Bo Bian

Bo Bian is a Lecturer in the Department of Architectural History at the University of Virginia, teaching historic preservation theory and methods. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the Constructed Environment program at UVA, with an All But Dissertation (ABD) status.

• Education: B.Eng. (2017), M.Eng. (2020) in Urban Planning from Southeast University, China; M.A. (2022) in Historic Preservation Planning from Cornell University; Visiting Student (Spring 2017) in Urban Design at Iowa State University.

His research focuses on the evolution of China's approach to authenticity in UNESCO World Heritage preservation since 1985, analyzing dynamic processes of negotiation and adaptation across scales and time periods. He contributes to both China-specific and international heritage preservation projects.

His dissertation bridges theoretical and practical frameworks for heritage authenticity, challenging early Eurocentric binaries in preservation discourse. Key trends in his work include UNESCO compliance, policy innovation, and cross-cultural dialogue in historic urban conservation.

• Teaching: Lecturer in historic preservation theory/methods.
• Education: Southeast University, Cornell University, Iowa State University (visiting).