International architect and scholar Jingxiang Zhu, a leader in agile building systems and socially responsive architecture, will present the next Hyde Lecture remotely at 4 pm, Feb. 25, 2026, in Architecture Hall’s Griff and Nancy Davenport Auditorium, Rm 127.
Note: Students must be there in-person to receive credit for attending. This lecture will only be broadcast in room 127.
Zhu’s lecture, titled “Creating Agile Systems: Multiple Perspectives on Prototypes, Applications, Tools and Methods,” will focus on how designers can develop adaptable building systems that respond quickly to social, environmental and economic change. His visit will give attendees direct insight into how innovative construction methods are shaping communities across four continents.
Zhu will share how he teaches students to think beyond traditional design by using prototypes, tools and agile development methods to solve real-world challenges. His work emphasizes lightweight building systems and sustainable technologies that can be rapidly deployed for schools, offices and community spaces, especially in emerging regions and post-disaster settings.
Drawing from projects in China, Africa, Southeast Asia and the Caribbean, Zhu will demonstrate how design can connect local manufacturing with creative problem-solving and long-term social impact. His approach shows students how architecture can operate at multiple levels, from small-scale prototypes to citywide systems of change.
Since 2008, his research team has developed six new building systems now used in more than 13 provinces in mainland China and internationally. His projects include charity schools, nature reserve stations, office buildings and urban schools.
Zhu’s work has earned international recognition, including the 2012 Chinese Innovator Award from The Wall Street Journal for his contributions to post-disaster reconstruction and social development. He has also received multiple innovation and technology awards in Hong Kong, China and Taiwan and was invited to design an installation for the Chinese National Pavilion at the International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia.
Zhu received his bachelor’s degree and doctorate from Southeast University and completed advanced studies at ETH Zurich. He previously taught at Southeast University and co-founded the Institute of Architecture at Nanjing University before joining The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2004.
About the Hyde Lecture Series
The Hyde Lecture Series is an endowed public program hosted by the College of Architecture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Each year, the series invites leading experts from architecture, interior design, landscape architecture and planning to present on topics that inspire thought-provoking discussion. In keeping with the series’ mission, this lecture is free and open to the public.
