A research team from the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) has brought Chinese architectural heritage to a European audience through a major exhibition at the Sofia Chinese Cultural Centre in Bulgaria, demonstrating how digital technologies can support the preservation and international promotion of cultural heritage.
Curated by Professor Jing Xie and his team from UNNC’s Department of Architecture and Built Environment, the exhibition Architecture Without Borders: Chinese Wisdom and the Global Dialogue of Architecture combines high-precision 3D modelling, virtual reality and interactive digital experiences to showcase Ningbo’s distinctive spiral caisson ceilings alongside other significant Chinese heritage buildings. The exhibition highlights how digital innovation is transforming the documentation, preservation and interpretation of traditional architecture for global audiences.
The exhibition is the latest outcome of more than a decade of UNNC research into the digital preservation of ancient Chinese timber architecture. Through extensive fieldwork, collaboration with intangible cultural heritage practitioners and the development of a comprehensive digital archive, the team has established an internationally recognised research programme that bridges architectural heritage, digital technology and cultural exchange.
Running until 31 August 2026, the exhibition provides a platform for dialogue between Eastern and Western architectural traditions while reinforcing UNNC’s growing international reputation for research that combines technological innovation with cultural impact.
Published on 13 July 2026