1) Why Liu Jiakun matters in contemporary architecture Liu Jiakun (刘家琨) is a Chengdu-based Chinese architect and the founder of Jiakun Architects. Over four decades, his work has become widely associated with human-scale urbanism, restrained material honesty, and a deep respect for local culture—especially in Western China’s fast-changing cities. In 2025, his impact was internationally recognized when he was named the Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate, an honor often considered architecture’s highest global award. What makes Liu Jiakun distinctive is not a signature “look,” but a repeatable method: starting from real civic life—density, memory, climate, craft, and everyday routines—and shaping architecture that feels grounded rather than performative. 2) Early life and…

Introduction: The Emergence of Neo-Chinese Design New Chinese, often referred to as “Neo-Chinese,” design aesthetics represent a defining shift in contemporary visual culture. Rather than functioning as a revivalist or nostalgic movement, Neo-Chinese design emerges from a critical reassessment of tradition under conditions of globalization, urbanization, and cultural rearticulation. It seeks to reinterpret inherited philosophies, symbols, and craft systems through contemporary design thinking, positioning Chinese cultural identity within a modern, global framework. As China’s creative industries gain international visibility, Neo-Chinese aesthetics have become increasingly prominent across architecture, interior design, product design, fashion, branding, and graphic communication. This design language reflects not only visual transformation but also a broader cultural confidence—one…