Shanghai Expo UK Pavilion 2010, Architect, Design News, Engineer, Project

Shanghai Expo British Pavilion Building

UK Building at the World Expo, Pu Dong, Shanghai, China design by Heatherwick Studio

23 Mar 2010

Shanghai Expo UK Pavilion

RIBA to promote UK architects at the Shanghai Expo 2010

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has been selected by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) to lead an architectural workshop and trade mission to Shanghai from 19-23 July 2010.

This programme will promote the work of UK architects as part of the UKTI’s Creative Industries workshop programme at Shanghai Expo 2010. RIBA has invited UK chartered members to participate in the workshop and mission sponsored by UKTI and Crystal CG.

Highlights of the initiative include a keynote address by Sir Terry Farrell on the UK’s skills in master-planning and sustainability, tours of Shanghai Expo and selected city sites and opportunities to network with developers and potential clients.

UK architects will be able to demonstrate their skills by participating in a ‘charette’ – an interactive workshop that will bring UK and local architects, developers and students together to make proposals for a number of Shanghai city sites, selected for the event by the Shanghai Urban Planning and Land Resource Administration Bureau.

As part of UKTI’s ongoing work to promote the UK’s creative industries abroad, architects participating in the RIBA’s trade mission have the opportunity to apply for complimentary flights to and from Shanghai with British Airways (terms and conditions apply). Completed applications which include both the BA Executive and On Line clubs must be processed before 31 March 2010 to be eligible for this offer. In addition, a 30% discount has been negotiated by UKTI for missioners staying at the JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square.

Speaking today, RIBA President Ruth Reed said:
“We are delighted to be partnering with UKTI on this initiative following our successful joint conference in Beijing in 2008. The programme for the Shanghai mission will be inspirational to all who attend – from the UK, China and elsewhere – and I encourage members to take this opportunity to gain a privileged insight into the benefits of working in China, and first hand experience of how valued UK expertise is in the country. “The recession has encouraged many professions, including architects, to think about possibilities in new markets, this mission could potentially enable participants to benefit from post-recession recovery in China.”

Sir John Sorrell, UKTI Business Ambassador said:
“The Shanghai World Expo will be the biggest and most high-profile Expo the world has even seen. We will be using it as a platform to position the UK as a global centre of excellence for original and effective creativity and to challenge traditional perceptions of the UK – as traditional, even old-fashioned – amongst the Chinese people.
“The workshop and mission devised by the RIBA is a highlight of our programme to demonstrate UK excellence in the creative industries. UK architects lead the world in their understanding and experience in masterplanning, sustainable development and regeneration and we will be using the Expo to show what British design could deliver to such an important market.”

Shanghai Expo Programme

19 Jul Tour of Shanghai Expo including tour of British Pavilion

20 Jul Consulate briefing and tour of city sites (preparation for charette)
Tour of Crystal CG offices and reception

21 Jul Full day charette with presentations to RIBA Immediate Past President, Sunand Prasad, and Sir Terry Farrell

22 Jul Architectural showcase (mission seminar) with introduction by Consul-General and Sunand Prasad
Keynote speech with Sir Terry Farrell
Missioners’ presentations on sustainability, globalization, participation and identity
RIBA/UKTI reception

23 Jul Networking opportunities for missioners

The RIBA party will be led by Immediate Past President, Sunand Prasad, Roula Konzotis, Director of Communications, and Ian Pritchard, Director of Policy and International Relations. Architects wishing to register their interest in attending should email Ian Pritchard: ian.pritchard@inst.riba.org. For details of the charette, please contact Roula Konzotis: roula.konzotis@inst.riba.org.

Shanghai Expo British Pavilion 2010 – information from RIBA 230310

Shanghai Expo UK Pavilion – information from 30 Mar 2010

photo © Daniele Mattioli

British Pavilion Shanghai Expo Building : main page

Shanghai Expo British Pavilion

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the government organisation that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. They also help overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK’s economy – acknowledged as Europe’s best place from which to succeed in global business. UKTI offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. They provide companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage.

Crystal CG is a media company that specialises in high-quality 3D animation and design. Established in 1995, Crystal CG helps its clients achieve their goals by applying 3D visualisation technology to produce creative solutions. Based on its advanced software and committed workforce, Crystal CG has now evolved into a broad-based media company and expanded into areas like digital entertainment, history, culture and education.

British Pavilion Shanghai 2010 – images / information from Heatherwick Studio 2009

Location: Shanghai, China