“First Teaching Building” a name whispered across generations. This is it. Before you stands the Beijing University of Technology’s First Teaching Building. A silent observer of six decades of academic pursuits.
Built in 1960 this building wasn’t always called “First Teaching Building”. Initially it was known as the “North Teaching Building”. It was one of only four buildings on campus. Think of it a small humble beginning for a now sprawling university. This single building housed classrooms a canteen and even the school’s first library. Imagine students carrying books in the same hallways you’re walking through now.
Professor Wang Yonggui a teacher here from 1960 to 1995 remembers those early days. Each classroom was filled to capacity. Lectures were held here. Experiments took place here. Even meetings were held in those cramped spaces. The building’s five floors served multiple purposes. Sometimes classrooms became libraries. Corridors doubled as reading rooms. This wasn’t unusual. Resources were scarce. The learning atmosphere was intense. Professor Wang recalls a time he taught a popular course on car design. The large classroom overflowed. Students even stood outside to listen.
Another alumnus Mr. Wang Jin Fu remembers the building differently. He recalls the rooftop. In response to a national call he and other students hauled earth and water. They transformed a barren rooftop into a small garden. This was more than just a practical response to a need. It was a symbol of perseverance. A reminder of the shared effort and hard work involved. The remnants of this rooftop garden still exist. If you look closely from the fifth floor’s side entrance you can spot it.
The First Teaching Building remains a beacon. It stands as a powerful symbol of perseverance. It has borne witness to the university’s evolution. It continues to inspire those who study and work here. It is a tangible link between past and present. Let’s walk a little closer and feel the weight of its history.