London, 16 May 2025 – The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) welcomed leading architects, policymakers, and industry leaders from UK and China to its London headquarters for the “RIBA Sino-UK 2025: Neo-Modernism in Architecture” forum, a landmark event fostering cross-cultural dialogue on architectural innovation.

"RIBA Sino-UK 2025: Neo-Modernism in Architecture"which chaired by Helen Castle, Director of Publishing and Learning Content，seeks to forge a high-level dialogue platform between Chinese and British architects, fostering international exchange through RIBA’s global vision and China’s innovative architectural practices.

Focusing on urban regeneration, cultural public spaces, and city integration, the initiative strengthens vital professional ties between Chinese architects and RIBA’s worldwide network. This collaboration yields tangible outcomes, including the Sino-UK Neo-Modernism Practice Framework and joint research projects.

As a strategic bridge for cross-cultural exchange, the forum advances both regional architectural innovation and global discourse, shaping the future of design.

Co-organized with ARCHINA,this forum invited practitioners from Foster + Partners, Allies and Morrison, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) and China Construction Engineering Design & Research Institute Co., LTD, Lacime Architects, BUZZ architects, offering a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge Sino-UK architectural discourse.

Leadership Insights and Collaborative Vision

Dr. Valerie Vaughan-Dick, RIBA CEO, opened the forum by emphasizing the urgency of global collaboration:

“The world of architecture is constantly evolving, and neo-modernism has emerged as a significant force in recent times. It represents a fascinating blend of modernist principles and new, innovative ideas, responding to the complex needs of contemporary society. This forum comes at a pivotal time when the architectural landscape is being reshaped by rapid urbanisation, technological advancements, and a growing focus on sustainability.

China and the UK, both with rich architectural heritages and vibrant contemporary scenes, have much to offer and learn from each other.

This forum is a unique platform that brings together the best minds from both countries. It^s a place where we can share knowledge, exchange ideas, and collaborate on solutions to the common challenges we face in the architectural world.”

LI Liyan, Minister Counsellor (Cultural Affairs) at the Chinese Embassy in the UK, echoed this sentiment, noting:

“Throughout the thousands of years of architectural history in both China and the UK, all forms of architecture—from ancient palaces, streets, and gardens to modern residences, airports, and skyscrapers—serve as footnotes to national spirit and reflections of the pulse of their eras. They also become important windows through which we understand and learn about each other’s cultures.

In recent years, the architectural circles of China and the UK have carried out in-depth cooperation in such fields as green building construction, urban sustainable development, and historical heritage protection through forms such as joint design and academic exchanges, continuously achieving new results.

It is hoped that through this event, the architectural communities of China and the UK will further strengthen industry dialogue, cultural exchange, and industrial cooperation, so that architecture will not only contribute to the better life of the people but also build bridges for mutual learning between the two civilizations and connect the hearts of their peoples.”

Forum Highlights: Bridging Theory and Practice

Under the theme“Neo-Modernism in Architecture: Theory, Practice, and Beyond,” the forum addressed critical challenges through three thematic tracks:

Panel 1: Urban Regeneration & Heritage- discussed how to integrate cultural narratives into public spaces.

Joanna Bacon, Managing Partner of Allies and Morrison- Characterful Density

Shen He, Founder of SHUISHI and Chief Architect of its Urban Regeneration Centre- Design with the Development of Traditional Cities

Song Zhaoqing, Founder and Chief Architect of Lacime Architects- Sustainable Development in Urban Renewal-A Progressive Renewal Approach

Zhang Bing, Founder and Chief Architect of Hongshi Design- Understated Design

Panel 2: Cultural Public & Mixed Use Spaces- discussed how to integrate cultural narratives into public spaces.

Kim Quazi, Director at Arup- The Culture of Infrastructure, Cities and People

Zhuang Ziyu, Founder and Principal Architect of BUZZ- The Redefinition of Space in Scattered Narration

Andrew Ardill, Director of Hopkins Architects- Small to Large

Jiang Limin, Chief Architect of Tongji Architectural Design (Group)- Quotidian Reconfiguration of Local Memory

Panel 3: Landmark & Industry-City Integration, led discussions on the role of iconic architecture in urban economies.

Patrik Schumacher, Principal of Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)- How sustainability can facilitate rather than subvert architecture^s core competency

WU Gang, Board Director and Founding Design Principal of WSP- Industrial space energizing urban development:China^s future of city-industry integration

Emily Phang, Senior Executive Partner and Strategic Development Partner at Foster + Partners- Reviving City Landmarks as a Catalyst for Regeneration

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