On the first day of the 10th Construction and Curtain Wall Design Forum held in Shanghai from 20 – 21 March 2023, Qin Pang, Benoy Director and Head of the Shanghai Studio, was invited to deliver a keynote speech. The event was hosted by Architecture Technique and Curtain Wall Construction magazines and Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Co., Ltd., and organised by the Architectural Society of China Academic Committee on Curtain Wall Construction and Asia-Pacific Construction Technology Information Institute Co., Ltd., with overall direction from the Architectural Society of China.
During his address at the forum on the theme of “the expression of commercial architecture”, Qin Pang shared Benoy’s expertise in designing of external façades and curtain walls, using the firm’s recent successful projects as case studies. Among the examples discussed were Wuhan Joy City, Wenzhou INCITY MEGA and COFCO Joy Breeze (Suzhou).
Qin Pang emphasized the importance of architectural expression in commercial building, stating:
“A building’s façade is the face it presents to the world, exhibiting its elegance, exuberance, or even something ethereal. Ideally, the interior space should align with the exterior design, but when it is not possible, the exterior design should still reflect the characteristics and grandeur of the building.
In commercial architecture, however, the focus on capital can sometimes eclipse the importance of urban design. Thus, to create unique and dynamic urban public spaces, we must detach ourselves from stereotypical formulas and tap into the true temperament of the space and the building’s true essence. This way, we can put an end to the monotonous, grey stream of identical buildings and create energetic urban stimuli that enrich the quality of life for the public.”
Over one hundred individuals, including architectural designers, structural engineers, curtain wall designers and material manufacturers gathered at the forum. The event served as a leading example for the curtain wall construction industry in China, where attendees exchanged best practice on outstanding projects and advanced. During the forum, 18 renowned industry figures were invited to share their perspectives on current trends and technological developments in curtain wall and façade design. On the morning of 21st March, the organisers arranged a visit to the Museum of Art Pudong, jointly designed by Ateliers Jean Nouvel and Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Co., Ltd., which provided a fitting conclusion to the event.
The Construction and Curtain Wall Design Forum bring together brands and professionals in the curtain wall construction industry. Since 2013, it has been held in various locations including Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Chengdu, and Guangzhou. In 2016, the forum became the annual academic meeting and governing council meeting of the newly established Architectural Society of China Academic Committee on Curtain Wall. Over the years, each meeting has had a significant impact on the industry, and the committee remains committed to fostering an interdisciplinary forum to discuss and exchange outstanding projects and advanced technology from China’s curtain wall construction industry, leading the development of the industry.
