Chaired by Helen Castle, Director of Publishing and learning content at RIBA, "RIBA Sino-UK 2025: Neo-Modernism in Architecture" helped reinforce a high level dialogue platform between Chinese and British architects and foster international exchange through our global vision and China’s innovative architectural practices.
Focusing on urban regeneration, cultural public spaces, and city integration, our continued collaboration will strengthen vital professional ties between Chinese architects and RIBA’s worldwide network, with outcomes including the Sino-UK Neo-Modernism Practice Framework and joint research projects.
Co-organised 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 and Research Institute Co, Lacime Architects, and BUZZ architects, offering a unique opportunity to engage with cutting edge Sino-UK architectural discourse.
Leadership insights and collaborative vision
RIBA Chief Executive, Dr Valerie Vaughan-Dick MBE, opened the forum by emphasising 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 people.”
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 discussion: Urban regeneration and heritage
Four speakers - Joanna Bacon, Managing partner of Allies and Morrison; Shen He, Founder of SHUISHI and Chief architect of its Urban Regeneration Centre; Song Zhaoqing, Founder and Chief architect of Lacime Architects; and Zhang Bing, Founder and Chief architect of Hongshi Design; delved into the art of balancing modern development with historical preservation.
- Characterful Density
- Design with the Development of Traditional Cities
- Sustainable Development in Urban Renewal - A Progressive Renewal Approach
- Understated Design
Panel discussion: Cultural public and mixed use spaces
Four speakers; Kim Quazi, Director at Arup; Zhuang Ziyu, Founder and Principal architect of BUZZ; Andrew Ardill, Director of Hopkins Architects; and Jiang Limin, Chief architect of Tongji Architectural Design (Group); discussed how to integrate cultural narratives into public spaces.
- Cities and People
- The Redefinition of Space in Scattered Narration
- Small to Large
- Quotidian Reconfiguration of Local Memory
Panel discussion: Landmark and industry-city integration
Three speakers; Patrik Schumacher, Principal of Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA); WU Gang, Board director and Founding design principal of WSP; and Emily Phang, Senior executive partner and Strategic development partner at Foster + Partners; led discussions on the role of iconic architecture in urban economies.
- How sustainability can facilitate rather than subvert architecture's core competency
- Industrial space energising urban development: China's future of city-industry integration
- Reviving City Landmarks as a Catalyst for Regeneration
This forum celebrated architecture as a force for transformation. By bringing together diverse voices, it demonstrated that neo-modernism is not just a design philosophy but a global movement; one that transcends borders, integrates cultural wisdom, and prioritises people and the planet.
As cities evolve, the Sino-UK partnership exemplified at this event offers a blueprint for collaborative and future focused design that enriches both nations and sets new standards for the world.
