Arup was among the pioneers when China first opened its borders to foreign investment, working on the then tallest building in Shanghai, Jing'an Hilton Hotel. Today, after some 800 projects, the firm has more than 900 staff based in seven offices across the country.
The firm is probably best known for 'building the impossible' such as the highly unusual structure of the CCTV new headquarters; it’s also leading the way of 'building the future', bringing fresh approaches to the country’s modern cities.
Arup has been pioneering sustainable solutions for cities in the era of climate change. Among the highlights, it redeveloped Shanghai Expo UBPA into China's first LEED-ND platinum pre-certified community, structural engineered Shanghai’s first transit-oriented development – Xinzhuang TODTOWN, and partnered with international organisations to develop strategies for urban development of Chinese cities.
This is the last stop of the roving exhibition across the country after Beijing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. "It is fitting that we choose Shanghai, our first foothold in China, to host the closing events of our yearlong celebrations, and serve as a fresh starting point for the next decades to come," said Michael Kwok, Arup director and Shanghai office leader. "As the urbanisation consultant, we are committed to helping Chinese cities to make them economically feasible, technically sound, robust to environment, and livable to people," he added.
The exhibition opens to the public from 25-30 November. A series of seminars will also be held throughout the week to share the cutting edge of the industry and inspire new ideas for shaping better cities. More information about Arup’s 30 years in China.