Abstract: Aiming at the problems of superficial expression, excessive symbol stacking and disconnection from modern functions of ethnic elements in current university architecture, this paper constructs a systematic methodology of "Cultural Gene Extraction-Multidimensional Translation-Functional Integration", and takes the library of a university for nationalities as a case to explore the modern translation paths of traditional Tujia architectural elements. By adopting the methods of literature analysis, field investigation, and case study, four core cultural genes of Tujia architecture, namely symbols, space, tectonics and ecology, are extracted, and design practice is carried out through the three-dimensional translation strategy of "Symbolization-Spatialization-Tectonization". The research results show that through translation methods such as formal abstraction and symbolic empowerment, the case building transformed the "superposition-overhead-penetration" spatial gene of Tujia stilted buildings into an overhead public space accounting for about 28%, digitally generated metal decorative components with Xilankapu patterns and applied them to the building facade and skylights, and integrated bamboo-concrete composite technology, which reduced the building's carbon footprint by 15%, realizing the unification of cultural recognizability and functional practicality. Traditional ethnic architectural elements can highly conform to the functional and technical requirements of modern university architecture through scientific translation. The constructed methodology provides a quantifiable and implementable theoretical and practical reference for the culturally integrated design of public architecture in ethnic areas, and effectively solves the problem of superficial application of ethnic elements in modern architecture.