2006

China Fortnight: Sustainable Building in China

Date:

11 August 2006

Press office contact:

Dorelia Baird-Smith
T: +44 (0)207 307 3884
E: dorelia.baird-smith@inst.riba.org

RIBA, 11- 22 September 2006
 
The world's first zero-carbon eco-city, intelligent and green housing, organic farms and eco-friendly transport in China will all be showcased during the RIBA's China Fortnight this autumn. As the increasing industrialisation of China's rural areas and migration to the big cities continues, the RIBA highlights the collaboration of British architects and engineers in China, with particular emphasis on social and environmental sustainability through a programme of events including an exhibition, seminar and workshop. The full programme follows:
 
Exhibition: Going Green in China – UK Collaboration in the People's Republic of China
11 – 22 September 2006, Gallery 1, RIBA
Covering a wide range of projects, from ambitious sustainable cities and organic farms to transport infrastructure with eco-friendly features, this exhibition will include work by Arup, Foster & Partners, Terry Farrell & Partners and many others.
 
A highlight of the exhibition is the eco-city of Dongtan, by Arup, the world's first zero-carbon eco-city, an all-new development to be built on an island with an internationally important wetland at the mouth of the Yangtze River. The project has already inspired other cities including London to implement similar methods to reduce carbon emissions and the city's ecological 'footprint'.
 

Seminar: China: Eco Cities, Sustainable Urbanism and Other Stories
13 September 14.00 –16.30, Lutyens Room, RIBA
 
Speakers include Will Alsop from SMC Alsop on High Style in China, Alejandro Gutierrez from Arup on the Eco City of Dongtan, Hugo Hinsley from the Architecture Association on Urbanism and Intelligent and Green Housing in China presented by Chris Law from Oval Partnership.
 
Workshop: Practising in China – Telling the Tale
14 September 10.30 – 12.30, Wornum Room, RIBA
 
This open discussion led by Nicholas Thompson of Cole Thompson Anders, creator of China Fortnight, will feature contributions from some of the practices with work featured in the Going Green in China exhibition.
 
Nick Thompson said: "There are exciting opportunities in China for architects and engineers. With China Fortnight we hope to demonstrate that we have started to make a significant contribution towards sustainability in the PRC."
 
In addition to this programme of activities, the RIBA will host the launch reception for Professional Institutions UK China (PI-UK China) during the fortnight.

Notes to editors

1. For further information or images contact Dorelia Adeane in the RIBA Press Office, 020 7307 3884 or dorelia.adeane@inst.riba.org|
 
2. Tickets to the seminar on 13 September 2006 from 2pm – 4.30pm are £30 (£25 RIBA members, £7.50 students).
 
To book, please contact Sally Welbourn, RIBA International Relations Co-ordinator: sally.welbourn@inst.riba.org|, Tel: 020 7307 3667 or see www.riba.org for the International Events page to download a booking form.
 
3. All events will be held at the RIBA, 66 Portland Place, London W1B 1AD.
Tel: 020 7580 5533 www.architecture.com. Nearest tubes are Oxford Circus and Great Portland Street. The RIBA exhibition spaces are open Monday to Friday 10am – 6pm and Saturdays 10am – 5pm. Entry to all exhibitions is free.
 
4. Evening or weekend functions sometimes affect gallery opening times. If planning a visit on a Saturday or late weekday afternoon, it is advisable to call beforehand.