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Arup celebrates 30 years in China with a special exhibition

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Jerman Cheung Jerman Cheung East Asia Press Office,Hong Kong
25 November 2014

In celebration of its 30th anniversary in mainland China, Arup presents a special exhibition at the Rhône-Alpes Pavilion, Shanghai Expo UBPA.

The exhibition, themed 'better cities: from vision to solution', features Arup's signature projects in China, and reveals the creativity and technical excellence behind. It also illustrates the firm’s vision for future cities and provides forward-thinking strategies and realistic recommendations.

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Over the past three decades, Arup has been part of many historic moments of the Chinese society. From the much needed high-rise hotels and infrastructure in the early 1980s to the stunning structures for the Beijing Olympics and Shanghai Expo; from the tallest buildings to the greenest communities, we are extremely honoured to have contributed to the fastest urbanisation in human history. Over the past three decades, Arup has been part of many historic moments of the Chinese society. From the much needed high-rise hotels and infrastructure in the early 1980s to the stunning structures for the Beijing Olympics and Shanghai Expo; from the tallest buildings to the greenest communities, we are extremely honoured to have contributed to the fastest urbanisation in human history." ”

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.