The Department of Architecture at Ming Chuan University Continues to Promote Global Mobility, Enhancing Practical Training and International Exchange
This summer, thanks to the proactive efforts of Dr. Li Chih-Yu, Associate Dean of the School of Design and Associate Professor of Architecture, eight students will embark on a one-month overseas architecture internship in Japan and Singapore. Through participation in international projects, students will broaden their architectural perspectives and gain hands-on cross-cultural experience.
The internships are held in collaboration with four internationally recognized architectural organizations across Tokyo, the Satoyama region in Japan, and Singapore. The programs span fields such as sustainable construction, architectural design, interior renovation, and integrated construction processes. The eight selected students, chosen through interviews, will begin their internships in late July.
Three students will head to Japan’s rural Satoyama region to join VAN COLLAR Architects, known for promoting sustainable living and community revitalization. They will engage in environmental simulation and 1:1 scale construction training, in line with Ming Chuan Architecture’s emphasis on full-scale hands-on teaching.
Another student will intern at Tezuka Architects, a world-renowned firm located near Tokyo City University. This partnership was established after a 2024 lecture and subsequent collaboration agreement between Professor Li and the firm’s founder, Takaharu Tezuka. Tezuka, internationally acclaimed for the iconic “Ring Around a Tree” kindergarten, offers students a multilingual and multicultural design environment through projects across the globe.
One student will join Mitsubishi Jisho Design, a century-old design firm located in Tokyo’s Ginza district. Its Chief Architect, Takaaki Fuji, is known for designing Taipei Nan Shan Plaza. This partnership stems from the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale, where Ming Chuan students participated in constructing the “Circular Teahouse” curated by Fuji, leading to this collaborative opportunity.
In Singapore, three students will intern at Sunray, a leading architecture and interior design company in Asia. Sunray has delivered major projects such as the National Gallery Singapore and the Changi Airport Rain Vortex. Students will gain experience in design and engineering integration processes, building valuable industry experience in an international context.
Professor Li emphasized that overseas internships are not only an extension of academic learning but also a crucial platform for fostering cultural understanding, language skills, and global perspectives. Through cross-cultural collaboration and practical engagement, students gain deeper insights into the architectural profession and lay a strong foundation for their future careers. She also noted that the Department of Architecture at Ming Chuan University will continue expanding its international internship programs, leveraging existing overseas teaching experiences to help students learn, grow, and explore new possibilities in architecture through real-world engagement.