The building style is described as "Western suits with bamboo hats". [Photo/Fujian Daily]
When you first visit Xiamen University (XMU), the Furong and Jiannan building complexes will immediately capture your attention. The unique structures, known for integrating elegant Western bodies with traditional Chinese rooftops, have been described as "Western suits with bamboo hats".
The main buildings adopting Western colonial veranda layouts create spacious interiors with excellent ventilation and lighting, perfectly fitting Xiamen's warm, humid climate. While the hip-and-gable roofs with upturned swallowtail ridges represent typical Minnan residential buildings, conveying Eastern charm and a sense of nostalgia.
The initial school buildings adopt the "Kah Kee style". [Photo/en.xmu.edu.cn]
As a native from Fujian province, Tan blended Minnan elements into the university's buildings, creating a sense of home for students across the country.
Moreover, this famous entrepreneur made the most of space and local materials, offering an economical and efficient solution, and setting a benchmark for implementing the "Chinese essence and Western utility". Spanning a hundred years, the "Kah Kee style" has become an embodiment of XMU's slogan –– Pursue Excellence, Strive for Perfection.
