Using the Arc de Triomphe as a gate, a pyramid as a library, and a Roman church as a teaching building... Recently, a university campus in Wuhan was accused of being a 'knockoff' after a set of photos was exposed. In response, a responsible person from the university denied the 'knockoff' claim, saying it is a way to align with international standards.
      　　 Seeing so many bizarre buildings clustered together, many netizens' first reaction was 'knockoff,' so questions, sarcasm, and ridicule quickly merged into a super explosive package, somewhat intending to blast the true form out of this university campus known as the 'World Culture Park.'

　　 Don't blame netizens for being uncultured; it's really because in this era 'art' is too rampant, and the so-called 'culture' is too homogenized. Isn't it true that from watches and bags to cultural buildings, there is nothing our compatriots cannot or dare not imitate? Turn on the TV, flip through channels with the remote, and it's all imported programs, imitating others' diving, imitating others' singing, even the chairs must be identical. If TV is boring, then go traveling. Good heavens, everywhere you go, pyramids bloom everywhere, the Arc de Triomphe settles in ordinary people's homes, and even some government departments follow the trend, moving into the 'White House' for office.

　　 At first sight of these 'Western scenes,' people might feel fresh and curious, and even applaud the imitators' creativity. But no matter how spectacular the pyramid or how gorgeous the Arc de Triomphe, they cannot withstand being mass-replicated and displayed in formation. Not only will viewers experience aesthetic fatigue, but over time they will develop resistance. Whether on university campuses or in streets and alleys, these 'high-imitation products' that are everywhere and cast from the same mold can hardly win applause.

　　 Imitation is not scary. A nation good at imitation shows that its people are smart and eager to learn, and its society is inclusive and open. The process of imitation is also a process of learning, a way of self-improvement. The most representative example is our neighboring country Japan. During the Tang Dynasty, they imitated China, comprehensively 'Sinicizing' culture, law, etiquette, and social systems. Through this movement known as the 'Taika Reform,' they set the direction for Japan's national development. In modern times, they launched the 'Meiji Restoration,' imitating the systems of European and American countries, learning their advanced technologies, and ultimately joining the ranks of world powers.

　　 But imitation fears 'modeling.' Just like some of our current imitations, which are mostly petty cleverness and remain at a superficial stage. Often, when seeing something fun, amusing, or eye-catching, people rush to imitate and crazily replicate. In many cities and places, they appear in batches and quantities, seeking only resemblance without attention to detail, and even less willing to innovate or improve on the basis of imitation. Such imitation is the lowest level, and it may even create jokes of aping awkwardly and making a fool of oneself.

　　 Looking back at the campus architecture imitation of the university in question, it can be said that it has not yet escaped the bad habit of our current architectural imitation. Originally, a university campus is the cradle of talent cultivation. These buildings, on the one hand, provide students with places to read, rest, and engage in activities; more importantly, in the process, they carry the school's atmosphere and vibe, as well as the individuality, charm, and heritage cultivated over a long period, forming a campus-specific culture. And this culture and the school's strength will form a benign force and reaction force, gradually cultivating each school's own capabilities and competitiveness, even reaching 'international standards.' But the current approach is undoubtedly still struggling in the strange circle of imitation, and has not shed its vulgarity, thinking that building a few European-style buildings and Western sculptures on campus will 'align with international standards' and reflect 'the school's cultural heritage.' If they really think so, that is too naive.