A Comparison of the Main Axis Architectural Design of the University of British Columbia and Tsinghua University: Cultural and Environmental Perspectives

Abstract

This paper compares the main axis architectural designs of the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Tsinghua University from cultural and environmental perspectives. Both universities embody unique historical and cultural values, reflected through their spatial organization and architectural elements. UBC, located in Vancouver on the traditional territory of the Musqueam people, integrates modernist architecture with Indigenous art and sustainable design principles, highlighting themes of reconciliation, inclusivity, and ecological innovation. In contrast, Tsinghua University in Beijing exemplifies Chinese classical symmetry, Confucian values, and cultural heritage through its axial layout, historic buildings, and garden aesthetics. This research investigates how each campus uses its main axis to express cultural identity and environmental consciousness. It employs two theoretical frameworks—Unsettling Settler Colonialism and Palladio Virtuel—to analyze the symbolic and functional aspects of architectural design. The study finds that while UBC emphasizes multicultural integration and ecological responsibility, Tsinghua focuses on cultural continuity, order, and a harmonious relationship between architecture and nature. The findings suggest that campus main axis design is not only a spatial tool but also a medium for cultural expression and environmental engagement. This study contributes to current academic discourse on campus planning by offering comparative insights into how architecture negotiates between tradition, modernity, and sustainability.