While AI reshapes modern cities, a Tsinghua University expert reveals why ancient Chinese builders still hold unbeaten wisdom. Professor Zhang Jie from Tsinghua's School of Architecture dropped truth bombs about historical construction mastery in a recent CGTN interview that'll make you rethink 'progress'.
🔑 Key insights:
Ancient 'dougong' bracket systems (that earthquake-proofed buildings for millennia) still outperform many modern steel frames
Song Dynasty architectural manuals contain climate-responsive designs we're only now replicating with supercomputers
Forbidden City's 600-year-old 'self-healing' foundation techniques being studied for coastal cities facing rising seas
"Our ancestors built communities in harmony with nature, not despite it," Zhang noted, highlighting sustainable material use that puts today's concrete jungles to shame 🌳♻️. As 2025 sees record investment in green construction, these historical lessons are getting fresh attention from architects worldwide.
Bonus flex: The 1300-year-old Nanchan Temple still stands strong through 43 major earthquakes. Take that, modern engineering! 💪
