Update 3 below:
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Friday was a big day for our 21 person delegation as we trekked to Dali University for introductions, presentations, and discussion with the staff and students of its architecture department.
The architecture department at the university is fairly young - currently in its fourth year of a five year degree program - and the faculty warmly welcomed opportunities for engagement with our group.
[taking in the views from the beautifully sited campus]
Several delegation members gave brief presentations: Nathaniel Belcher, Kathy Dixon, Casius Pealer, and Prescott Muir introduced the architectural curriculum of their respective institutions, Deane Evans spoke about the driving forces behind building research, Jess Zimbabwe discussed the role of automobiles in cities, and Paul Okamoto and Kevin Yoshida presented case studies of mixed use developments.
[Kathy Dixon speaking about the architecture program at the University of the District of Columbia]
This was followed up with an overview of Dali University's architecture program from the head of the department, highlighting the curriculum's emphasis on historical preservation and maintaining cultural context in new construction.
[the architecture department head giving a brief overview of Dali vernacular housing]
After lunch with members of the faculty around a possible contender for the world's largest lazy susan, a core group of the delegation remained at Dali University for detailed discussion on future engagement opportunities.
[with the Dali University architecture faculty and students]
[and yes, it's motorized!]
The rest of the group headed to Dali Old Town, wrapping up the productive day at the Bad Monkey Bar with good drinks and good conversation.
[the bustling streets of Old Town]
[head right for food, drink, and board]
[just a bit of eccentricity nestled within the ancient streets]
Tomorrow, we leave for Shangri-La!