Designing a legacy

"From the West to the East, there are big changes in culture, landscape, literature, politics and so on. But while pursuing changes and interacting with ordinary people, I increasingly became aware of the common ground we share," says Bouman. "People are pursuing a similar kind of normal life and personal happiness. This common ground is the fabric of peace and is much more important than the differences. Going through the Christian world, the Muslim world, the Buddhist world and the Taoist world along the journey, I found different ways to pursue peace that are, in principle, similar."

"There is a symbiosis between architecture and peace. Architecture can be a strong torchbearer of peace, as its passing on to the next generation can only happen in peaceful situations. Otherwise, it might be destroyed," he adds.

Although Bouman's journey to the East has come to the finish line, the thinking, conversations and connections it sparked are just beginning. While continuing to share his thoughts and experiences with his students, Bouman would also like to advise those who followed his journey.

He encourages people searching for cycling experiences to go on a long tour, as it can bring them closer to truth and reality. For travelers, he advises them to pay respect to local customs and manners and to listen and observe more. For architects, his advice is to learn from the past, as the power of architecture is a sign of cultural heritage. For young people, he emphasizes the significance of seeing things by making physical efforts and cultivating their memories rather than absorbing ideas on computers.

For himself, Bouman aims to write a book about his journey, adding with a laugh that he hopes to complete a full circle of the "Journey to the West" one day.