Dayu, President of BUCEA, CHEN Xizhen, director of The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) Southeast Asia and Greater China (SEA & GRCH) office, ZHOU Xuewang, member of the AIA, CHU Ping, staff member of the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design and Research Co., Ltd. and personnel from different departments of the university attended the panel discussion.

During the discussion, CHEN Xizhen introduced in detail the design and development of ancient wooden architecture as well as the fire and corrosion protection of buildings with wooden structures. Professor ZHU Lei made a presentation on the application status and protection methods of hardwood. Both parties agreed to establish a hardwood structure research center for hardwood structures, which is dedicated to the research and promotion of the application of wood-framed buildings.

ZHOU Xuewang briefed the attendees on the people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States and extended his wish that exchange activities as such can help students better understand the career development of architects, fill in the vacuum between students’ academic and career life, and help them better adjust to career challenges after graduation when they enter the society.

ZHANG Dayu expressed that the two sides would center on the application and promotion of wooden architecture materials, facilitate the establishment of the hardwood structure research center with joint efforts, and regard this panel discussion as an opportunity to carry out more extensive and in-depth future cooperation in aspects such as fundamental research, application research, and standard development.

After the meeting, the delegation from NHLA and AIA visited the School of Architecture and Urban Planning.