Ronald G. Knapp, SUNY Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the State University of New York, New Paltz, has been carrying out research on cultural and historical geography in China's countryside since 1965. Trained in geography and history, Dr. Knapp has done more than anyone else outside of China to celebrate, analyze, and promote understanding of the country's domestic architectural heritage.

The author or editor of 15 books, his two 2005 books-Chinese Houses: The Architectural Heritage of a Nation and House Home Family: Living and Being Chinese-won the Henry Glassie Award in 2007. A notable strength of Dr. Knapp's body of works is his comprehensive approach to the study of housing. His books examine scales from that of interior decor to the layout of villages. He considers the role of feng shui in the placement of furnishings and provides extensive discussion of construction techniques and materials. Floor plans, diagrams that illustrate social use of space, village layouts, and historical drawings and photographs compliment his texts.

His latest book, Chinese Bridges: Living Architecture from China's Past, (released in April 2008), brings together a thorough look at the country's bridges, the least known and understood of China's many wonders. This book serves as a foundation for Dr. Knapp's lecture as he will share information concerning the common and distinctive architectural elements shared among Chinese ancient bridges. In addition, he will introduce China's extraordinary collection of covered bridges, most of which were not known until recent years.

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