On December 12, the ULI (Urban Land Institute) hoted its 2024 China Conference at The Langham Xintiandi in Shanghai, bringing together global, Asia-Pacific, and Chinese industry leaders to discuss pressing issues shaping the future of real estate. The event focused on addressing current challenges, seizing emerging opportunities, and navigating a transformative period for the industry. Representatives from Benoy actively participated, using the conference as a platform to showcase their latest project, Shanghai EXPO Place.
Insights from day one: Global dynamics and investment trends
The first day offered in-depth discussions on evolving global landscape and its macroeconomic impacts, helping participants to better understand how today’s complexities and volatility influence business and investment deci/ions. Experts analysed trends in capital markets across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, examining their influence on Chinese property market and the global investment landscape.
Day two: Field trip to Shanghai EXPO Place
On the second day, attendees joined a field trip to two landmark projects, including Shanghai EXPO Place, a mixed-use complex for which Benoy completed the interior design of the boutique shopping mall, office tower, and exhibition hall. Benoy Associate Director, Louise Ma and Senior Marketing Manager, Yifan Huang led a delegation of around 20 developers, investment consultants, and industry professionals to tour the completed office and exhibition spaces, with on-site support from Head of Business Development, China, Emi Wang, and Senior Interior Designer, Jingyun Wang.
Spotlight on Shanghai EXPO Place
A collaborative project by the SSR Foundation and CR Land, Shanghai EXPO Place occupies a prime location along the Huangpu River within the core of the former World Expo site. With a total gross floor area of 320,000 square metres, the project integrates office towers, a bustling shopping mall, and luxury hotels, offering a vibrant mix of business, leisure, and cultural amenities. Guided by its core values of cultural enrichment, harmony, and green social connectivity, the project aims to redefine urban vitality into the former World Expo site. While the office and exhibition spaces opened earlier this year, the shopping mall is scheduled to open its doors to the public on December 31.
Exploring new Frontiers in Real Estate
This year’s conference also shed light on emerging sectors and trends, including the silver economy and retirement properties, non-standard retail concepts, logistics innovations using drones and autonomous vehicles, and net-zero buildings. These discussions provided valuable insights into opportunities shaping the future of real estate, reaffirming the importance of collaboration and forward-thinking strategies during this transformative era.
Benoy’s involvement in the 2024 ULI China Conference highlights its commitment to thought leadership and innovative design, reflecting the firm’s dedication to shaping the future of real estate with creativity and resilience.
