Welcome Back to UNNC
Reconnect with the Department of Architecture and Built Environment
The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) and the Department of Architecture and Built Environment warmly welcome our alumni and professional community. We are committed to advancing lifelong connections and building a strong network of graduates, educators, and industry partners. We invite you to stay connected with us to receive updates on academic programmes, public events, research opportunities, and professional development initiatives.
As a UNNC graduate, your continued involvement plays a vital role in the growth and vibrancy of our academic community. To receive general updates or join our official WeChat group, please contact the Head of Department, Dr Edward Cooper (Edward.Cooper@nottingham.edu.cn).
Opportunities to Engage
Mentor Future Professionals
Support the next generation by mentoring our undergraduate and postgraduate students. For more information or to join the mentorship programme, please contact:
Offer Internship Opportunities
If you are working in practice and seeking interns, we would be pleased to connect you with our talented student cohort. Please reach out our career officers:
Collaborate on Research
Our academic staff actively pursue collaborative, practice-based research in architecture, sustainable design, and urban development. We welcome partnerships with firms and institutions to explore innovative, real-world solutions.
Explore our current research interests (here) and get in touch to discuss potential collaborations.
Contribute to Our Library
Donations of books, journals, and materials are always appreciated and directly support our studio culture and student learning. Please contact our studio leaders to coordinate contributions.
We also welcome new ideas for academic and professional engagement.
To explore how you can contribute to our community, don't hesitate to get in touch.
Alumni Profiles
Haining Ding
BEng (Hons) Architecture, Class of 2024
Master: Architecture at the University of Cambridge
"ABE opened up new possibilities for how I understood architecture. It was where I first started to think beyond design practice and became curious about research as a way of exploring ideas. What I learned there continues to shape the questions I ask and the paths I pursue."
Dilikeremu (Jasper) Duolikun
BEng (Hons) Architecture, Class of 2024
Master: Yale achitecture school Master of architecture II (post-professional)
Current work: F.O.G. Architecture (RIBA part 1 architectural designer)
"Through out my 4 years studies in UNNC, it was been a excellent path for me to develop my critical think abilities and it was a path to find out what is my real passion. UNNC provide freedom to us to develop and express what we are interested."
Jiawei Zhang
MSc: Environment planning, class of 2022
"I studied my undergraduate abroad. At that time, the outbreak of COVID-19 caused huge barriers for me to complete my studies. So I would choose a school that is close to my home while I can still learn in an international environment. UNNC, as the first Sino-foreign University in China and provides stable teaching quality, becoming my first choice. In addition, I could gain some local practice and insights as I plan to work in Hangzhou, my hometown after graduation."
Yiran Sun
BEng (Hons) Architecture, Class of 2021
Working background: Shanghai Xframe Studio Intern Architect
"Architecture is not only about an independent building, but also needs to consider the history, culture and surrounding environment of the site to design. We are also encouraged to expand our learning scale from the classroom and studio to our daily life and our living city."
Kangwen Fang
BEng (Hons) Architecture, class of 2021
Master: Architecture at the Tongji University
"Architecture is not only about an independent building, but also needs to consider the history, culture and surrounding environment of the site to design. We are also encouraged to expand our learning scale from the classroom and studio to our daily life and our living city."
Xinyi Lyu
BEng (Hons) Architecture, Class of 2021
Working background: Shanghai Xframe Studio Assistant Architect
"The studying experience at UNNC provides her with a broader platform and she can be involved in some global projects. She realised the importance and complexity of architectural creation and was also inspired to explore a broader world."
Jienan Wang
BEng (Hons) Architecture, Class of 2019
Master: TU Delft
Current work: Foster + Partners in London
"Studying architecture at UNNC broadened my perspective through field trips, guest critics from diverse backgrounds, and an exchange semester at the UK campus. For a designer, developing a global outlook is essential — and UNNC provided exactly that."
Yining Gao
BEng (Hons) Architecture, Class of 2018
Master: Architecture at the Royal College of Art
Current work: Designer at MONOARCHI Architects
"UNNC's UG study was my initiation into architecture. This university is the place where I learned basic architectural design processes and methods, as well as the critical thinking abilities that are unique to all UNNC students. All these competencies have been strong supports for my future studies. I think the most important thing in studying architecture is to understand what you really want, what you are really interested in and what suits you the best."
Titi Fang
BEng (Hons) Architecture, Class of 2014
Master: Architecture at the Royal College of Art
Current work: LXL Architects
"Think critically, keep yourself open-minded, keep learning and thinking, these keeps you fresh and ready for this changing world. Last but not the least, really live your life, to dream, to try, to learn, to fail, to love, to react, it will be unique and that's precious."
Enran Zhang
BEng (Hons) Architecture, Class of 2014
Master's degree: Architecture at the University of Manchester
Current work: Architect at Chapman Taylor Shanghai Office, Honorary Secretary of the Chinese branch of the Royal Institute of British Architects.
"To learn how to work in a team has proven to be an important skill in the professional life, especially in a collaborative profession such as architecture. In this perspective, the architecture course here at UNNC built a strong and comprehensive foundation for my further studies and my career."
Jacob Dix
BEng (Hons) Architecture, Class of 2014
Master's degree: Architecture at the London School of Architecture
Current work: Senior Designer at Wignall & Moore LLP
"For me, being from the UK, the opportunity to spend time exploring and understanding a culture so different to my own was probably the most valuable part of the entire experience. I left the school with a level of confidence that allowed me to quickly take on large amounts of responsibility on projects and progress in my career."
Yu Fu
BEng (Hons) Architectural Environment Engineering, Class of 2019
CIBSE President's First Prize
Master's degree: Spatial Data Science and visualisation at the University College London
Current work: Algorithm Engineer in Hisilicon
"There is a slogan in front of Gate 3 of UNNC, to the effect that when we are in trouble, even if it is only a 1% possibility, we should bravely try to improve ourselves from constant trial and error. This is the most important lesson I learned in UNNC."
Jiayi Qiu
BEng (Hons) Architectural Environment Engineering, Class of 2014
Master's degree: Architecture at the Tongji University
"UNNC creates a very open and free atmosphere to facilitate student to study and think critically and independently. The immersion of English teaching environment also promotes the personal communication skill for the international communication. The resource in the department provides me an easy access to the international community and the latest research."