OPDI’s Inaugural Annual Conference
The architectural association “Overseas Planning and Design Institutions” (OPDI) recently held its inaugural annual conference at Shanghai West Bund under the theme “The Next Decade — International Planning and Design Companies in China.”
The event brought together leaders and experts from 20 international planning and design companies, including Benoy Associate Director Shi Bo who discussed topical issues and trends relating to planning and design.
With a diverse range of formats including keynote speeches, thematic roundtables, and open salons, the conference served as a platform for industry professionals to exchange ideas, foster collaboration, and discuss trends and strategies for the decade ahead.
Roundtable Discussion: Navigating “Changing Times”
During the conference, Shi Bo joined a roundtable discussion on the theme of “Changing times” alongside senior managers from GMP, AECOM, Arup and Obermeyer.
Addressing a question about significant industry fluctuations, Shi Bo remarked:
“The industry is in a state of flux. Benoy is working hard to adapt to these evolving circumstances. While reinforcing our position in commercial projects, we are actively expanding into other areas such as urban planning, industrial parks, and urban renewal. We also emphasize collaboration with upstream and downstream consultants to ensure the success of ongoing projects, leaving a lasting impression on the market within the industry.”
City Walk Highlights West Bund Regeneration
OPDI also organised a city walk along Shanghai’s West Bund, a prominent regeneration project that has become one of the city’s most popular leisure destinations. Covering 3.5 kilometers along the Huangpu River, the West Bund is a redevelopment of the World Expo site, spanning 11.4 kilometers of waterfront and 14.4 square kilometers in area. It is designed as a world-class destination, featuring Asia’s largest art zone and a hub for international creative industries.
Benoy Shanghai Project Director Wei Tang and Senior Marketing Manager Huang Yifan attended the event, guiding visitors through Benoy’s contribution to the area — the Shanghai Mangoohub. The walk introduced participants to the urban renewal stories behind the West Bund’s transformation, showcasing its cultural, artistic, and commercial vibrancy.
The event drew over 30 urban planning experts and representatives, and took place for half a day. Attendees gained valuable insights into a decade of redevelopment efforts in the West Bund area. Participating design firms included Hassell, MVRDV, Nikken Sekkei, and Atelier Deshaus
About OPDI
Founded in November 2023 as an offshoot of the China Association of City Planning, Overseas Planning and Design Institutions (OPDI) is an unincorporated non-profit association of international planning and design companies with a presence in China.
OPDI’s activities include research, identifying best practices, facilitating exchanges, and providing consulting services related to planning and design. Its mission is to support overseas planning and design companies in China, uphold the organisations’ interests, encourage self-regulation, and facilitate a broad range of exchanges in the field of planning and design.
