The firm’s Shanghai studio recently celebrated a decade of design by hosting dual events in both Shanghai and Chengdu. For the Shanghai event, Dominic Trindade, Australian General Consul, joined the celebration. And in Chengdu, Christopher Lim, Australian General Consul in Chengdu, was present.

“Woods Bagot entered the market in China 35 years ago and has witnessed the rapid development of the country’s economic reform and urban infrastructure. At the same time, this is the tenth anniversary of our Shanghai studio. Within ten years, we grew from a humble beginning and surmounted many challenges. Today, our Shanghai studio has grown to 127 excellent staff, situated in an award-winning studio in the city center of Shanghai. We are proud of our people and grateful to our clients and partners,” Pearl Huang, Director and Shanghai Studio Chair, said.

The Shanghai event was dubbed “Urban Regeneration – Commercial Value + Local Heritage.” Here, key stakeholders explored how these two aspects can create vibrant cities while referring to its historically significant roots. Principal Ian Png and Senior Associate Hang Xu presented multiple urban regeneration projects, such as Xi’an Dahua 1935 and Tianjin Jinmao Plaza, which demonstrate the firm’s methodology of utilizing original structures as a foundation while integrating progressive strategies and sustainable practices. 

“From TOD to TOC, Shifting from Infrastructure Oriented Development to People-Focused Experience,” in Chengdu took place on November 26, 2019, and was hosted by the local Austrade office. Over 80 guests and collaborators attended to explore the future of a Transit-Oriented Communities. 

The forum opened with a talk by Associate Principal Charlie Chan and was followed by a panel discussion with ERA leader Christian Derix, Ph.D., Principal Billy Ip, and Ting Jiang, Ph.D., Principal of Global Health and Development at the Center of Advanced Hindsight at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. The audience engaged in an in-depth and insightful discussion on how big data, analytics, commercial design and behavioral science related to TOD and TOC upgrades and development.