From July 8th to 17th, students from the College of Civil Engineering and New Students spent their summer school in Spain. Immersed in the experience of theoretical knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and historical architecture, they embrace their dreams of being both an engineer and an artist.

 The summer school in Spain, organized by the College of Civil Engineering, was attended by 18 students and 3 faculty members, with the support of the Undergraduate College, the Sino-Spanish Campus, and the International Exchange and Cooperation Office.

The program offered interactive courses, academic lectures, and field visits, enabling students to specialize their knowledge, broaden their horizons, and explore future opportunities. At Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) in Madrid, students enriched their understanding of civil engineering experiments by visiting a hydraulic laboratory and a material laboratory. They also attended lectures on new developments in structural materials, conceptual design in structure, and digital design and management of infrastructure. In Barcelona, they took part in the research and technology transfer activities at Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, learning about the latest findings of the recycling of fiber-reinforced concrete and new materials in European standards.

 In addition to the academic trip, students had exposure to the rich cultural heritage of Spain, including visits to many works of art and classic architecture. In Madrid, the group appreciate Picasso’s Guernica and Diego Velázquez’s La Meninas as well as many works of art in various styles. They also explored the impressive Bernabeu Stadium, marveling at its architectural design and innovative technology, which perfectly combines art and engineering.

Moreover, the group visited an architectural trio - the Sagrada Familia, Casa Milà, and Casa Batlló, the most famous works of Antoni Gaudí, a renowned Spanish architect. They learned about the unique wave-shaped arches of Casa Milà and the Catalan Modernism architectural style of Casa Batlló, enjoying the artistic design and beauty of the famous buildings.

The summer school program allowed students to gain a broader understanding of civil engineering and a first-hand experience of Spanish art and culture, inspiring them to pursue their ambitions with renewed vigor.

"A professor from UPM said, “Once you have a new idea, you should go to sleep with that idea. When you wake up the next day, if you still think it’s a good idea, you must invest all your passion and energy into fighting for it!” This is the basic logic of conceptual design, and it’s the biggest takeaway of my trip to Spain. Spain is a friendly and marvelous country. The summer school program in Spain creates unforgettable memories for me."

-- Liao Yizhou

"Not only did the courses broaden my professional knowledge, but they also made me feel the rigorous attitude and innovative spirit behind civil engineering as a highly technical discipline. In Madrid, I read the magnificent history of the Spanish royal family through the profound cultural heritage. In Barcelona, I was impressed by Gaudí's fantastic architecture. These experiences enriched my life and inspired my curiosity and desire to explore the unknown."

-- Zhou Yubo

"The trip to the Polytechnic University of Madrid gave me access to cutting-edge engineering technology and design concepts. I was deeply impressed by the passionate and sincere communication between professors and students at Spanish universities. The Spanish professors constantly encouraged us to ask questions in class, which helped me refine my ideas. After learning about the double master’s degree cooperation program between Madrid Polytechnic University and Tongji University, I became even more eager to study in Spain. I hope to have the opportunity to set foot in this academically vibrant country again and continue to pursue my academic dreams here."

-- Wang Ruikun

"We can be both engineers and artists.” Professor Hugo said this in the conceptual design class. This sentence touched me deeply. Looking back on those days in Madrid and Barcelona, various forms of art permeated my life, from the architecture of the past centuries, the Mediterranean cuisine, and the moving music to the unforgettable artworks, everything was amazing."

-- Zhang Jinyuan