Chinese Room | Nationality Rooms | University of Pittsburgh
The Chinese Room was dedicated in 1939, interestingly in the midst of the Sino-Japanese War that would later become part of the much larger World War II. Also, as Communist China was only created in 1949, this room was funded by the original Republic of China established in 1911, which today is commonly known as Taiwan.
The Chinese room is inspired by an 18th century reception hall in Beijing's Forbidden City (Imperial Palace). Upon entering the room one cannot help but notice the central round seminar table, which is very different from all other rooms' professor desk and elongated student benches or chairs. The Chinese value familial gatherings and reunions, and believe that a round table allows everyone to chat with each other easily, and that no one is more important than another. Here, the round table also aims to encourage discussion by professor and students alike.
The room is painted in a rich orangy red coat of lacquer, an auspicious colour in the East. One side of the wall is dominated by a slate carving of philosopher Confucius, whose teachings have been the heart of Chinese traditions for many centuries. The ceiling frieze features the names of famous and respected Chinese leaders. Overlooking and protecting the earthly world is an ornate Golden Heavenly Dragon on the ceiling. Below the blackboard is a stone carving of the Yin-Yang motif, symbols of the importance of nature and equilibrium.
Two Imperial Guardian Lions (also known as Foo Dogs) keep the evil spirits out of the room, and traditions call for those who pass the room to touch the head to receive good luck. Finally, carved into stone above the room's door reminds departing students that "Humility is a true virtue".
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The Nationality Rooms are located in the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning building. The rooms are gifts to the university from Pittsburgh's ethnic communities. Each room has been designed to represent the culture of the nation represented. The rooms function as university classrooms and are not open all the time for the public to explore particularly during school terms. Visitors are advised to contact the University for opening times and guided tours.
www.nationalityrooms.pitt.edu/
The very first Nationality Room opened in 1938, and new rooms are still being planned now. There are currently 30 Nationality Rooms at the Cathedral of Learning.
Chinese Room | Nationality Rooms | University of Pittsburgh
The Chinese Room was dedicated in 1939, interestingly in the midst of the Sino-Japanese War that would later become part of the much larger World War II. Also, as Communist China was only created in 1949, this room was funded by the original Republic of China established in 1911, which today is commonly known as Taiwan.
The Chinese room is inspired by an 18th century reception hall in Beijing's Forbidden City (Imperial Palace). Upon entering the room one cannot help but notice the central round seminar table, which is very different from all other rooms' professor desk and elongated student benches or chairs. The Chinese value familial gatherings and reunions, and believe that a round table allows everyone to chat with each other easily, and that no one is more important than another. Here, the round table also aims to encourage discussion by professor and students alike.
The room is painted in a rich orangy red coat of lacquer, an auspicious colour in the East. One side of the wall is dominated by a slate carving of philosopher Confucius, whose teachings have been the heart of Chinese traditions for many centuries. The ceiling frieze features the names of famous and respected Chinese leaders. Overlooking and protecting the earthly world is an ornate Golden Heavenly Dragon on the ceiling. Below the blackboard is a stone carving of the Yin-Yang motif, symbols of the importance of nature and equilibrium.
Two Imperial Guardian Lions (also known as Foo Dogs) keep the evil spirits out of the room, and traditions call for those who pass the room to touch the head to receive good luck. Finally, carved into stone above the room's door reminds departing students that "Humility is a true virtue".
xxxx
The Nationality Rooms are located in the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning building. The rooms are gifts to the university from Pittsburgh's ethnic communities. Each room has been designed to represent the culture of the nation represented. The rooms function as university classrooms and are not open all the time for the public to explore particularly during school terms. Visitors are advised to contact the University for opening times and guided tours.
www.nationalityrooms.pitt.edu/
The very first Nationality Room opened in 1938, and new rooms are still being planned now. There are currently 30 Nationality Rooms at the Cathedral of Learning.