On the Jingye Lake of Weijin Road campus of Tianjin University sits a pavilion with gray tiles. It is one of the landmark buildings of Tianjin University-Qiushi Pavilion (Qiushi means seeking truth).

Academician Peng Yigang, a master architect in China and professor of Tianjin University, didn’t follow the traditional approach of building the pavilion inan archaistic, elegant and magnificent way when he started the design of the pavilion. Instead, with the integration of the University’s cultural background and surrounding environment, Academician Peng took reinforced concrete as the main structure and designed an unpretentious-style pavilion that also highlighted the University’s motto of seeking truth from facts. He believed that the style of traditional gardens in Northern China was not compatible with the overall environment of the campus. He designed a slight arc for the roof. And the tiles on the pavilion were old ones removed from the top of another building on campus when it was under overhaul. In the period of construction, he often went to the site and constantly perfected his previous design ideas according to the schedule of construction, making the pavilion, lake, road and building bring out the best in each other.

In October 2016, Tianjin University renovated and rebuilt the Qiushi Pavilion on the basis of its original appearance. During the reconstruction, Peng came to the site more than once and polished his ideas together with the young designers responsible for the restoration.

On the square column, the flat eaves are firm and solid, paved with beautiful dusty blue tiles. The pavilion is not as classic as the traditional mahogany, nor as nifty as the upward eaves. However, it embodies the toughness of square columns and gray tiles, and exudes a glamour of simplicity and elegance by keeping a low profile. This natural, solemn but innovative pavilion is the expression of the spirit of “Seeking truth from facts” of all the TJUers.

By Ma Ziyu

Editor: Sun Xiaofang