As an active member of the China Association of City Planning’s Overseas Planning and Design Institutions (OPDI), Benoy continues to support initiatives aligned with China’s urban renewal strategies. From 17 to 19 April, OPDI hosted a series of activities in Shanghai, spotlighting refined approaches to urban renewal.
As part of the “CITYWALK” programme, Benoy participated in a curated exploration along the 3.5‑kilometre stretch of the Huangpu River at Xuhui Riverside’s West Bund. Wei Tang, Project Director at Benoy, served as a guest lecturer and led a focused tour of Benoy’s Mangoohub project, a key development within the district.
Organised by OPDI, the event fostered in-depth research into domestic and international urban renewal practices. In line with China’s evolving urbanisation model — from “scale expansion” to “quality improvement” — the study tour served as a platform for exploring refined governance strategies tailored to contemporary urban development.
Benoy provided masterplanning, architectural design, and interior design services for Shanghai Mangoohub. As a key part of the West Bund’s ongoing revitalisation, the project artistically connects public spaces across multiple developments within the Xuhui Riverside West Bund precinct. Mangoohub offers a dynamic venue for leisure and entertainment, enriching citizens’ experiences as the city’s renewal efforts progress.
The West Bund CITYWALK event brought together more than 30 planning and design professionals from across China. Alongside Benoy, representatives from Hassell, MVRDV, and Nikken Sekkei led tours and discussions, sharing insights into the development and refined urban renewal practices shaping the Xuhui Riverside West Bund.
Read more about the project: https://www.benoy.com/projects/mango-west-bund/
Shanghai West Bund
Stretching approximately 11.4 kilometres along the Huangpu River in Xuhui District, Shanghai’s West Bund has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once a major industrial zone — home to Longhua Airport and the Shanghai Cement Factory — it has evolved into a vibrant, world-class waterfront and the largest arts district in Asia.
Today, the West Bund is celebrated for its leading art institutions and its calendar of major cultural events. Looking ahead, it is poised to become a global hub for artificial intelligence innovation, driven by AI-focused initiatives, expanded international cultural exchanges, and major developments such as the West Bund Media Port. These advancements further reinforce its standing as a dynamic and multifaceted urban landmark.
About OPDI
Founded in November 2023 as an affiliate of the China Association of City Planning, the Overseas Planning and Design Institutions (OPDI) is a non-profit, unincorporated association comprising international planning and design firms operating in China.
OPDI’s activities encompass research, the identification of best practices, the facilitation of professional exchanges, and the provision of consulting services in the fields of planning and design. Its mission is to support overseas planning and design organisations in China, advocate for their collective interests, promote self-regulation, and foster a dynamic exchange of knowledge and expertise within the industry.
