Jointly organized by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Sinoexpo, the inaugural RIBA Asia Festival of Architecture (RAFA) successfully concluded in Shenzhen, bringing together global architects and industry leaders to explore the future of design in Asia. Woods Bagot contributed key perspectives on firm evolution and women’s leadership.
From Glocal to Local-Global
Principal and Regional Executive Chair – Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Singapore, Christopher Lye presented “Mutation vs. Adaptation” in the Future Business forum. Drawing on over fifteen years of design and management experience, Mr. Lye joined industry experts in discussing how international architecture and design firms can evolve and grow amid shifting global socio-economic landscapes. He outlined the shift from a glocal to a local-global model, advocating for total place design. “True growth lies in being locally rooted yet globally connected.”
Women Leading in Architecture
Director Jean Weng joined the “She is an Architect” roundtable, sharing her cross-cultural journey and calling for collective effort to overcome systemic barriers. She highlighted: “Stay confident, embrace diversity—the path forward is wide open for women in architecture.” Added Jean.
Award-Shortlisted Project: Sydney Central Station
The Sydney Central Station Upgrade – co-designed by Woods Bagot and John McAslan + Partners – was shortlisted for multiple RIBA Asia Pacific Awards, recognized in categories including Adaptive Reuse and Sustainability & Resilient Design.
Woods Bagot is proud to have participated in this cross-disciplinary exchange and looks forward to continued collaboration in shaping a resilient, inclusive built future.
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