DOGLIKE

Ema is a trained architect, writer and photographer who works as a Junior Architect at REX in NYC. Inspired by her global experiences, she shares captivating insights into the world’s most extraordinary cities and buildings and provides travel tips on her blog, The Travel Album.

As cities continue to evolve into hubs of active living, outdoor fitness architecture is becoming a prominent part of urban design. The rise of calisthenics parks, designed for bodyweight exercises, yoga and group workouts, reflects a growing desire to merge fitness and community engagement in public spaces. These outdoor fitness parks offer more than just a space to exercise — they provide accessible, safe and functional environments that promote health, well-being and social interaction.

An Early Influence

N. Safford Avenue Recreation Corridor by David Conner + Associates, Tarpon Springs, Florida

I want to begin my article by emphasizing that public spaces, urban planning and playground design share many similarities with outdoor sports facilities and calisthenics parks. These spaces are all rooted in the same design principles — fostering community engagement, accessibility and encouraging physical activity — while also shaping how people interact with their environment. Additionally, they all share the commonality of being intentionally designed with a purpose: to serve the public and enhance the city or urban landscape in meaningful ways. Each space is carefully crafted to improve functionality, promote community well-being and contribute to the overall urban experience. The concept of outdoor fitness parks has deep historical roots, and one of the key influences on their development can be traced back to Dutch architect Aldo van Eyck.

Aldo van Eyck’s work is remarkable, particularly after World War II, when he designed numerous playgrounds throughout Amsterdam. His aim was to integrate play spaces into the urban fabric, creating environments where children could interact with the city while fostering community engagement. His minimalist designs used geometric forms and site-specific layouts, which emphasized simplicity and accessibility. Van Eyck’s playgrounds were much more than just places to play; they were a way to connect people with their city, making public spaces both functional and inviting.

This legacy of merging urban spaces with functional public areas can be seen in the rise of modern calisthenics parks, which are designed to promote fitness, well-being and community engagement. Just like van Eyck’s playgrounds, these fitness parks incorporate minimalism, geometric shapes and site-specific design to enhance the urban environment and offer accessible fitness opportunities for people of all ages.

The Role of Architecture in Outdoor Fitness Parks

N. Safford Avenue Recreation Corridor by David Conner + Associates, Tarpon Springs, Florida

1. Accessibility: Ensuring Inclusivity for All

Calisthenics parks can be found in various locations, but they are typically placed in central, highly accessible areas of the city. You often see them in large public parks, integrated into neighborhoods that lack traditional playgrounds or urban activity spaces. They’re also strategically located near open spaces and sports fields, where people are naturally drawn to outdoor activities. These parks are designed to promote community engagement and physical fitness in areas where people are already inclined to be active.

One of the most important aspects of outdoor fitness architecture is accessibility. Calisthenics parks are designed to be used by people of all ages and fitness levels, from beginners to advanced athletes. Architects play a key role in ensuring that these spaces are inclusive, providing equipment and layouts that cater to diverse users. For example, adjustable-height bars, wheelchair-friendly access points, and smooth, level surfaces can make a park welcoming to those with mobility challenges. Moreover, the layout of these parks often encourages flow and ease of movement, ensuring that users can seamlessly transition between exercises. Wide pathways and open spaces between equipment prevent congestion, while ramps and railings make the area accessible to all. This commitment to inclusivity is essential in creating a fitness space that serves the entire community.

2. Safety: Designing for Injury Prevention

Safety is another critical factor in outdoor fitness architecture. Since calisthenics parks are designed for intense physical activity, architects must prioritize materials and designs that minimize the risk of injury. Soft, durable surfaces such as rubberized surfaces or mulch are used to cushion falls and reduce impact, providing a comfortable surface for users to land on during dynamic exercises. Additionally, equipment is often made from weather-resistant materials like stainless steel or reinforced plastics, ensuring durability and safety in all weather conditions.

Proper spacing between equipment is also key to reducing the risk of accidents. By carefully planning the layout, architects can prevent overcrowding and create safe zones for different types of exercises. This not only ensures that users can work out without fear of injury but also enhances the overall experience by providing a well-organized and functional space. The most successful calisthenics parks are designed not only by architects but also by individuals who understand exercise dynamics, movement flow, and the spatial requirements for various exercises. These should be designers who understand and can carefully consider how much space is needed for different movements and ensure that the layout supports a natural, intuitive flow from one exercise to the next, creating a seamless routine for users to follow.

3. Functionality: Balancing Form and Fitness

The functionality of a calisthenics park is at the core of its design. These parks are often equipped with a variety of apparatuses such as pull-up bars, parallel bars, monkey bars, and dip stations, each carefully placed to encourage different bodyweight exercises.

Tying this back to Aldo van Eyck’s playground designs, both his work and modern calisthenics parks share core principles in how they are thoughtfully crafted to encourage natural movement and interaction. Both types of spaces are designed with intention, promoting seamless physical activity and engagement with the environment. Van Eyck’s playgrounds were also known for their balance between form and function—he designed play spaces with simple, geometric forms that allowed children to engage intuitively with their environment. Similarly, in calisthenics parks, the placement of equipment such as pull-up bars, parallel bars, and dip stations is thoughtfully arranged to promote a natural flow of movement, enabling users to transition seamlessly from one exercise to another.

Both Van Eyck’s playgrounds and modern calisthenics parks prioritize adaptability, creating flexible spaces that cater to diverse needs. Just as Van Eyck’s designs invited open-ended play and exploration, calisthenics parks often feature multipurpose areas for stretching, yoga, or group fitness activities. This flexibility enhances the usability of the space, making it accessible for a variety of fitness levels and goals, much like Van Eyck’s approach allowed for different ways of play and interaction. The overarching goal in both cases is to create environments that encourage physical activity, social interaction, and personal exploration in a way that feels natural and fluid.

Popularity of Calisthenics After the Pandemic

Padel & calisthenics by VITTORIO & ASSOCIATI Studio di Architettura, Province of Treviso, Italy

The rise of calisthenics parks in urban environments has highlighted a key realization: people don’t need much to stay fit and active. With minimal equipment, the simplicity of calisthenics underscores how accessible fitness can be, without the need for costly gym memberships or complex machines.

The popularity of calisthenics has surged following the COVID-19 pandemic, as people sought out simple, equipment-free ways to stay fit during lockdowns. Without access to gyms, many turned to bodyweight exercises, discovering the effectiveness of calisthenics for building strength, flexibility and endurance. The pandemic highlighted the value of functional movement, or, exercises that mimic real-life activities and improve mobility, balance and coordination. Cities have embraced this idea by integrating calisthenics parks into urban planning. These open-air fitness spaces are strategically placed in neighborhoods, parks and public areas, allowing people to easily incorporate exercise into their daily routines. By making these parks widely available, cities help remove barriers to physical activity, promoting healthy living through accessible and free fitness opportunities.

The Future of Outdoor Fitness Architecture

Bardales Urban Training Center by Natura Futura Arquitectura, Babahoyo, Ecuador

The rise of calisthenics parks reflects a broader shift toward incorporating fitness into public spaces, making exercise more accessible and enjoyable for urban populations. Through thoughtful design, architects play a key role in ensuring that these parks are safe, functional, and inclusive. As more cities embrace the concept of outdoor fitness, we can expect to see even more innovative approaches to calisthenics park design, blending aesthetics, sustainability, and functionality to create spaces that promote health and well-being.

As someone who firmly believes in the importance of fitness in our daily lives, for a multitude of reasons, the rise of outdoor fitness spaces fills me with optimism for the future. These parks not only enhance the urban landscape but also improve people’s quality of life. If fitness is as vital as it should be, architects and urban planners have a tremendous opportunity to shape cities in ways that promote health, wellness, and community engagement. By designing spaces that encourage physical activity, they can positively impact both individual well-being and the vibrancy of our urban environments.

The post Outdoor Fitness Architecture: The Rise of Calisthenics Parks appeared first on Journal.

The latest edition of “Architizer: The World’s Best Architecture” — a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe — is now available. Order your copy today.  

Back in my second year of university, one of the professors handed out a questionnaire before starting his course, so that he could get to know us better.

Eight years later, I only remember two of those questions —“What’s the last book you read?” (I was secretly re-reading the Harry Potter series at the time and for some reason this question made me feel exposed, so it stayed with me) and “Name at least five architects you know.” So for the second question, like any good architecture student, I listed the usual suspects — Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright, and a couple of big names from my country’s modernist glory days to mix things up.

Afterward, when I talked to my classmates, it turned out we all gave pretty similar answers. Everyone named the same modernist icons, the kind of figures you’d expect to find in any architecture textbook. The funny thing is, this isn’t just a one-time experience. A variation of that question —“Who’s your favorite architect?” — pops up all the time in the industry, whether you’re meeting colleagues or sitting through interviews. And, more often than not, the answers are not far from the ones in my school questionnaire.

This begs the question: why are we still glorifying these same figures from a movement that peaked almost a century ago? A lot has happened in architecture since then — bold ideas, new challenges, creative solutions. So why are we still stuck idolizing modernism? And more importantly, what’s the negative impact?

How Modernism Came to Dominate Architecture Schools

To understand why modernism has such a hold on architectural education, it helps to look back at the early 20th century, when the movement first gained traction. With the industrial revolution ushering in new materials and mass production techniques, modernism emerged as a practical response to a world increasingly focused on efficiency and functionality.

Valueyou (talk), VillaSavoye, CC BY-SA 3.0

Architects like Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius championed ideas like “form follows function” and minimalism, favoring clean lines and functional spaces over unnecessary embellishment.

These architects didn’t just influence design however. They also played a key role in shaping architectural education as we know it. Gropius founded the Bauhaus, a school that revolutionized design thinking, while Mies led the Illinois Institute of Technology, embedding modernist ideals directly into the curriculum. Their ideas resonated in a world that was rebuilding after war, where simplicity and practicality made sense for a society focused on progress and efficiency.

Modernism quickly became the dominant philosophy in schools, not just because it was new and exciting at the time, but because it was practical. Its principles — like focusing on the essentials and prioritizing function — were easy to teach and apply. Over time, these ideas solidified into the foundation of most architecture programs around the world.

marco 2000, FarnsworthHouse-Mies-5, CC BY-SA 2.0

Today, those same principles are still prevalent. Modernist concepts such as “less is more” continue to be emphasized in classrooms and it’s easy to see why — they offer a straightforward, logical approach to design. But while these ideas remain valuable, they’ve also become a bit of a default mode in architectural education. The challenge now is that the world has evolved and the issues architects face today require a broader range of thinking and solutions.

That’s not to say modernism doesn’t have its place — it absolutely does. But it’s time for schools to start balancing these foundational ideas with a focus on more contemporary approaches that address the complexities of the present day.

The Negative Impacts of Glorifying Modernism

Komera Leadership Center by BE_Design, Rwanda

While the movement’s legacy is undeniable, continuing to center it in architectural education comes with its own set of challenges.

Focusing heavily on modernism limits students’ exposure to the diverse range of architectural styles and movements that have emerged since. By repeatedly emphasizing figures like Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier, schools often leave out more contemporary and culturally diverse approaches, giving students an outdated or incomplete understanding of architecture’s potential — and the ways that diverse knowledges have been erased by modern’s hegemony. Indeed, this narrow focus not only restricts their appreciation of global design but also discourages the exploration of new, context-driven ideas that better align with today’s architectural landscape.

Like any other historical movement, modernism was a product of its time, responding to the needs of post-war industrialization and urbanization. Its clean lines, minimalist principles and functionalist ideals made sense in an era focused on rapid rebuilding. But today’s architects face a different set of challenges — sustainability, climate change and the need for cultural sensitivity in a globalized world. Modernist ideals, rooted in the past, often fail to address these pressing concerns, yet many schools continue to prioritize them. The heavy reliance on materials like concrete, steel and glass (symbols of progress back then) doesn’t align with today’s emphasis on eco-friendly practices. And modernism’s one-size-fits-all approach often overlooks cultural nuances, which are critical in today’s diverse and interconnected world.

Moreover, treating modernism as the gold standard can stifle creativity. When students are repeatedly taught to value minimalism and functionalism above all else, they often fall into the trap of replicating these aesthetics without considering alternative approaches. (It’s safe to say that many of us were guilty of this at some point.)

This emphasis on staying within the confines of modernist thinking can make students hesitant to break away from the mold or experiment with unconventional materials, forms or ideas. In the end, they risk becoming designers who reproduce the past rather than pushing the boundaries of what architecture could be.

What Should Architectural Education Focus on Instead?

HiLo Unit at NEST by ETH Zurich, Block Research Group, Zurich, Switzerland

While modernism has shaped how architecture is taught, it’s time to broaden the perspective. The world is facing new challenges and architects need to keep up. Schools should be encouraging students to explore more than just the classics — there’s so much happening in contemporary design, from sustainable architecture to experimental projects using cutting-edge technology.

Today’s architects have a lot on their plates. It’s not just about whether form follows function or vice versa anymore. Issues like climate change, urban sprawl and social equity are at the forefront of design. Instead of relying solely on traditional design principles, students should be learning how to address these real-world challenges directly. How can buildings reduce their carbon footprint? How can urban spaces become more inclusive and livable? These are the kinds of questions that need to take center stage.

Students should feel empowered to break away from the mold and explore new materials, forms and solutions. To achieve this, schools need to equip them with the tools to think critically and creatively, allowing them to push the boundaries of traditional design.

The good news is—some schools are already taking steps in this direction. At the University of British Columbia, for example, sustainability and cultural sensitivity are key parts of the curriculum. Over at ETH Zurich, students are diving into experimental design and using technology to rethink how buildings are made. These schools are showing that there’s a way to honor architectural history while also preparing students for the future.

Time to Let Le Corbusier Rest For a Bit

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The biggest takeaway here is that modernism had its time, but architecture has evolved and so must our approach to education. The continued glorification of modernist icons keeps students anchored to a past that doesn’t fully address the pressing challenges of today — whether it’s sustainability, social equity or the complexities of urbanization. Clinging to these old frameworks limits creativity and narrows the scope of what architecture can achieve in our rapidly changing world.

That’s not to say we should disregard the past completely. In fact, studying modernism provides valuable lessons, but it’s important to balance that with a forward-thinking mindset. For those searching for examples of what architecture looks like when it embraces new ideas, Architizer’s World’s Best Architecture offers a window into groundbreaking projects that are redefining design today. These award-winning works show just how much is possible when architecture moves beyond outdated ideals and welcomes bold, innovative approaches.

In the end, modernism isn’t going anywhere, but it doesn’t need to be the centerpiece. It’s time to appreciate it as one chapter in architecture’s story, while focusing on what comes next.

The latest edition of “Architizer: The World’s Best Architecture” — a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe — is now available. Order your copy today.  

The post “Architecture Schools Need To Stop Glorifying Modernism. Change My Mind.” appeared first on Journal.

The latest edition of “Architizer: The World’s Best Architecture” — a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe — is now available. Order your copy today.  

Founded on design principles that emphasize authenticity, simplicity and sustainability, Centerfield Studio’s work is known for the “wow” factor. Whether tackling residential or commercial spaces, principal Donnie Schmidt strives to create environments that feel both innovative and intuitive, seamlessly blending beauty with practicality. Donnie founded Centerfield to pursue his passion for design while connecting people through meaningful and accessible architecture.

This year’s A+Awards have once again shone a spotlight on the world’s most innovative and groundbreaking architectural firms, and Centerfield Studio has emerged as a standout, clinching the award for Best Sole Practitioner. Known for a thoughtful, human-centered approach to design, Centerfield Studio has garnered a reputation for creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also deeply connected to the needs of the people who inhabit them. Donnie has proven that a single vision when paired with a client-centric approach and a passion for innovation, can produce beautiful, impactful work. As he continues to push the boundaries of what small-scale firms can achieve, Centerfield Studio’s future is grounded in design for modern life.

Summit Residence

Lake Oswego, Oregon

This 7,775 square foot (722 square meters) cliffside residence in Lake Oswego is designed to maximize lake views and harmoniously blend indoor and outdoor spaces. The single-family project also includes converting an existing garage into an ADU, building a new boathouse, and creating hardscape designs across a 52,000 square foot site. Sustainable features such as advanced thermal insulation, green roofs, solar panels, radiant flooring and large cantilevered eaves are integrated to enhance energy efficiency and comfort.

Burnt Tree Farm

Sherwood, Oregon

Centerfield Studio remodeled and expanded one of William Fletcher’s last residential projects, a 1989 mid-century home that had fallen into disrepair. Drawing inspiration from the 20-acre vineyard and sweeping views of the Cascade Mountain Range, the design revitalized Fletcher’s post-and-beam structure to enhance indoor-outdoor living. A 520 square feet (48 square meter) addition was seamlessly integrated, while deteriorating covered outdoor areas were restored or reimagined to strengthen spatial connections. Locally sourced materials like Douglas Fir siding, board-formed concrete, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows highlight the natural surroundings and flood the home with daylight.

Cameo Court

Lake Oswego, Oregon

This 4,500 square foot (418 square meter) home, set on a half-acre lot, blends the client’s vision for traditional charm with contemporary architecture. Designed around a private central courtyard, the house pushes to the lot’s edges, creating a sense of privacy. Three distinct wings — the Primary Suite, Central Gathering Space, and Kid’s Wing — extend into the landscape, fostering a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces. Large windows and this integrated landscaping further enhance the home’s connection with its natural surroundings.

Fernwood

Portland, Oregon

This 2,800 square foot (260 square meter) mid-century modern remodel marks Centerfield Studio’s first co-development with Woolly Mammoth Ventures. The project aims to breathe new life into stunning yet overlooked properties, blending original charm with contemporary energy for a fresh, modern revival. Featuring clean lines, expansive windows and updated materials, the design honors the mid-century aesthetic while enhancing functionality. This partnership signals the studio’s commitment to preserving architectural heritage while embracing forward-thinking design.

Amber Place

Portland, Oregon

This 3,600 square foot (335 square meter) remodel blends the owner’s vision of “Zen and Pop,” creating a harmonious space that balances tranquility with vibrant, modern elements. The design merges calming minimalist features with specific accents to deliver a unique living environment. Natural materials and serene tones evoke a sense of peace, while playful pops of color and texture add energy. The result is a thoughtful fusion of relaxation and creativity, perfectly tailored to the owner’s style.

Cardinal Residence

Lake Oswego, Oregon

This 3,500 square foot (325 square meter) remodel is designed to offer flexibility for the evolving needs of a large family. The project encompassed architecture, interior design, and landscape design, creating a cohesive and adaptable space that grows with the family. Features include versatile living areas and innovative storage solutions, ensuring functionality for every stage of family life. The design extends out to the landscape, establishing space for outdoor living and providing a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The latest edition of “Architizer: The World’s Best Architecture” — a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe — is now available. Order your copy today.  

The post The Sole Practitioner: Centerfield Studio Builds Architecture for Modern Life appeared first on Journal.

Ema is a trained architect, writer and photographer who works as a Junior Architect at REX in NYC. Inspired by her global experiences, she shares captivating insights into the world’s most extraordinary cities and buildings and provides travel tips on her blog, The Travel Album.

Having just returned from Paris, I had the unique opportunity to witness the restoration efforts of the Notre Dame Cathedral firsthand. More than just a response to the tragic fire of 2019, the reconstruction of this iconic landmark has become an educational opportunity for visitors and Parisians alike. As scaffolding surrounds the once vibrant heart of this Gothic architecture, the city of Paris has created an informative journey around the closed-off cathedral, offering a window into both the past and future of Notre Dame.

What I truly appreciated about this approach was how the city turned the tragedy into an educational and informative experience for visitors and passersby. Instead of quietly reconstructing the building, they offered detailed insights into the cathedral’s history and the restoration process, including efforts to preserve its architectural integrity and historical significance. They also highlighted the proactive measures being taken to protect it from future disasters.

A Glimpse into the Past: The History of Notre Dame

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris | Photo by Ema Bakalova

Notre Dame de Paris, a icon of French Gothic architecture, has stood as a symbol of Parisian culture, art and history since its foundation in 1163. Over the centuries, it has witnessed revolutions, wars and transformations, becoming a symbol not only of the Catholic Church but also of French national identity. The cathedral’s twin towers, rose windows and intricate façade are considered architectural marvels, with countless generations contributing to its ongoing preservation.

The fire of April 15, 2019, however, threatened to erase centuries of history. The blaze caused the collapse of the iconic spire and severely damaged the roof, shocking the world and igniting discussions about the fragility of cultural heritage. What emerged from this tragedy was not just sorrow but a global commitment to restore Notre Dame to its former glory. And now, the reconstruction effort has become a living lesson in history, architecture, and engineering.

I had completely forgotten about the Notre Dame reconstruction while in Paris, but as soon as I spotted the iconic twin towers near the Seine, it all came rushing back. That view drew me to the restoration site, and to my pleasant surprise, I discovered informative displays explaining the entire ongoing process, allowing me to learn a lot. It was a reminder of the cathedral’s enduring presence, even in the midst of its transformation.

The Restoration Timeline: From Tragedy to Rebirth

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris | Photo by Ema Bakalova

The restoration of Notre Dame is progressing along a carefully structured timeline, driven by the desire to faithfully restore the cathedral while ensuring its resilience for future generations. Visitors can explore a timeline surrounding the cathedral, filled with informative text, images, photos and diagrams that outline the step-by-step process of the reconstruction, offering insight into the complexities involved in rebuilding such a historic structure. Immediately following the fire, the initial focus was on stabilizing the structure, ensuring that no further damage would occur. The removal of the melted scaffolding, installed during pre-fire renovation efforts, was a delicate and essential task that took months to complete. In the meantime, the process of cleaning the interior walls and stained glass windows began, revealing the beauty that lay beneath layers of soot and debris.

Current efforts are now focused on rebuilding the damaged roof and fully restoring the spire, designed by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century. Construction experts and historians have committed to using traditional materials and techniques as much as possible, echoing the craftsmanship of the original builders. Oak from sustainable forests across France has been selected for the roof’s timber frame, while artisans carefully recreate the intricate stone carvings and stained glass lost in the fire. The city brought in dozens of French craftsmen, each with specialized skills, to work on the various intricate aspects of the restoration project. The collaboration and the number of skilled workers involved is truly remarkable.

Strategy and Construction: A Balance of Tradition and Innovation

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris | Photo by Ema Bakalova

While the guiding principle is to restore Notre Dame as faithfully as possible, modern construction techniques and technologies are being integrated to prevent future disasters. This balance of tradition and innovation is perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the restoration effort. To prevent the spread of fire, two full firewalls were installed to divide the attic and roof into three separate sections. The roof and spire are being rebuilt with a focus on fire prevention, incorporating advanced fireproofing materials that were unavailable in the past. Additionally, detection and sprinkler systems will be discreetly integrated into the structure to ensure that any future fire risks are minimized if high temperatures are detected. These modern safeguards are essential in ensuring that the cathedral will endure future challenges while preserving its authenticity.

One of the most educational aspects of the restoration effort is how it bridges the old with the new. Master craftsmen are applying medieval building techniques, while drone technology, 3D scanning and virtual modeling are being used to guide the reconstruction process. These advanced technologies allow experts to map out every detail of the cathedral and ensure that the restoration is as accurate as possible.

Educational Journey: Turning Restoration into Public Learning

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris | Photo by Ema Bakalova

What sets this restoration effort apart is its accessibility to the public. As mentioned earlier, the city of Paris has transformed the perimeter of the closed cathedral into an open-air  classroom for visitors, offering a unique educational experience.

This approach has allowed the public — the locals and the millions of visitors — to engage with and learn from the reconstruction process. This transparency not only educates visitors about the historical significance and architectural details of the cathedral, but it also fosters a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and effort involved in preserving such a cultural landmark. Additionally, it turns a tragedy into a teaching opportunity, highlighting modern restoration techniques and fire prevention measures while ensuring that Notre Dame’s legacy is accessible to future generations.

Safeguarding the Future: A Testament to Endurance

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris | Photo by Ema Bakalova

Notre Dame’s restoration is not only about faithfully bringing back what was lost but also about preparing the cathedral for the future. The tragedy of the fire has prompted architects and engineers to think critically about how best to safeguard the building from future threats. While maintaining the historic authenticity of the cathedral, the incorporation of modern technologies ensures that Notre Dame will be better protected moving forward. The ongoing restoration of Notre Dame offers a profound example of how tragedy can be transformed into opportunity. What could have been a story of loss and destruction has instead become an inspiring tale of resilience, innovation and education. As Paris restores this iconic cathedral, it does so not only with a commitment to honoring the past but also with a vision for the future.

By incorporating modern technology, adhering to traditional craftsmanship and offering the public a rare educational experience, the restoration of Notre Dame is a testament to the enduring power of cultural heritage. In this unique intersection of history and innovation, the cathedral’s reconstruction stands as a symbol of hope and renewal, ensuring that Notre Dame will continue to inspire generations to come.

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The post Notre Dame: Transforming Tragedy Into an Architectural Journey appeared first on Journal.

The latest edition of “Architizer: The World’s Best Architecture” — a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe — is now available. Order your copy today.  

Once again, discussions on minimizing urban sprawl, over-population as well as the urgency for natural preservation, have brought the concept of the vertical city to the architectural foreground. Still, the term vertical city actually evades definition.

In the early 1900s, when skyscrapers gradually became the new norm in major cities such as New York and Chicago, people experienced a profound new way of living. Instead of commuting across the streets, they were moving vertically, through countless floors, to reach their home, workplace, or any other sort of entertainment. Examples such as the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building contributed to equating skyscrapers with a sense of architectural grandeur rather than a prelude to a more sustainable and perhaps conscious urban strategy.

Andromeda2064, Empire State Building, 2015, CC BY-SA 4.0

In parallel, many utopian visionaries have constructed their own unique versions, starting from alleged ancient wonders such as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, to Le Corbusier’s Ville Radieuse, which suggests an austere urban organization of residences on top of the remnants of vernacular European cities. Additionally, other visionary projects include Friedrich St Florian’s Vertical City, a 5,250 feet tall (1,600 meters) cylindrical building located in the middle of a lake, reaching above the clouds and powered with solar energy, as well as MVRDV’s contemporary — and highly debated — Pig City, where vertical megastructures are designed as organic farms for the Netherlands that improve the livestock’s living conditions while eliminating the costs and pollution for transportation and distribution — i.e., a city as a central food-core.

Naturally, these projects are all advocating for a better future, whether it being a more communal cohabitation model, an environmentally sustainable solution or even a gateway to technological advancements in the construction industry. Still, a key observation in regard to this concept is that it is either presented as a distinct skyscraper (a singular vertical building) or a building archetype that is copied and repositioned in strict organizational grids (a cluster of vertical buildings) usually compressed in a small urban footprint. As a result, a paradoxical question arises: what is actually considered as a vertical city?

Imagining a Vertical Forest by Endrit Marku, The One Drawing Challenge 2022

To this day, a mixed-use skyscraper is (positively) viewed as such, creating an environment where people can carry on with their everyday lives without ever leaving their buildings. From residences to offices, sports facilities, entertainment floors, restaurants and bars, these 100-plus-floor structures turn into neighborhoods and communities that lack nothing (in terms of function) compared to those sprawling along the ground — except, perhaps, more fresh air.

Still, the idea of living solely in one giant megastructure is a close reminder of J.G. Ballard’s dystopian High Rise novel, which describes the disintegration of a luxury high-rise building where its residents gradually descend into chaos. On the other, is constructing an array of new, vertical structures — similar to those of the Pig City — even in smaller urban footprints a better strategy for dealing with the current overpopulation and environmental challenges our world faces? And, if yes, what happens to all these cities and buildings that are left behind? Perhaps the answer lies somewhere in the middle, in a scenario where less production offers more availability, and where a series of strategies propose a “vertical” future that is not only alluring but also plausible.

Footprint Exchange

Vertical Cities by Luca Curci Architects, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

By setting up a trade between the erection of a vertical structure and the demolition of an existing low-rise block, would enable the inhabitants to relocate, without providing any incentive for increasing the area’s population and simultaneously making room for nature to reclaim large parts of the ground. At the same time, parts of cultural heritage, such as historic sites, cultural buildings and local neighborhoods will be preserved, thus motivating the residents to once in a while “escape their skyscraper” and keep ties with the people that choose to stay on the ground.

Vertical City vs. Vertical Island

Imagine a single building in the middle of lush mountains, rivers and greenery, without any other form of human settlement nearby — i.e., a vertical city. Now, imagine a hybrid cluster of such structures amongst preserved pieces of existing cities along with an abundance of natural parks, forests and water — i.e., a vertical island. To avoid any other additional dystopian visions, perhaps it is best to seek ways to construct vertical islands rather than cities. More specifically, islands are self-sufficient places that encourage diverse cohabitation and interaction between communities; in other words, albeit solitary and independent, they are far from uniform and unchanging.

Vertical Infrastructure

Finally, establishing the infrastructure to connect these vertical islands, both within their urban fabric and with neighboring structures, is crucial for preserving cultural diversity, fostering communication, and supporting globalization, all while minimizing land use. Whether this takes the form of overground trains, helicopter pads or flying cars, transportation works that conquer the forces of gravity will play a major role in island-cities.

The latest edition of “Architizer: The World’s Best Architecture” — a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe — is now available. Order your copy today.  

Featured Image: Vertical Life by Xi Xi Chen, One Photo Challenge 2022

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From the CCTV Headquarters by OMA in Beijing to myriad projects by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) across the country, China’s recent urban boom has made the country a magnetic scene for international architectural practices. Indeed, mass urbanization and rapid industrial development have been crucial ingredients in China’s rise as an economic superpower in the twenty-first century. Now, the dynamism of the country’s internal architectural scene is going global, and the world is turning its attention to innovative designs by local Chinese firms.

From poetic examples of adaptive reuse, thoughtful examinations of how the past comes to bear on the present, to high-tech transportation design, Chinese architects and firms are blurring boundaries between “tradition” and “modern” and, in so doing, reclaiming local architectural flavor in the era of global practice. For many outsides of China, the Pritzker Prize-winner Wang Shu may be an entry point into thinking about China’s New Modernism. However, with so many new studios regularly proving themselves with breathtaking projects, the question is not where to start but where to stop.

With so many architecture firms to choose from, it’s challenging for clients to identify the industry leaders that will be an ideal fit for their project needs. Fortunately, Architizer is able to provide guidance on the top design firms in China based on more than a decade of data and industry knowledge.

How are these architecture firms ranked?

The following ranking has been created according to key statistics that demonstrate each firm’s level of architectural excellence. The following metrics have been accumulated to establish each architecture firm’s ranking, in order of priority:

• The number of A+Awards won (2013 to 2024)
• The number of A+Awards finalists (2013 to 2024)
• The number of projects selected as “Project of the Day” (2009 to 2024)
• The number of projects selected as “Featured Project” (2009 to 2024)
• The number of projects uploaded to Architizer (2009 to 2024)

Each of these metrics is explained in more detail at the foot of this article. This ranking list will be updated annually, taking into account new achievements of China architecture firms throughout the year.

Without further ado, here are the 100 best architecture firms in China:

100. Huiyimingcheng

HYMC specializes in public space design, such as restaurant, hotel, and club and crossover creative art works. The work maintains a strong degree of identification and creates valuable things.

“Insist on originality, break the constraints of our times and express true emotion.”

Some of Huiyimingcheng’s most prominent projects include:

• White Deer Plain. Mountain land resort hotel, Xi’an, China
• Hong Japanese cuisine, Xi’an, China
• Chang’an Club, Xi’An, China
• Lotus Restaurant, Xi’An, China
• Le Régal French Dessert, Xi’An, China

The following statistics helped Huiyimingcheng achieve 100th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

99. zhaoyang architects

Yang Zhao was born in Chongqing, China. After studying at Tsinghua University, he established his own practice, Zhaoyang Studio, in 2007. For the first three years, the studio worked closely with Standardarchitecture, a leading new-generation design firm, in Beijing. In 2010, Zhao attended the Harvard Graduate School of Design where he received a Master’s degree in architecture with distinction. Among his several built works, the Niyang River Visitor Center in Tibet, completed in collaboration with Standardarchitecture, has received international acclaim as a project that successfully transforms the natural landscape and creates a sense of place in a unique way. Zhao was awarded the 2010 WA Chinese Architecture Award from Beijing-based World Architecture magazine. Currently located in Dali, Yunnan Province, Zhaoyang Architects tries to explore architectural solutions to the emerging Chinese urban conditions.

Some of zhaoyang architects’s most prominent projects include:

• Zhu’an Residence, Dali, China
• Sunyata Hotel in Dali Old Town, Yunnan, China
• Chaimiduo Farm Restaurant and Bazaar, Yunnan, China

The following statistics helped zhaoyang architects achieve 99th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

98. genarchitects

The expanse of mountains and fields, ever continuous in the universe. Like the beginnings of the world, subtle yet sublime.

genarchitects was founded in 2013, under the leadership of three principals, Fan Beilei, Kong Rui and Xue Zhe, genarchitects engages in comprehensive urban and architectural design work. Whether in urban or natural environment, genarchitects insists focusing on the genuineness of designing and constructing, and hopes that through discreetly dealing with site and functional requirements, we could offer a calm and sincere answer towards the complicated and uncertain reality.

genarchitects’ work and study have been published on academic journals, such as Architectural Journal, T+A, World Architecture, as well as in books released by Thames & Hudson Press, Birkhäuser, and Images Publishing.

Some of genarchitects’s most prominent projects include:

• Dingshu Vocational School of Pottery, Yixing, Wuxi, China
• Juanzong Books and Eureka! Touring Library at Aranya, China
• Yitingting Cottage, Zhejiang, China
• Shangsian Cottage, Changxing County, Huzhou, China
• Treehouse, Xiuning County, Huangshan City, China

The following statistics helped genarchitects achieve 98th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

97. L&M Design Lab

L&M design lab was founded in 2013 in Shanghai China, with its business covering architectural design, interior design, urban design and furniture design. As one of the cutting-edge contemporary architecture studio, it is dedicated to finding a breakthrough and inspiration in the heterogeneous mix in Chinese cities, providing architectural solutions with the same time spirit and oriental temperament. L&M has completed a series of different scales and functions of design projects, including Shandong Yi Shan Zhu State Museum, Guizhou Yunshe tourism. Service Center, Shandong Sun industry commercial complex, Henan Zhenping city design, Shanghai Vanke emerald Binjiang interior design and so on.

These buildings fit the base context and environment and have reasonable material and detail. L&M also win in many international competitions, Libo beer factory transform international competition, international competition of glass architectural design, AIM Architectural Design Competition and Wooden structure building design competition. The partners of the firm come from different educational backgrounds, China, America, Italy and Germany. It has diverse design concept and international perspective. With a keen sense of smell and accurate grasp of the characteristics to the urban social structure and historical environment and rigorous work flows and quality of service, its design idea is based on contemporary city and eventually will provide people with better life experience and space media.

Some of L&M Design Lab’s most prominent projects include:

• Wandering in the woods, Xiamen, China
• Public rental apartment by the sea, China
• Mirror Bridge, Shanghai, China

The following statistics helped L&M Design Lab achieve 97th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

96. hcreates

hcreates is an architectural & interior design firm based in Shanghai. hcreates believes design should be simple, fun and clever. All spaces should be designed to enhance one’s environment and leave you feeling inspired.

Some of hcreates’s most prominent projects include:

• Osteria de Gemma, Shanghai, China
• Cobra Lily, Shanghai, China
• Hooked, Shanghai, China
• Luneurs le garde-manger [Shanghai], Hua Shan Lu, Shanghai Shi, China
• Liquid Laundry, Shanghai, China

The following statistics helped hcreates achieve 96th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

95. Atelier A

Atelier A is an architecture studio based in Shanghai, China. Our fields include restaurants, cafés, retails, offices and hospitality.

Some of Atelier A’s most prominent projects include:

• Jeemee, Beijing, China
• Oh!, Beijing, China
• Nicha, Beijing, China
• Fine Café, Beijing, China
• ID Photo, Shanghai, China

The following statistics helped Atelier A achieve 95th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

94. Daipu Architects

Daipu Architects, founded by Dai Pu, is an innovation-oriented architecture firm. The firm endeavors to review each project with unique perspective, and redefine the relationship between people, space and nature. Since the establishment of the firm, we have developed a set of working approaches and practicing strategies. From early stage plan to concept development, from skyscraper to tactility of a handle or a step, all these are included in our thinking system. Each of our projects builds on experimentation and research in the interrelated fields of architecture, engineer, science and art. Collaborations with artists, engineers, and other specialists have advanced the diversity of our practice, and the implementation of state-of-the-art technologies has led to the realization of complex architectural structures.

Some of Daipu Architects’s most prominent projects include:

• Waterside Langjiu Bar, Luzhou, China
• Tree Art Museum, China
• Anti-domino No. 02 – wood mountain, Chongqing, China
• Kengee Urban Farm, Wuhan, China
• CCTV Office Renovation in Hangzhou, Hangzhou, China

The following statistics helped Daipu Architects achieve 94th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

93. Minggu Design

Minggu Design was founded by the pioneer architect and interior designer Jaco. Pan in 2007. Its core design concept is “focusing on the motivation that design innovation creates for the present social progress and how the pioneer design provides protection and leading trends to human lifestyle, also concentrating on the practice using of what kind of role that the Chinese traditional architectural culture heritage plays in contemporary society.”

Since its creation, MingGu Design has established a kind of unique execution mode that belongs to its own team completely and has formed exquisite perspective and control system towards the total design progress. They truly solved expected execution problems, from investment objectives to design creation and to finally the project landed.Above all, how to blend vanguard art into design system with the science, which is the most important part and MingGu particularly emphasize on when they creates a work.

Some of Minggu Design’s most prominent projects include:

• Techsize Flagship Store, Nanjing, China
• Bamboo’s Eatery , Nanjing, China
• LAI Yard——the Reflection of “Light” and “Space”, Nanjing, China
• ‘September Forest’ Sales Office in Nanjing, Nanjing, China
• Orange Crystal Hotel, Nanjing, China

The following statistics helped Minggu Design achieve 93rd place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

92. PLAT ASIA

Being an international team of architects and designers, PLAT ASIA was founded in Beijing in 2010, by Baoyang Bian and Donghyun Jung, who share the oriental cultural background. Based on the constant research and analysis of the bewildering social backdrop nowadays, PLAT ASIA has been endeavouring in optimising the living conditions without sacrificing the future living environment. Moreover, PLAT ASIA not only designs to discover new opportunities and means of land occupation, but to carry forward oriental philosophies of nature, architecture and value as well.

Some of PLAT ASIA’s most prominent projects include:

• Dujiangyan Forest Resort Hotel, China
• Lushan West Sea Art Center, Jiujiang, China
• Weihe River Landscape Pavilion, Shaanxi, China
• Cloud Tea Room, Huzhou, China
• Aranya Forest Dining Club, Qinhuangdao, China

The following statistics helped PLAT ASIA achieve 92nd place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

91. CAA architects

CAA Architects is an architecture studio focusing on all aspects of design, from product, interior, architecture, and urban planning, with a strong intention on merging architecture and art, whilst redefining how these two disciplines work in the age of digital technology and content.

CAA Architects was founded by Liu Haowei in 2006, and has established its main office in Beijing following the concept of “Design for Tomorrow”. CAA Architects is made up of a culturally diverse group of designers with both extensive local and international experiences, all looking to merge architecture and art into an experiential solution.

Some of CAA architects’s most prominent projects include:

• Beijing Collaborative Innovation Park – North · Yard, Beijing, China
• West Mountain Innovation Valley-Beijing Collaborative Innovation Park, Beijing, China
• CAFA Qingdao Campus
• Iceland Aurora Station
• Qing Ping Alley 30 – Beijing Hutong Home Renovation, China

The following statistics helped CAA architects achieve 91st place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

90. Zhubo Design

Founded in 1996, Zhubo Design is mainly engaged in architectural design and relevant design and consulting services ranging from architectural design to urban planning, landscape design, interior design, etc., and is committed to the comprehensive development of the industrial chain of design and architectural technologies. After more than 20 years of development, we have expanded design services including prefabricated architecture, BIM technology, green building, sponge city, intelligent building and relevant consulting services. We hold a Class-A Certificate of Qualification for Architectural Engineering Design, and offer the whole-process design solutions or services in stages from conceptual design, planning design, primary design to later construction according to the client’s demand, as well as all design services related to architectural engineering.

Taking the architectural design as the core business, we increasingly expand our businesses.

Some of Zhubo Design’s most prominent projects include:

• Shenzhen Natural History Museum, Shenzhen, China
• Mountain, Sea and Wind Pavilion, Huizhou, China
• Shenzhen Shangsha Experimental Kindergarten, Shenzhen, China
• 3D STREET – HUA QIANG BEI ROAD, Shenzhen, China

The following statistics helped Zhubo Design achieve 90th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

89. Z’scape

Z’ scape was founded by Mr. Zhou Liangjun and Ms. Zhou Ting in Beijing. Cooperating with world-class architectural and planning firms as well as consultant teams, we are devoted to providing high-quality landscape planning and design for cultural tourism developers, real estate developers and the government. Our works include public spaces, cultural projects, boutique hotels, urban renovations, mix-used and residential projects, etc.

Our team has international perspective, overseas educational background and working experience, rich experience in management and construction, excellent professional expertise and unique creativity. Z’ scape has always kept a moderate size to ensure the involvement of the chief designers and the control of details, which will effectively guarantee the execution and realization of the design ideas. Firmly believing that design is of great value, Z’ scape is committed to the research and practice in the fields of landscape, art and design.

Some of Z’scape’s most prominent projects include:

• Alpine Garden and Amphitheater, China
• Jiaxing Train Station Park, China
• Aranya Seaside Whale Swing, China
• Suzhou Mountain Kingston Bilingual School, China

The following statistics helped Z’scape achieve 89th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

88. Vermilion Zhou Design Group

In 2002, Vermilion Zhou Design Group was founded in Shanghai, Vermilion Zhou Design Group has completed more than 800 projects across countries in Asia-Pacific. Our talented team has provided services to a variety of clients, ranging from public spaces, residential spaces to commercial spaces such as hotels, offices, restaurants. At Vermilion Zhou Design Group, we never stop breaking boundaries and embracing new possibilities. Most importantly, the aspiration for the oriental modern lifestyle is what our designs are built upon, which also forms Vermilion Zhou’s unique identity in the field. To achieve a fine balance between functions and aesthetics in the design, our team is made up of creative minds from architecture, interior, lighting, graphic and product design backgrounds to gain different perspectives in each project.

Some of Vermilion Zhou Design Group’s most prominent projects include:

• ‘green massage’ Shanghai Madang Road store, Shanghai, China
• Intercity Bar, Shenzhen, China
• Song Art Museum, Beijing, China

The following statistics helped Vermilion Zhou Design Group achieve 88th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

87. ZJJZ Atelier

Our office’s name in Chinese is “休/耕”. The first character means rest, while the second signifies farming. When put together, the phrase means allowing land to become fallow in order to restore its fertility.

In this impetuous era where many are focused on rising to the top and chasing achievements, pressure and temptation coexist. We, like other practitioners within our industry, are encumbered by the times. But when we look back on our experience, we understand that the most important thing is still the joy of design, the mission we have chosen as architects, and our desire to remain sensitive to the world around us. “休/耕” reminds us to slow down: fallow is a crucial part of farming so we can use the time to lay the foundations for our best work.

Our professional areas of expertise encompass cultural and public projects such as art galleries, libraries, museums and hotels. We propose design solutions for different spaces, while studying the creative uses of the space. We believe that architecture is not limited to a physical structure that merely satisfies functions, but it is also a container of space that users interact closely with —a combined experience formed by light, shadow, sound, color and details, where rationality and spirituality coexist.

Some of ZJJZ Atelier’s most prominent projects include:

• The Mushroom – a wood house in the forest, China
• Mountain Restaurant & Bar, China
• Dafa Canal Tourist Information Center, China
• Woodhouse Hotel, China

The following statistics helped ZJJZ Atelier achieve 87th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

86. Supercloud Studio

Supercloud studio is a Shanghai based multi-disciplinary design firm established in 2010 which commits to design excellence, using design as a medium to connect people to each other and to the environment. Supercloud sets out to bring better social interaction to public life. This is why we also span our practice with artists and graphic designers, to enhance the adaptability of our work to the local context, its social life and end users.

Some of Supercloud Studio’s most prominent projects include:

• Beijing Yuecheng Courtyard Kindergarden, Beijing, China
• A Modulated Cubical Container for Sports: HUAWEI Health Lab, Dongguan, China
• Underwater exhibition hall and Exhibition hall D at Beijing Shougang Museum, Beijing, China
• The Rings of Stars —- LOOKNOW@Chengdu, Chengdu, China

The following statistics helped Supercloud Studio achieve 86th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

85. ARIZON DESIGN

Arizon Design was founded in Shanghai by Shen Junwei. Arizon Design focuses mainly on the design field of department stores and shopping centers.
Focusing on the relationship among individual person, the relationship between people and society, and embedding the concept of harmonious mutual existence between human species and nature in commercial design. Let our “eco-fashion” design philosophy be integrated into every project.

Some of ARIZON DESIGN’s most prominent projects include:

• VITA-The Fortune Bridge, Zhengzhou, China
• Joy City Kid’s World, Shanghai, China
• INZONE , Dezhou, China
• Cityfarm, Shanghai, China
• VITA RIVE GAUCHE, Zhengzhou, China

The following statistics helped ARIZON DESIGN achieve 85th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

84. XISUI

XISUI Design Brand was founded in Shanghai, China in 2018. We focus on using cutting-edge digital design and construction technologies to provide services such as space design, children’s playgrounds, technology landscapes, landscape construction, installation art, public sculpture, etc. We offer solution design, strategic planning and construction guidance.

We aspire to create designs with rich expressive means that are at the forefront of the times, coupled with a continuous exploration of the inner essence. We aim to allow users of different ages, families and cultural backgrounds to feel the sincere emotions, local culture and genuine concern for life behind the design.

Some of XISUI’s most prominent projects include:

• Digital Design of a Thin-shell Metal Woven Pavilion, Hefei, China
• Natural and Organic: Red Dunes Playtopia, Guangzhou, China
• Jungle Tribe: A Children Space Returning to the Nature, Chengdu, China
• Handan Cishan Tribe: Where 8000-Year Cultural Relics Encounter Public Children’s Space, Handan, China

The following statistics helped XISUI achieve 84th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

83. HDD

Shanghai HuaDu Architecture & Urban Design (HDD) is a comprehensive design company with first-rate architecture and engineering qualification issued by State Construction Ministry. It has established seven sub-companies in Singapore, Zhengzhou (Henan), Yangzhou (Jiangsu) and Urumqi (Xinjiang), Wuhan (Hubei), Hainan, Guangzhou (Guangdong). Its projects are located in Americas , Europe and Asia. In China, HDD blooms in large-sized and middle-sized cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Qingdao, Dalian, Jinan, Dongguan and Sanya.

It also expands to the central and western regions of China like Jiangxi, Henan, Sichuan, Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi and Xinjiang. HDD endeavors to explore and practice a long-life and sustainable development mode which is industry leading in China and integrates all fields of construction and development.

Some of HDD’s most prominent projects include:

• Mulan Weichang Vistor Centre, Hebei, China
• “Su Shanghai” community art museum, Shanghai, China
• APEC summit hotel Beijing Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Beijing, China
• Vertical garden _ Chinese Garden meets ultra compact apartment, Shanghai, China
• TRANSFORMABLE SMART HOME/Zhang Hai’ao , Beijing, China

The following statistics helped HDD achieve 83rd place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

82. Zhu Yufan Y³C Atelier

Zhu Yufan Y³C Atelier is a Beijing-based design firm since 2002, and we are specialized in landscape planning and design across a wide range of scale. Our projects include Urban Green Space System Planning, Urban Parks/Squares Design, Public Building Environment Design, Historic Preservation and Residential Design, etc.

Y³C is named after the Chinese idiom “yiyuzhongdi”, stating as “hit the key-point in one word,” mainly emphasizing on “one sharp design move”. We aim to find out the design essence of balancing the site and its demands under the unique perspective of history and culture. With the continuous focuses on the spirits of site (genius loci), Yiyu Studio uplifts the extension of both site context and cultural context onto elevated site-ethics level, making the project design works present more (but not only) site-specific features.

Some of Zhu Yufan Y³C Atelier’s most prominent projects include:

• Nanchang Wave, Nanchang, China
• Qunming Lake, Beijing, China
• Quarry Garden in Chenshan Botanical Garden, Shanghai, China

The following statistics helped Zhu Yufan Y³C Atelier achieve 82nd place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

81. PMT Partners

PMT Partners is an architecture and interior design practice launched in 2016 and currently collaborating with clients in China and around the globe. In an era of precipitous and extreme change, lead architects Yan Hu, Weihao Zhao and Zhe Zeng take an open-minded and creative but pragmatic approach to the work, creating projects that manage to be somehow both radical and restrained.

Some of PMT Partners’s most prominent projects include:

• SHEERIN Pavilion for 2023 Guangzhou Design Week, Guangzhou, China
• Shenzhen Flagship Store of TFD
• ZIPLAB Off-line Store, China by PMT Partners
• JIAMILA Islamic Fashion Flagship Store, Yiwu, Jinhua, China
• Stand VIRG CASA 2019, Guangzhou, China

The following statistics helped PMT Partners achieve 81st place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

80. Chengdu Architectural Design and Research Institute

Founded in 1959, Chengdu Architectural Design and Research Institute (CDAD) is a large-scale state-owned engineering design and consulting organization in Chengdu. Formerly known as “Chengdu Design Institute,” it was officially renamed “Chengdu Architectural Design and Research Institute” in June 1991.

After 60 years of resource accumulation and integration, CDAD has formed three major business groups of “consulting, engineering design, and engineering general contracting”, providing planning consulting, urban and rural planning, architectural design, landscape design, decoration design and engineering general contracting.

Some of Chengdu Architectural Design and Research Institute’s most prominent projects include:

• The Panda Pavilions, Chengdu, China
• Danjing Pavilion of Longquan Mountain Urban Forest Park, Chengdu, China

The following statistics helped Chengdu Architectural Design and Research Institute achieve 80th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

79. TheY Architects

ZZYY Studio is an international young design team full of vigor and creativity, currently chaired by Yao Yuan and Liu Yuze. The outside world is unknown. We believe that the most attractive state of design is to create unknown possibilities in the known environment, and stimulate the imagination and business of each space. By responding to the unknown possibility of the site, jumping out of the already known design of the site, creating an unexpected space-time experience in the situation. At the same time, the Institute always examines contemporary and future architectural issues from an open perspective.

Some of TheY Architects’s most prominent projects include:

• Station in the Field
• Nature Workshop

The following statistics helped TheY Architects achieve 79th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

78. Shanghai United Design Group Co., Ltd.

United Design Group or UDG is a comprehensive service design company with A-grade architectural design certification, A-grade urban planning certification and B-grade landscape design certification thus, providing reliable and quality services in completing projects in China. UDG is registered in Shanghai, setting up branches in Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Chengdu, Qingdao, Chongqing, Wuhan, Ningbo, Zhengzhou, Xi’an, Xinjiang, Hangzhou, Hefei. There are now well over 3,000 professionals working in UDG, including experienced architects, engineers, planners, landscape architects, interior designers and construction management experts from well-known design companies both at home and abroad.

Some of Shanghai United Design Group Co., Ltd.’s most prominent projects include:

• Dysis Church of Poly Shallow Sea, Sanya, China
• WOWDSGN Shanghai MixC Store, Shanghai, China
• Zaozhuang Stadium, Shandong, China

The following statistics helped Shanghai United Design Group Co., Ltd. achieve 78th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

77. People’s Architecture Office

People’s Architecture Office (PAO) is an international practice with offices based in Beijing, China and Boston, USA. Founded in 2010 by James Shen, He Zhe, and Zang Feng, the firm is a multi-disciplinary studio focused on social impact through design particularly in the the areas of housing, urban regeneration, innovative learning environments and creative workspace design.

Some of People’s Architecture Office’s most prominent projects include:

• Tricolor Trilogy: Accordion Arcade, Blue Sky Blues, Orbital Oasis, Suzhou, China
• Qianhai Floating City, Shenzhen, China
• Exploration Loop, Cangzhou, China
• Learning Terraces, China
• Plugin Learning Blox, Shenzhen, China

The following statistics helped People’s Architecture Office achieve 77th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

76. COORDINATION ASIA

COORDINATION ASIA is an award winning agency for design and architecture, specializing in creating high impact environments in museum, exhibition, retail and hospitality design. We are driven by the quest for fresh ideas and extra-ordinary design solutions. Like a concept laboratory, we bridge creative energy and professional realization.From cultural to commercial projects, at COORDINATION ASIA we believe that content precedes aesthetics and that great design is more than simply styling. Our clients like us for our content-driven approach, as well as for our dedicated and reliable way of working. From understanding the needs of the client to drafting ideas and final realization, we make sure every step of the process is met with the highest of standards.

Some of COORDINATION ASIA’s most prominent projects include:

• Rainbow Chapel, Shanghai, China
• Nike Studio Beijing, Beijing, China
• Shanghai Museum of Glass, Shanghai, China
• Shanghai Film Museum
• Gaga – Coastal City, Shenzhen, China

The following statistics helped COORDINATION ASIA achieve 76th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

75. WIT Design & Research

WIT is an award-winning design practice, with project experience in a variety of categories. The company has an interdisciplinary understanding combining interior art and architecture, engages in practice-led research and is committed to providing in-depth design services. Some people in WIT graduated from top universities in the world, and some have experience in leading international design firms.

WIT focuses on space design, including hospitality, real estate, CCRC/care homes, retail/showrooms, clubs, residences, restaurants, offices, medical beauty clinics and cultural and transport spaces, and also provides procurement and bespoke furnishings services.

Some of WIT Design & Research’s most prominent projects include:

• Zhengze School, China
• Fintech Office, China
• Dong Fureng House Museum, China
• Taikang Dental Wuhan, Wuhan, China
• New Firm, China

The following statistics helped WIT Design & Research achieve 75th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

74. Architectural Design and Research Institution of SCUT

Architectural Design and Research Institution of SCUT is based in Guangzhou, with projects on sustainability, public and religious architecture.

Some of Architectural Design and Research Institution of SCUT’s most prominent projects include:

• Changsha International Conference Center, Changsha, China
• Yanzi Memorial Hall, Fengxian District, Shanghai, China
• Da Chang Muslim Cultural Center, Hebei, China
• Jiangsu Meicun Senior High School Air Harbour Branch, Wuxi, China

The following statistics helped Architectural Design and Research Institution of SCUT Co., LTD achieve 74th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

73. Office AIO

Founded in 2014 by partners Tim Kwan and Isabelle Sun, Office AIO is an inter-disciplinary design practice based in Beijing, China. From the scale of architecture to interiors, to objects of desire, we have accumulated experiences working on a diversity of tasks, from hospitality, culture, retail, office, showroom and private residence.

Office AIO’s design premise is based on the values of wholesome, balanced and thorough spatial experiences. We develop genuine, meaningful, original solutions that not only answer client’s practical design objectives, but ones that transform pre-existing constraints into opportunities; thus, the result to each project is a response, in close dialogue with its cultural, physical and strategic context. Our portfolio has gained global recognition through awards and publications.

Some of Office AIO’s most prominent projects include:

• Bar Lotus, Shanghai, China
• Shop O, Chengdu, China
• Sage Bar, Chengdu, China
• Pageone Bookstore, Beijing, China
• Pang Mei (Chubby Girl) Noodle Bar, Sanlitun, Beijing, China

The following statistics helped Office AIO achieve 73rd place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

72. Jing-Rui Lin (Usual Studio)

Usual Studio, founded in 2017, is an architectural team focused on the diversity of design. We collaborate across different disciplines to practice urban planning, architecture, interior and product design. From the planning design “Light City”, which is made from the improvement of living and lighting conditions, to the renovation design “Rope Wave Office,” which is changed a shabby place into a creative co-working office, our ideas comes from the re-interpretation and definition of the value of design. Usual Studio design works have been acknowledged by the media and press worldwide, and received numerous design awards.

Some of Jing-Rui Lin (Usual Studio)’s most prominent projects include:

• Rope Wave Office, Shanghai, China
• Light Tunnel- Lishui Corporate Office, China
• Full Moon – Dali Qinglv-Fuyun House Design
• Freezing Rain, Hangzhou, China
• Jade Belt Cloud – Dali “Huazui Art Center” Design, China

The following statistics helped Jing-Rui Lin (Usual Studio) achieve 72nd place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

71. CSWADI+HKS

CSWADI+HKS is an architecture firm based in Chengdu. It specializes in commercial architecture.

Some of CSWADI+HKS’s most prominent projects include:

• Phoenix Mountain Sports Center, Chengdu, China
• Danjing Pavilion of Longquan Mountain Urban Forest Park, Chengdu, China

The following statistics helped CSWADI+HKS achieve 71st place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

70. QINGMO Architects

“The ancient world is vast, profound and subtle. Only with these beautiful colors can we depict the beauty of nature and all things.” — Kong Qing Fu

Established in 2017, Qingmo Design has a Class A qualification in the engineering design and construction industry (Construction Engineering). With inclusive and open ideology and rigorous and pragmatic design attitude, Qingmo Design hopes to create high-quality, innovative and humanistic works to meet the practical needs of the current society. High quality runs through the whole life cycle of product creation by Qingmo Design.

Some of QINGMO Architects’s most prominent projects include:

• Lakeside Pavilion of VANKE ANLAN, Hangzhou, China
• Eye of Erhai Lake
• Vanke Wonderland Primary School（TOD）, Hangzhou, China

The following statistics helped QINGMO Architects achieve 70th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

69. Parallect Design

Parallect Design is a diversified design firm rooted in the Yangtze River Delta region. It was founded in Rotterdam, the Netherlands in 2017, and now has studios in Shanghai and Suzhou, China. We are committed to providing experimental design ideas for spaces in different contexts, following the parallel perspectives of users, intervening in spaces to enhance the design experience. We are a broad-based design group. Architecture and interior space design are our main perspectives. At the same time, we also expand our professional fields to installation art, landscape, graphic design, exhibition, urban planning and other projects. We have already accumulated a lot of practical experience.

Some of Parallect Design’s most prominent projects include:

• Cabin Fairy Town: Island, Jungle, Cabin, Jiujiang, China
• Baimajian Recreation Bar, Suzhou, China
• Suzhou Bay Sports Park supporting building – LIM Café, Suzhou, China
• Qiyuan：Scenery · Plains · Windows, Hangzhou, China
• Houbu Ancient Village Post Station, Suzhou, China

The following statistics helped Parallect Design achieve 69th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

68. y.ad studio

Established in 2017, the Shanghai-based y.ad studio is a comprehensive design studio that focuses on space and site planning, urban renewal, architectural design and space design. It has accumulated rich design experiences through constant practices in different fields, especially in urban renewal, commercial buildings’ transformation, cultural exhibition, culture and tourism and real estate, integrated parks, restaurants, hotels, stores and rural construction.

With a restrained, simple, integrated, authentic and connotative design orientation, y.ad studio has been practicing designs in a moderate way. The studio weakens the spatial form and appearance in order to pursue a natural aesthetic feeling. Taking the actual situation, site and environment as the starting point, y.ad studio tries to create spaces that are integrated with exquisite textures, rich levels, functions, time, culture, regional characteristics and appeal.

Some of y.ad studio’s most prominent projects include:

• Yuanshe · Hezhou, Zhejiang, China
• Jijiadun Village Conference Center, Kunshan by y.ad studio, Kunshan, Suzhou, China
• Multifunctional Gym & Ceramic Expert Workshop in Rural Future Community, Xikou Town, Quzhou, China
• Capital Heyuan · Pinggu Rental Housing Community Library, Beijing, China
• Future Community Center, Xikou, Longyou County, Quzhou, China

The following statistics helped y.ad studio achieve 68th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

67. RoarcRenew

Roarc Renew is an architectural atelier specializes in urban space renovation. The atelier focuses on urban renewal, space reengineering, remodeling of old districts, trying to create a sustainable urban space, while following the concept of revolutionary design and the history of architecture. Its members and consultants come from Shanghai, Israel and New York. The current design projects include urban renewal, architectural design, interior design, product design and other categories, distributed among Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, Jakarta and other cities. Using working space and residential space as the starting point, the atelier intends to explore the possibilities of the lifestyles in the Internet Age, which facilitates co- working project as one of the major ways to carry out architectural practice.

Some of RoarcRenew’s most prominent projects include:

• TaoCang Art Center, Zhejiang, China
• Carlowitz&CO., Shanghai, China
• Joy City · Parkside · Herstory Art Zone, Shanghai, China
• Mixpace · Mandela, Shanghai, China
• Taioursee Laomendong SPA Shop, Nanjing, China

The following statistics helped RoarcRenew achieve 67th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

66. UUA (United Units Architects)

United Units Architects (UUA) is an award-winning practice based in Beijing and London. Our reputation is built on our creative design of space and form, attention to detail, whilst remaining sensitive to both culture and context.

The practice is characterized by a unique design philosophy guided by a humanistic approach coupled with technical precision. Our motivation is to establish the spiritual connection between people and architecture, and consequently make the building a carrier of meaning. We utilize geometric methods to optimize and systematize the perceptual architectural form into a rigorous three dimensional geometric framework, integrating the structural form, spatial layout, building envelop and mechanical services into a whole.

Some of UUA (United Units Architects)’s most prominent projects include:

• Park Era Sales Center, Ankang, China
• The Renovation of the Auditorium of Ankang Middle School, China
• The Exo Towers, Shaoxing, China
• Nine Flow Riverside Art Mall, China
• Coffee Craft, Beijing, China

The following statistics helped UUA (United Units Architects) achieve 66th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

65. China Architecture Design & Research Group (CADG)

The Chinese Academy, formerly known as the design company directly under the Central Committee, was founded in 1952. Since its establishment nearly 70 years ago, it has always adhered to the fine tradition and is committed to promoting the innovation and development of the domestic survey and design industry. It takes “a better world of architecture” as its own responsibility, takes customer achievement, professional integrity and collaborative innovation as the core values of enterprise development, and provides for the modernization, standardization, industrialization and internationalization of Chinese architecture. Professional comprehensive technical consulting services. At present, it has become a leading design enterprise with great influence, strong technical ability, large talent gathering and high market share in the domestic architectural design industry.

Some of China Architecture Design & Research Group (CADG)’s most prominent projects include:

• Taiyuan Binhe Sports Center Renovation, Taiyuan, China
• Linfen Shooting Center, Linfen, China
• The Main Pavilion of the 11th Jiangsu Horticultural Expo, Nanjing, China
• Tsinghua University Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
• Bayuquan Theater, Bayuquan, Yingkou, China

The following statistics helped China Architecture Design & Research Group (CADG) achieve 65th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

64. Huang Zelin • Aether Architects | 空氣聯盟建築事務所

Aether Architects is an architectural firm based in Shenzhen, China. It was founded in 2015 by architect Zelin Huang (1982).

Some of Huang Zelin • Aether Architects | 空氣聯盟建築事務所’s most prominent projects include:

• Cloud Odeum, Shenzhen, China
• Gulao Tea Alcove, Heshan, Jiangmen, China
• Zhongcheng Multi-functional Building, Shenzhen, China
• DADE Gallery, Shenzhen, China
• Air Mountain·Multifunction Pavilion of OCT Phoenix Flower Festival 2019, Shenzhen, China

The following statistics helped Huang Zelin • Aether Architects | 空氣聯盟建築事務所 achieve 64th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

63. 100architects

100architects is a pioneering global design and architecture studio that also offers  design consultancy services for urban attractors, creating architectural objects that attract users and customers, promoting brands and products. 100architects was born aiming to explore the thin boundaries between public leisure and urban marketing.

We specialize in street architecture and urban interventions impacting the known cityscape by creating a link between the brand and the potential customer through urban interventions, which invite the users to interact, encouraging the occurrence of social dynamics.

Some of 100architects’ most prominent projects include:

• Urderwater Office, Shanghai, China
• Red Planet, Zhabei, Shanghai, China
• Puzzle Maze, Shanghai, China
• Blue Ribbon, Shanghai, China
• Olympia, Shanghai, China

The following statistics helped 100architects achieve 63rd place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

62. Shenzhen Huazhu Architectural & Engineering Design

Huazhu is an architectural and engineering company founded in 1994, specialized in integrated design, holding Grade A Qualification for Architectural Design and Grade B Qualification for Urban Planning Design. Our company’s headquarters is in Shenzhen, and our branch companies are in Chengdu, Chongqing, Wuhan and Ji’an.

Shenzhen office has more than 300 people, expertise in Concept and Scheme Architectural Design, Urban Planning, Landscape Design, Structural, and MEP Design. Our team has more than 40 engineers with Chinese National Accreditations, including National Certified Architects, National Certified Structural Engineers, National Certified Planners, and National Certified MEP engineers. We offer various high-quality design services from concept to the construction phase for all typologies and scales of architectural and urban planning projects.

Some of Shenzhen Huazhu Architectural & Engineering Design’s most prominent projects include:

• LiuXianDong Headquarters Block 1, Section 2, Shenzhen, China
• Longhua 3rd Experimental School
• Hongyadong Traditional Culture Preservation and Protection Complex, Chongqing, China
• CATL Shanghai Energy Research Institute
• Wenjindu Bus Terminal, Shenzhen, China

The following statistics helped Shenzhen Huazhu Architectural & Engineering Design Co., Ltd achieve 62nd place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

61. Atelier Diameter

Atelier Diameter was founded in Shanghai as a part of Zhongsen Architectural & Engineering Designing Consultants (ZSA). We are a group of architects specializing in cultural projects of various scales and programs.

Some of Atelier Diameter’s most prominent projects include:

• Art Gallery Extension of Nanjing University of the Arts, Nanjing, China
• Mudu Library, Shanghai, China
• Micro-Renovation of East China Formal University No.1 Village, Shanghai, China
• Readers’ House, Beijing, China
• Wuxi Meili Site Museum, Wuxi, China

The following statistics helped Atelier Diameter achieve 61st place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

60. RooMoo Design Studio

RooMoo is an interior design studio founded in Shanghai by Tao Zhang, Ray Zhang and Marine Bois. The three come from different backgrounds: landscape, architecture and interior. Combining their strength allows them to realize big-scale and smaller-scale projects such as hotels, commercials and restaurants.

Regardless of the range of scales projects, their central ethos makes each project unique. For each project, they focus on bringing a singular response to the need and aims of all their clients. To do that, RooMoo systematically does some research and investigation for every project. They execute this research with a humble approach and study the ordinary to create the outstanding.

Some of RooMoo Design Studio’s most prominent projects include:

• B3, Shenzhen, China
• Le coq wine & bistro in URBN Hotel, Shanghai, China
• Forté, Shanghai, China
• Le petit chateau, Shanghai, China
• Halation Bistro & Lounge, Shanghai, China

The following statistics helped RooMoo Design Studio achieve 60th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

59. Studio 10

Founded in 2017, Studio10 is an inter-disciplinary architectural design practice based in Shenzhen, China with branch office in Hong Kong. Studio10 believes in providing highly bespoke, high-quality architecture, interior, master planning, graphic, product as well as other creative design services; our team with highly diverse background has both global vision and profound understanding of the local culture.

Some of Studio 10’s most prominent projects include:

• Hall of Immortality at Longshan Cemetery, Henan, China
• Renovation of the Qinchang Village Cpc Branch Office Community Center, Henan, China
• Dream & Maze, Guilin, China
• The 2020 Qianhai Future Urbanism/Architecture Exhibition, Shenzhen, China
• The Qinchang Village Town Hall, China

The following statistics helped Studio 10 achieve 59th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

58. DOMANI Architectural Concepts

Headquarted in Guangzhou, China, DOMANI has committed to provide design excellence for each and every forward-looking project in architecture, interior and products since its inception in 2005. We devise integrated, sustainable design solutions which exceed client’s expectations. With high premium commercial space solutions, our energy and competency have attained remarkable market feedbacks. Awarded by prestigious international prizes, we have consistently ranked amongst the top architecture and integrated design studios in Asia.

DOMANI adheres to strict code of professional conduct. We are a team of diverse talents, working alongside with a great number of other specialist consultants. Through comprehensive project management, we strive for the best in various architecture projects.

Some of DOMANI Architectural Concepts’s most prominent projects include:

• Guangzhou Julong Bay Exhibition Hall, Guangzhou, China
• TIC Art Center, Foshan, China

The following statistics helped DOMANI Architectural Concepts achieve 58th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

57. WAY Studio

WAY Studio is an innovative architecture and design studio with a focus on coalescing architecture with art and technology. With consideration for artistic representation at its core, WAY Studio has focused on discovering new possibilities through cross-disciplinary collaborations. We are highly experienced in interdisciplinary work alongside artists, designers, consultants, engineers and more, seeking new possibilities in every situation. We are interested in looking towards what is next, to pioneer a new WAY, and to find the balance between people and nature, culture and technology. WAY Studio currently has offices in Beijing, Hong Kong and Vancouver.

Some of WAY Studio’s most prominent projects include:

• Dreaming Someone, Beijing, China
• WAY-out-of-the-box, Shanghai, China
• Courtyard 35 – Hutong Cloudscape, Beijing, China
• “Tales from the Loop”- Living Amongst Ancient Trees, Huizhou, China
• Lianyi – moody MOONCAKE pavilion, Shanghai, China

The following statistics helped WAY Studio achieve 57th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

56. Cun Design

We mainly com­pose the in­te­rior de­sign for front busi­ness space and back of­fice space, front busi­ness space in­clud­ing: the core busi­ness flag­ship stores, dis­play and sales space and other busi­ness en­vi­ron­ment de­sign; the back of­fice space in­clud­ing like: R & D base, of­fice head­quar­ters, cor­po­rate cham­bers and other over­all work­ing en­vi­ron­men­tal de­sign.

Some of Cun Design’s most prominent projects include:

• Office design for Blue Moon Films: A Line between Time, Beijing, China
• Green Leopard Lighting’s flagship store, Zhongshan, China
• Space Design of Elephant-Parade Office-the world’s leading marketing agency, Beijing, China
• Encounter a beam of light in design- Portugal SERIP Lighting Exhibition Hall, Beijing, China
• From Nature: Creative Interior Design of Rosemoo Office in Beijing, Beijing, China

The following statistics helped Cun Design achieve 56th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

55. Beijing AN-Design Architects

Beijing AN-Design Architects is a firm located in Beijing that specializes in landscape architecture.

Some of Beijing AN-Design Architects’s most prominent projects include:

• Taoxichuan Ceramic Culture Industrial Park, Jingdezhen, China
• Courtyards Renovation of the Moshikou Neighborhood, Beijing, China
• Chongqing Shibati Traditional Style Area, Chongqing, China
• China Fuzhou Arsenal (Chuanzheng) Culture Mawei Shipyard Area, Fuzhou, China

The following statistics helped Beijing AN-Design Architects achieve 55th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

54. TEAM_BLDG

TEAM_BLDG was founded in 2012, they work with architecture, interior, landscape and product. The two founders of the studio consider that the word “BLDG” is a verb than the meaning of architecture, which should be the processing of constructing, and the finished design is just a start of architects’ work. Relative to any concept or style, they are more focusing on the “atmosphere” of building and space, interior and exterior for people.

Some of TEAM_BLDG’s most prominent projects include:

• THE HAKKA TRIANGLE HOUSE, Guangzhou, China
• Hotel WIND, Xiamen, China
• CT OFFICE, Jiaxing, China
• THE FIELD, Xiamen, China
• THE EARTH, China

The following statistics helped TEAM_BLDG achieve 54th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

53. Atelier Deshaus

Atelier Deshaus was established in Shanghai in 2001 and obtained the Class A Qualification of Architectural Design authorized by Ministry of Construction P.R.China. We emphasize on practice, keep the sensitivity of architecture-related and other more extensive aspects of culture, as well as pay attention to the cognition of ourselves.Our works show the expression of the atmosphere and the control of the construction quality. These works are linked with the local tradition, the modern cogitation and the relationship of contemporary society. Atelier Deshaus was invited to participate in many international architecture and art exhibitions and awarded.

Some of Atelier Deshaus’s most prominent projects include:

• Anji Creative & Design Center, Anji County, Huzhou, China
• Plot 6 & Tea House in Jiangsu Software Park, Nanjing, China
• Youth Center in Qingpu, Huake Road, Qingpu, Shanghai, China
• Spiral Gallery, Shanghai, China
• Blossom Pavilion, Shanghai, China

The following statistics helped Atelier Deshaus achieve 53rd place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

52. URBANUS都市实践

URBANUS believes that preservation and regeneration of a historical industrial site not only can restore a place but also a spirit. A city’s industrial heritage should not become merely another consumer product in the post-industrial age. Its rich memory and legacy should be rediscovered, highlighted and amplified so that it will take on a new life with productions of new ideas and infinite new possibilities. Thus, URBANUS proposes the novel concept of “making on-site” in the renovation of the brewery, making it a showcase of the city’s unique spirit while preserving its original architectural aesthetics, collective memory and intrinsic character of an era.

——Yan Meng

Kingway Brewery is located in Luohu, the downtown district of Shenzhen Special Economic Zone, renowned for its early development.

Some of URBANUS都市实践’s most prominent projects include:

• Renovation of Shenyang Dongmaoku Warehouses, Shenyang, China
• Kingway Brewery Renovation, Shenzhen, China
• Botanic Garden of International Horticultural Exhibition 2019, Beijing, China
• Xihoudu Relics Ceremonial Flame Park, China
• OCAT(OCT Contemporary Art Terminal) – B10, Shenzhen, China

The following statistics helped URBANUS都市实践 achieve 52nd place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

51. Archermit

Archermit was founded in Chengdu, China in April 2015. The pioneer and practitioner of the Imagist Theory of Architecture, and the pioneer representative of the School of Imagist Architecture.The core concept of Archermit is to create a new multidimensional space experience, reshape a new lifestyle with innovative thinking, and create a poetic space environment with emotion and vitality. Pursue the design of symbiosis with nature and coexistence with the site, advocating refined design and full-process design exploration mode. Attach great importance to the integration and exploration of the contemporary and locality of Chinese architecture and create a spiritual field.

Some of Archermit’s most prominent projects include:

• Bamboo Branch Academy, Yibin, China
• Longmenshan Town · Woyun Platform, Cheng Du Shi, China
• Chengdu·Supo Gallery, Chengdu, China
• Shijiazhuang Ander Memorial Park ·Cloud Mirror, Shijiazhuang, China
• Pingwu, Sichuan – Plum villa, Pingwu County, Mianyang, China

The following statistics helped Archermit achieve 51st place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

50. Atelier Scale

Atelier Scale is a landscape studio that focuses on people’s livelihood with the power of design. It aims to explore the relationship within different scales in landscape, that is, to find creative solutions and expressions from the relationships between the whole and parts, groups and individuals. We focus on public space and hope to bring more meaningful experience through our thinking. At the meantime, we don’t mind participating in commercial projects, but we look forward to collaborating clients with similar values to create win-win works that benefit public interest.

Some of Atelier Scale’s most prominent projects include:

• The Wave, Shenzhen, China
• Restroom in the Mountains, Yantai, China
• The Vortex, Shenzhen, China
• The Fire Tower, Yantai, China
• The Folds, Changzhou, China

The following statistics helped Atelier Scale achieve 50th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

49. MARS Studio

MARS Studio was founded in New York, USA, and opened its Beijing office. It is an international architecture studio full of vitality and energy oriented towards architecture and interior design. The founding partner of the firm, Ma Ning, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. He worked in MAD Architects in Beijing and Bjarke Ingels Group (B.I.G) in New York. His past design projects include S.Pellegrino Flagship Factory in Italy, Harbin Opera House, Xiamen Xin he Headquarter, Manhattan 45 Broad St Skyscraper, Sanya Phoenix Island Villas, Taipei Bade Road Residential Towers, Brooklyn 205M Twin Towers, Ecuador super high-rise residence and so on. In short years since opening MARS-Studio has won numerous international awards and has gained wide media.

Some of MARS Studio’s most prominent projects include:

• SOMESOME Bar & Restaurant, Beijing, China
• Tianfu Conference Center, Chengdu, China
• Tarentum Bar & Restaurant, Shenzhen, China
• Noodlology Restaurant, Beijing, China
• The Summer Palace Restaurant, Beijing, China

The following statistics helped MARS Studio achieve 49th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

48. ATAH

Founded in 2013 in Los Angeles/Shanghai, Studio ATAH is an architectural design firm featured by exploring design with contemporary thoughts. The partners of Studio ATAH received complete architecture professional education domestic and abroad, and have been in practice for years in known international architectural firms. Team includes architects, interior designers and technology specialist. ATAH’s project type includes commercial, office, culture, as well as renovation, interior and residential. Through continuous design practice, our work is being built and put into use.

In Navajo Indian language, A-Tah means involving.

Some of ATAH’s most prominent projects include:

• Yunmen Montain all-seasons Resort, Weifang, China
• The Brocade Loom, Qinhuai New River Bridge, Nanjing, China
• Pirouette Bridge
• Floating Matrix: Shanghai Yangtze 3MAP Elevator Factory Renovation, Shanghai, China
• Xiangshui Culture&Art Center

The following statistics helped ATAH achieve 48th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

47. XING DESIGN

Founded by Xing Xiong in 2016, XING DESIGN is a vanguard design studio committed to architecture and interior design, urban planning and development, landscape, infographic, installation, innovative technologies and development of digital/physical products. By investigating the creative design issues in multiple disciplines, a design-based approach is the key not only for smart solutions, but also to uncover latent needs and desires, thereby sustaining innovation to launch new ventures.

Xing Xiong graduated from Tsinghua University in Beijing with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture. He also holds a Master in Architecture from Harvard Graduate School of Design. Prior to XING DESIGN, Xing was a senior designer at Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), where he led the efforts for several of KPF’s most innovative design proposals, including Shenzhen OCT Tower, which was completed in 2018.

Some of XING DESIGN’s most prominent projects include:

• Shanghai Subway Line 14 Yuyuan Station, Shanghai, China
• Bluepha BioFAB, Jiangsu, China
• The Wall Maze of Vi Park , Shanghai, China
• NEOBRIDGE Hotel Renovation, Shanghai, China
• Terminus AI PARK: “Macrochips” Built into the Earth, Chongqing, China

The following statistics helped XING DESIGN achieve 47th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

46. AD ARCHITECTURE

AD ARCHITECTURE (Shenzhen) is committed to carrying out architectural and interior design and researches from unique perspectives, and dedicated to creating distinctive visual art for each project. With international vision, determination to break the boundary and a strategic project management system, the team insists on an explorative attitude to create interaction between human, human and objects during spatial design practices.

Some of AD ARCHITECTURE’s most prominent projects include:

• Chasing Light · Overland Headquarters & Showroom, Foshan, China
• Future Artspace H, Shantou, China
• WU Modern Chao Cuisine, Shenzhen, China
• Flowing Bubbles – LONSHRY JEWELRY ART STORE, Shantou, China
• Nine Five Beijing Cuisine, Hangzhou, China

The following statistics helped AD ARCHITECTURE achieve 46th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

45. Golucci Interior Architects

Golucci Interior Architects brings spaces to life for some of the world’s most iconic F&B brands. Tactile, layered, and immersive interiors have established our reputation for masterful storytelling through design, and have made our hospitality and restaurant projects award-winning and time-tested.

Golucci Interior Architects is the Taiwanese designer LEE Hsuheng’s 20 years of experience imagining and realizing extraordinary interiors. Fueled by a singular vision to create unforgettable design experiences, we have cultivated award-winning projects based on partnerships with the world’s preeminent hotel and restaurant groups, hospitality companies and top chefs.

With an ever-expanding scope of work which now includes hospitality programming, architecture design, furniture, fixtures and equipment design, Golucci Interior Architects is simultaneous defining a new era of creative interiors while keeping a spirit grounded by the unending desire to tell authentic design stories.

Some of Golucci Interior Architects’s most prominent projects include:

• Yijian Cafe, Shanghai, China
• Si-Pu Nabe, Shanghai, China
• The Goose Hut Bistro APM , Beijing, China
• DianDianYiPin ChaChaanTeng, Beijing, China
• Vitaland kid restaurant, Beijing, China

The following statistics helped Golucci Interior Architects achieve 45th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

44. JANSON XIAN ARCHITECT+ASSOCIATES (XAA)

Founded by Mr. Xian Jianxiong, an architect, it has been following the principle of people-oriented design for many years, focusing on the balance between architectural function and art, and is committed to providing high-quality comprehensive architectural design services for the city.

Some of JANSON XIAN ARCHITECT+ASSOCIATES (XAA)’s most prominent projects include:

• Pazhou Ferry Terminal Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
• Dongpo Academy, Meishan, China
• Wuzhou Urban Multi-fiction Center, Wuzhou, China
• URBAN DEVELOPMENT EXHIBITION HALL OF LIUZHOU CITY, Liuzhou, China
• Vanke Xishuanbanna Cultural Center, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, China

The following statistics helped JANSON XIAN ARCHITECT+ASSOCIATES（XAA） achieve 44th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

43. Various Associates

Various Associates is an architecture and interior design practice working regionally and internationally on research-based design projects.VA was founded in 2017 as a team of designers from an international background with professional expertise in architecture, interior design, material design, graphic and interaction design. The studio is developing ambitious high-end projects including boutique hotels, restaurants, retail spaces, workspaces and galleries. VA focuses on enhancing spaces and developing material details using bespoke approaches to give unique visual expressions to each project. VA also gives artists and designers a platform to collaborate and reimagine new ways to be creative and break down barriers between the arts.

Some of Various Associates’s most prominent projects include:

• Voisin Organique Restaurant & Lounge, Shenzhen, China
• AVENUE & SON, Shanghai, China
• PLASTIQUE MO DEPO (Taikoo Li Qiantan) by Various Associates, Shanghai, China
• SND Concept Store, Shenzhen by Various Associates, Shenzhen, China
• FUTURE CITY Exhibition Center, Shenzhen, China

The following statistics helped Various Associates achieve 43rd place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

42. LINEHOUSE

Linehouse is an architecture and interior design practice established in 2013 by Alex Mok (Chinese-Swedish) and Briar Hickling (from New Zealand). Both have completed extensive work in Asia, Pacific and abroad. Linehouse operates as a platform to investigate the rituals of inhabitation and how these daily moments can be celebrated through design, transforming the mundane into performative acts.

Linehouse is a collaboration of like-minded individuals from various backgrounds and cultures. The practice has international experience in design and construction, from the small scale and the intricate, to the grand and public. The studio works on projects of varying scales and typologies that allow explorations of both the poetic idea and pragmatic solution.

Some of LINEHOUSE’s most prominent projects include:

• WeWork Weihai Lu, Shanghai, China
• John Anthony, Hong Kong
• LONE RANGER Hot Dog Shop, Shanghai, China
• Tribeca, Shanghai, China
• Baoism, Shanghai, China

The following statistics helped LINEHOUSE achieve 42nd place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

41. Atelier XI

Founded in 2017 by CHEN Xi in New York City, ATELIER XI is an architectural design practice currently based in Shenzhen, China. With our work focusing on public and cultural projects at various scales, we are attentive to the needs of diverse groups and scales. The studio aspires to create spaces that bring unique poetry and profoundness to contemporary urban and rural environments.

We believe that each space, grand or tiny, is a clue to the vastness of our world, and a testimony to the glory of everyday life. By planting these quiet and resilient spaces one at a time, we envision architecture to branch out and blossom with life and narratives.

Some of Atelier XI’s most prominent projects include:

• Peach Hut, Xiuwu County, Jiaozuo, China
• UABB Longgang Exhibition Hall, Shenzhen, China
• Library in Ruins, Xiuwu County, Jiaozuo, China
• Wuhan City Pavilion & Kindergarten, Wuhan, China

The following statistics helped Atelier XI achieve 41st place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

40. Atelier Ping Jiang | EID Arch

Atelier Ping Jiang | EID Arch is a leading international practice for architecture and urbanism. Led by Founding Principal Ping Jiang, FAIA, who established the Shanghai based practice in 2015, the firm strives to provide environmentally sensitive and innovative design solutions for architecture and urban environment. The practice is founded on the belief that architecture should concern itself with the environment and is deeply committed to design excellence, innovation and sustainability. The firm has extensive experience in a wide range of building types, including large scale mixed-use developments, office/corporate, retail, hospitality, cultural/civic, institutional and residential uses.

Some of Atelier Ping Jiang | EID Arch’s most prominent projects include:

• The Panda Pavilions, Chengdu, China
• LAND Community Center, Xi’an, China
• Minsheng Wharf Block E15-3, Shanghai, China
• MicroNature, Shanghai, China
• Shimao Riverside Block D2b, Wuhan, China

The following statistics helped Atelier Ping Jiang | EID Arch achieve 40th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

39. Shanghai Dushe Architectural Design DSD

SH-DSD was founded in 2004. DSD focuses on boutique design and controls the amount of annual projects trying to make every piece of work unique and at high level. Oriented by its culture ‘Customized Design’, DSD is capable of integrating the experience of large firm and the creativity of small offices.

DSD aims to become the best life design expert in China and to produce acclaimed pieces of work in the field of hotel, culture architecture, complex building and top rank residences. All the projects designed by DSD are original.

Some of Shanghai Dushe Architectural Design DSD’s most prominent projects include:

• The Metamorphosis of Nanjing Baiyunting Food Market, China
• Bayuquan Theater, Bayuquan, Yingkou, China
• Jiahe Boutique Hotel in Yushan Bay, Jiangyin, Wuxi, China
• Yangzhou Hongqiao Commercial Street, Yangzhou, China
• China Yellow Sea Wetlands Museum

The following statistics helped Shanghai Dushe Architectural Design DSD achieve 39th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

38. Trace Architecture Office

TAO (TRACE ARCHITECTURE OFFICE) was founded by Li Hua in 2009 in Beijing. It is a design studio committed to architecture, urban, landscape and furniture design. Trace is surviving mark of things, and evidence of  time fragments accumulation. The production of architecture is a process with confrontation of various will powers and values, full of contradiction and complexity. Architecture itself is a record of its time and nature. Looking at “trace and process” suggests our approach to architecture. TAO is concerned with the social, cultural and ecological significance in making process of architecture from design to construction; While architecture always face the conflict between past, present and future, between regional and global, between individual and collective, TAO rejects a simple and brutal attitude and explores how to achieve a subtle balance.

Some of Trace Architecture Office’s most prominent projects include:

• Museum of Handcraft Paper, Yunnan, China
• Xinzhai Coffeee Manor, Baoshan, China
• Swan Lake Bridge House and Viewing Tower, Shandong, China
• Huandao Middle School, Haikou, Haikou, China
• Xiadi Paddy Field Bookstore of Librairie Avant-Garde, Fujian, China

The following statistics helped Trace Architecture Office achieve 38th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

37. META-Project

META-Project is a contemporary practice operating in the fields of architecture, urbanism research, interior design and curation. META-Project is interested in what defines the contemporary way of life in the context of increasingly uncontrolled urban conditions, with specific focus on the emergent socio/cultural phenomenon in Asian cities generated by an unprecedented urban transition. At the same time, as a culture platform that spans between architecture and urbanism research, META-Project is actively engaged in worldwide cross-disciplinary collaboration that involve multiple dimensions of the contemporary medium: publication, video, art, network, exhibition and to develop design strategies for promoting the culture of contemporary city.

Some of META-Project’s most prominent projects include:

• Stage of Forest, Jilin, China
• HeyTown Art Center, Beijing, China
• New Youth Commune, China
• Water Tower Pavilion, Shenyang, China
• Courtyard by the West Sea, China

The following statistics helped META-Project achieve 37th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

36. Guangzhou S.P.I Design

Founded in 2007, Guangzhou S.P.I Design is a comprehensive landscape design platform driven by “innovative design” with its headquarters in Guangzhou. Now it has 16 branches in China and over 1,800 members (1470+designers) and establishes three business modules of community, culture and tourism, in addition to urban projects, with completion of more than 3,000 high-quality projects in over 100 cities in China. S.P.I has devoted to China’s rural and urban development and ecological civilization construction with the mission of “Poetic Dwelling Inherit Innovation”, based on the New Shanshui Design Concept, driven by innovating design, with digital technology as the core and Shanshui General Theater as the carrier, to build a world-renowned landscape technology innovation platform.

Some of Guangzhou S.P.I Design’s most prominent projects include:

• Jingkai Central Park
• Nebula Park: A Journey Among The Stars, China
• Guangzhou Wangnan Park, Guangzhou, China
• Reshaping Karst Topography with Farming Culture: A New Community Park Design, Guiyang, China
• Huafa CIFI • Platinum Diamond Four Seasons, Guangdong Province, China

The following statistics helped Guangzhou S.P.I Design Co., Ltd achieve 36th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

35. DAGA Architects

As a pioneer and practitioner in the field of “Urban Renovation” in China, DAGA Architects is widely participated in architectural design, interior design, urban planning and landscape design projects, providing international standard design quality, focusing on creativity and details. DAGA Architects also track the whole process of the project. Especially in the practice of co-working and co-living renovation in Beijing hutong area, DAGA Architects find a way to balance the existing building and new design ,provide people with a more harmonious and shared lifestyle.

Some of DAGA Architects’ most prominent projects include:

• Dongsi 5Lmeet, Beijing, China
• Hangzhou Vanke Times Commune, Hangzhou, China
• Transparent Hutong Installation: From Physics to Phenomena , Beijing, China
• Gulou Office Renovation, Beijing, China
• Qingdao Metro CR International Ocean Intelligence Zone Accelerator Office, Qingdao, China

The following statistics helped DAGA Architects achieve 35th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

34. LLLab.

LLLab. is a design studio based in Shanghai, Stuttgart and Porto operating within the fields of architecture, design, art, urbanism, research and development. The studio is led by four partners Hanxiao Liu, Luís Ricardo, David Correa and Taichi Kuma. Their work focuses on using design as a tool to improve social and cultural life through various scales, from urban projects to micro-architecture or installations. The principals are driven by an experimental and playful approach that leads to conceptually rigorous and well-executed design projects. Creating distinctive solutions adapted to a context and its users.

Some of LLLab.’s most prominent projects include:

• Bamboo Bamboo, Canopy and Pavilions, Impression SanjieLiu, Guilin, China
• San Sa Village, Beijing, China
• Brickyard Retreat Renovation, Beijing, China
• Bamboo Bamboo, Canopy and Pavilions, Impression Sanjie Liu, Guilin, China
• LEO Office Shanghai, Shanghai, China

The following statistics helped LLLab. achieve 34th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

33. Ballistic Architecture Machine (BAM)

Ballistic Architecture Machine (BAM) is an award-winning art, landscape, and architectural design firm with offices in Beijing and Shanghai. Founded in 2007, BAM became anomalous as a locally grown design firm in China started by foreigners. The experience of establishing a design practice in a rapidly changing contemporary Chinese metropolis gives BAM a unique insight into the role of design in today’s cities. BAM’s diverse team of designers has delivered projects for clients in China, Taiwan, the US, the UK, Iceland, and Belgium.Since our founding BAM believes our collective idea of nature is gradually changing. As technology continuously shapes our environment, our perception of nature is becoming outdated.

Some of Ballistic Architecture Machine (BAM)’s most prominent projects include:

• Daxing Green Hub and Park, Daxing District, Beijing, China
• Xiaoyunlu 8, MAHA Residential Park, Beijing, China
• Play ‘n Learn Water Mountain, Tianjin 4A Sports Park, Tianjin, China
• Legend Jiangbei Mixed-Use and Residential, Nanjing, China
• Longking Pro-Environmental Campus, Longyan, China

The following statistics helped Ballistic Architecture Machine (BAM) achieve 33rd place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

32. dongqi Design

Founded in 2014, dongqi Design has an international outlook, and its core team is assembled from outstanding designers who have studied and practised around the world including Europe, Singapore and the United States. dongqi has accumulated practical experiences with integration of leading-edge intelligent capabilities, for example KUKA robot and 3D sand printing. In 2017, dongqi established its creative arm to close the gap between spatial and brand experiences and allow explorations in a holistic manner combining different disciplines. The practice also maintains collaborative partnerships with practitioners in the areas of art, fashion, science and technology – exploring opportunities for cross-discipline creation.

Some of dongqi Design’s most prominent projects include:

• GAGA TOAST, Shenzhen, China
• YEARLY PLAN Shanghai Building 1, Shanghai, China
• XC273 by XCOMMONS, Shanghai, China
• Le Poulet Restaurant & Bar, Shenzhen, China
• Freshigh, Shanghai, China

The following statistics helped dongqi Design achieve 32nd place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

31. West-line Studio

West-Line Studio is based in Guizhou Province and exclusively works in South-West China, where most of the country ethnic minorities live, and has always been researching and working on local vernacular architecture and subcultures’ diversity. The practice, founded more than 10 years ago by Haobo Wei and Jingsong Xie, pays special attention to the study of minority cultures and traditions in order to bring some of their particular elements into the design, which, despite being contemporary and innovative, always pays homage to traditions and local features.

Some of West-line Studio’s most prominent projects include:

• Shui Cultural Center, Qiannan, China
• Chishui Danxia World Natural Heritage Visitor Center, Zunyi, China
• Chetian Cultural Center, Guiyang, China
• Concrete Memorial, Chishui, Zunyi, China
• Cuisuba Yi Cultural & Visitor Center, Guizhou, China

The following statistics helped West-line Studio achieve 31st place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

30. DL Atelier

Beijing-based DL Atelier was found in 2012 by Liu Yang and Xu Dan. Our designs are all about feelings and memories. People relaxing under the shadow of trees with bucket loads of sunshine is the ideal scene for us, which leads us follow the flow of inspiration on our work.

Some of DL Atelier’s most prominent projects include:

• Yi She Mountain Inn, Beijing, China
• Eyes Closed, China
• Moon Stage, China
• UP Co-working Factory, China
• LYCEUM School, Guangxi, China

The following statistics helped DL Atelier achieve 30th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

29. OPEN Architecture

OPEN is a passionate team of designers collaborating across different disciplines to practice urban design, landscape design, architectural design and interior design, as well as the research and production of design strategies in the context of new challenges. We believe in the innovative power of architecture to transform people and the way they live, while striking a new balance between the manmade and nature.

OPEN was founded by LI Hu and HUANG Wenjing in New York City. It established its Beijing office in 2008. Some built and ongoing projects by OPEN include: the Gehua Youth and Cultural Center, Garden School/Beijing No.4 High School Fangshan Campus, Tsinghua Ocean Center, Pingshan Performing Arts Center, Tank Shanghai, UCCA Dune Art Museum, Chapel of Sound, and Qingpu Pinghe International School. OPEN has been widely recognized for its innovative work.

Some of OPEN Architecture’s most prominent projects include:

• Garden School, Beijing, China
• HEX-SYS, Guangdong, China
• Stepped Courtyards, Changle, Fuzhou, China
• Tank Shanghai, Shanghai, China
• UCCA Dune Art Museum, Qinhuangdao, China

The following statistics helped OPEN Architecture achieve 29th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

28. aoe

aoe is headquartered in Beijing, China, equipped with a team of designers who balance scientific exactitude and creative innovation, Made up of an international background, the team provides solutions to modern urban life based on scrupulous in-depth research, its business includes commercial, complex, cultural, office, hotel, high-end housing, education, planning and interior design, project covers more than 20 provinces and cities in China, and each design project has won the praise of the owners and produced a good social impact. Its insightful, market-ready designs are a testament to its all-around excellent service. In an era of rapid development, aoe is a vehicle of progress with its vision for human life in the 21st century city.

Some of aoe’s most prominent projects include:

• Chongqing Sunac One Central Mansion Sales Pavillion, Chongqing, China
• ShuiFa Info Town Property Exhibition Centre, Jinan, China
• Sino-Italian Cultural Exchange City Reception Center, Chengdu, China
• Haikou International Duty Free Reception Center, Haikou, China
• Deep Sea Museum And Sports Center in Sanya

The following statistics helped aoe achieve 28th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

27. OfficeOffCourse

Founded in 2012, OfficeOffCourse is currently based in Shanghai, Hangzhou and Boston. The core design team covers urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, interior design and other professions, who previously had professional experience in many world-renowned architecture offices and institutes in the US, Netherland, Japan, Mexico and España and participated in various types of project, with extensive background and practical experience. The office is engaged in variety of projects in China, Japan, US and Australia, including museum, private residence, office building, urban planning, historical building renovation, school and etc. Collaborating with Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the China Academy of Art as academic platforms, OfficeOffCourse explores and extends the core value of architecture in both globalization and localization.

Some of OfficeOffCourse’s most prominent projects include:

• Exhibition Center of Longquan National Archaeological Park of China, Lishui, China
• 123+ Kindergarten, Shanghai, China
• “The Shadow Garden” of World Horticulture Expo in Yangzhou, Yangzhou, China

The following statistics helped OfficeOffCourse achieve 27th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

26. KOKAISTUDIOS

Kokaistudios is an award winning multi-disciplinary design firm founded in 2000 in Venice by Italian architects Filippo Gabbiani and Andrea Destefanis. Founded with the dream to create a collaborative office of young and talented architects devoted to researching and formulating the design solutions to the demands of tomorrow and capable of working on a worldwide basis; the firm has grown after 10 years into a team of 25 people headquartered in Shanghai, P.R.C.Kokaistudios has completed over 120 projects in the last 7 years in all fields of design, and we have received numerous awards.

Some of KOKAISTUDIOS’ most prominent projects include:

• Baoshan WTE Exhibition Center, Shanghai, China
• Shanghai Suhe MixC World, Shanghai, China
• Bund Financial Center South Mall Interior Design, Shanghai, China
• Beijing CR Land Galleria Shopping Center – Instreet Renovation, Beijing, China
• House of the Tree, Shenzhen, China

The following statistics helped KOKAISTUDIOS achieve 26th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

25. He Wei Studio／3andwich Design

Founded in 2012, He Wei Studio / 3andwich Design is an architectural design firm based on authoritative academic institutions such as China Central Academy of Fine Arts, Tsinghua University, and China Architectural Society. It engages in interdisciplinary research and practice including urban renewal, architectural and interior design, exhibition and curatorial, lighting and art. Its design concept emphasizes humanism, dialogue between the history and the contemporary, and interaction between natural environment and regional culture. It is expert in cross-border thinking and research-based design. For many years, the studio has also been dedicated to rural architectural design especially in undeveloped areas of China, and has employed the methodology of micro intervene, which is widely used in typological study that has allowed the revival of rural villages and communities.

Some of He Wei Studio／3andwich Design’s most prominent projects include:

• Limestone Gallery, Anlong, Qianxinan, China
• Stone Nest Amphitheatre for Community Activities , Weihai, China
• Shangping Village Regeneration – Yang’s School Area, Sanming, China
• The Water Drop Library, Huizhou, China
• Ding Hui Yuan Zen & Tea Chamber, Beijing, China

The following statistics helped He Wei Studio／3andwich Design achieve 25th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

24. BUZZ / Büro Ziyu Zhuang

Founded by Ziyu Zhuang in 2016, BUZZ (Büro Ziyu Zhuang) Architects is led by Ziyu Zhuang, Na Li, Zhengdong Qi, Fabian Wieser and Ye Yang. BUZZ has offices in Beijing, Shanghai, and Berlin. The office is committed to take the contemporary art thinking and oriental narration as interventions to develop idealogical and technological advanced designs. Through the critical thinking, BUZZ endeavors to take the design works (architectures, interiors, installations, landscape/ urban environments) as the “experiences containers” to reflect the “the contemporary thinking of spacial demand about the present” of today’s public. BUZZ’s projects encompass urban designs, urban complexes, municipal buildings, museums, hotels, resorts, theaters, stadium and housing, as well as interior design and arts.

Some of BUZZ / Büro Ziyu Zhuang’s most prominent projects include:

• The Chamber Church, Qingdao, China
• Longquan Mountain Observatory, Chengdu, China
• Zhangjiagang Church, Zhangjiagang, Suzhou, China
• European School Campus No. II , Luxembourg
• Tongling Recluse, Tongling, China

The following statistics helped BUZZ / Büro Ziyu Zhuang achieve 24th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

23. CPLUS

CPLUS is an architecture firm with an international perspective, co-founded by Cheng Yanchun and Li Nan in Beijing in 2014. CPLUS believes that architecture aims to create a medium for dialogue between people and the environment. As living organism that constantly changes over time, architecture responds to the history of human exploration of nature and the construction of cities.

Some of CPLUS’ most prominent projects include:

• Jingyuan No.22 Transformation, Beijing, China
• Nashare Hotel, Xiamen, China
• LAB Art Museum, Chongqing, China
• “Floating Island” Restaurant, Chongqing, China
• “Hair Focus” Hair Salon, Beijing, China

The following statistics helped CPLUS achieve 23rd place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

22. Kris Lin International Design

KLID, an international architectural design firm from Taipei, has been in Shanghai for twenty years, and has been serving top 100 real estate developers for a long time. Its business covers sales offices, clubs, art galleries, hotels, luxury villas and flat apartments, offices, public and commercial spaces.

As one of the few design institutes in China which can provide four-in-one integrated design services including architectural design, interior design, renovation design and construction, landscape design, KLID has been adhering to the design concept of “Innovation from Observation”, and has strong pursuit for the design works display effect, KLID has been always maintaining a full-integrated design solutions.

Some of Kris Lin International Design’s most prominent projects include:

• Flow, China
• Stream Office, Zhuhai, China
• White Mountain Club House, Nanjing, China
• BIRCH FOREST, China
• Snail Bay Center, China

The following statistics helped Kris Lin International Design achieve 22nd place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

21. MAT Office

Founded by TANG Kangshuo and ZHANG Miao in 2013, MAT Office is a research and design architectural office started in Rotterdam and practices in Beijing since 2015. The office works typologically, pays close attention on “unit” and “edge,” “publicity” and “openness,” creates public space by the discussion on the relationship of individual and collectivity. It is also an office committed to the observation and speculation of emerging new phenomena and problems in Chinese cities.

Some of MAT Office’s most prominent projects include:

• Beijing Muee Restaurant, Beijing, China
• Suzhou Design Week Pavilion, Suzhou, China
• Yantai Chunhui Road Youth Apartment, Yantai, China
• Bonfire, Shenzhen, China
• Beijing Tongdeng Beaver Workshop, Beijing, China

The following statistics helped MAT Office achieve 21st place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

20. Challenge Design

The aim of Challenge Design (Class A architectural design office) has been to provide “refined design and professional service” since its foundation. The company has undertaken projects ranging from commercial complex, resort, luxury condo, boutique hotel, museums and public architectures, winning dozens of awards and unanimous high appraisal. With growing experience in various fields including architecture design, urban planning, interior design, wooden structure design and commercial operation, the company has developed the capability to control whole life cycle of the projects.

Since foundation, Challenge Design has been working to find a way for realization of harmonious co-existence between architecture, human being and the nature, hoping to find a possible way for bring renewed sense experience and creating new thoughts and spatial forms through creative thinking.

Some of Challenge Design’s most prominent projects include:

• Yuanlu Community Center, Chongqing, China
• YULIN Artistic Center, Chongqing, China
• Park Legend Kindergarten, Chengdu, China
• Cloud Art Museum , Guizhou, China
• Langtin Yuanzhu Experience Hall, Wuhan, China

The following statistics helped Challenge Design achieve 20th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

19. Atelier tao+c

Founded in 2016, the design works of Atelier tao+c ranging from a piece of pendant lamp to a compound development, from the interior of small urban apartments to the renovation of old rural houses, from shops on the street to a youth community.

Some of Atelier tao+c’s most prominent projects include:

• Capsule hotel in a rural library, China
• A U-SHAPE ROOM, Shanghai, China
• Ziin Beijing Store, Beijing, China
• JHW STORE, China
• Library home, Shanghai, China

The following statistics helped Atelier tao+c achieve 19th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

18. MUDA-Architects

Founded in 2015 in Beijing and Boston, and established Chengdu office in 2017, MUDA-Architects is composed of creative designers with a background of global diversification, who are forward-looking, experienced, professional and ingenious in the field of architecture and design.

Under the leadership of founder Lu Yun, the team’s architectural practice covers public, cultural and commercial architecture, as well as urban, landscape and interior design, focusing on diverse expressions of design in cultural contexts and genius loci, adhering to the oriental spirits and future-oriented mindset. Our architectural and interior projects have won several global award..

Some of MUDA-Architects’s most prominent projects include:

• Garden Hotpot Restaurant, Chengdu, China
• Haikou Xixiu Park Visitor Center, Haikou, China
• Xinglong Bookstore, Chengdu, China
• M50 Art Hotel, Qionglai, Chengdu, China
• Minjiang Village Courier Station, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, China

The following statistics helped MUDA-Architects achieve 18th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

17. gad

gad, an architectural design company that values creativity, quality and humanity, adheres to the belief of craftsman to deeply explore the field of architectural design, treats architectural creation with an open attitude, conveys modern life aesthetics with appropriate design techniques and follows architectural construction with a devout attitude, so as to create more possibilities for the richness of the city.

Some of gad’s most prominent projects include:

• Xi An Club, Yunnan, China
• Hengdian Hotel
• Mountain & Sea Art Museum, Kunming, China
• Baishaquan #157 , China
• Taizhou Z Center, Zhejiang, China

The following statistics helped gad achieve 17th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

16. CLOU architects

Founded by Jan Clostermann, CLOU is a cosmopolitan team of architects and designers in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, with one central mission: to design the best social spaces in the world.

Our work focuses on the most vibrant places in today’s world: retail and leisure destinations, large mixed-use complexes, and community hubs. We define ourselves as creators of social spaces: we design projects that place the human being at centre stage, creating new environments for social encounters and authentic collective identities. We deliver lively public spaces which are intimately connected to the people who use them and transform the urban fabric in which they are built.

Some of CLOU architects’s most prominent projects include:

• Cube Gallery, Hangzhou, China
• UniFuns Tianfu Chengdu, Chengdu, China
• Play Stack Shenyang, Shenyang, China
• Shoukai Vanke Daxing, Beijing, China
• Qingdao Future City, Qingdao, China

The following statistics helped CLOU architects achieve 16th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

15. Lukstudio

LUKSTUDIO is a boutique design practice based in Shanghai, China. Founded by Christina Luk in 2011, the studio is comprised of an international team with diverse backgrounds and cultural perspectives. With a common desire to challenge the status quo of the environment, the team finds joy in creating meaningful design solutions for others. Lukstudio’s strength lies in an ‘everything is possible’ attitude that is influenced by the surrounding context of Shanghai; a fast-paced city where East meets West and tradition is integrated with innovation.

Each project tells its own story, and Lukstudio is proud to identify a narrative, preserving it from concept through to completion to deliver memorable spatial experiences that delight and surprise. We collaborate closely with clients and contractors to deliver artistic solutions within a commercial scope.

Some of Lukstudio’s most prominent projects include:

• The Skatepark, Shanghai, China
• The living room of a water town – Nanchang NIO House, China
• Playing in Colours – BeInfinity Social Club, Wuhan, China
• A Room for the Narcissist, Wuhan, China
• Dining between Lines, Shanghai, China

The following statistics helped Lukstudio achieve 15th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

14. X+LIVING

X+LIVING, established in 2011 by Chinese architect Li Xiang, is an international architectural design company involved in multifield projects including retail, office, hospitality, parent-child, malls, etc. As an award-winning company, X+LIVING has always been noted by professional institutions and medias worldwide for its escher-like visuality and immersive spatial experiences. Owing to the founder Li Xiang’s academic background of architecture, each of X+LIVING’s design works adopts boundary-crossing thinking and unique formal strategy to create theatrical dreamy spaces with story-telling charms that engage the senses and provide fun. X+LIVING takes “design creates value” as the motto and insists on achieving the highest quality of design works from conceptual design to final completion.

Some of X+LIVING’s most prominent projects include:

• Dujiangyan Zhongshuge, China
• Ideas Lab, Shanghai, China
• Zhuyeqing Greentea flagship store, China
• Chengdu Zhongshuge, Chengdu, China
• Hangzhou Zhongshuge, Hangzhou, China

The following statistics helped X+LIVING achieve 14th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

13. The Design Institute Of Landscape & Architecture China Academy Of Art

The Institute has set up an academic perspective and research vibe encompassing all-round nationalize ation, internationalization and modernization by taking advantage of the China Academy of Art (CAA)’s strong talents and advantageous discipline group, with the strong and rich academic background of CAA as the foundation, the academic goal of the first environmental art department in China as the m Ission, and “Relying on CAA & Serving the society” as the overall operation policy.

After years of efforts and development, the Institute has established 16 branches, 9 centers and 2 workshops. We undertake thousands of projects every year. It not only owns 140 registered engineers of All kinds and more than 700 employees with intermediate or above titles, among which more than 200 ar E senior engineers, but also gathers together a number of well-known and influential designers, there for having been exceedingly reputable in the industry.

Some of The Design Institute Of Landscape & Architecture China Academy Of Art’s most prominent projects include:

• City Lounge of Zhongshan Road, Jiaxing, China
• “Taohuayuan” from painting scroll: Wufang Village, Shanghai, China
• Boat Rooms on the Fuchun River, Hangzhou, China
• Xiazhu Lake Resort
• Golden Beach Pavilion in Gucheng Lake, Nanjing, China

The following statistics helped The Design Institute Of Landscape & Architecture China Academy Of Art CO.,LTD achieve 13th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

12. Crossboundaries

Crossboundaries contributes to a vital built environment through architecture, environmental design and urban regeneration. We create enduring architecture that often deals with remarkable technical processes, yet always has a pleasant material touch and human atmosphere.

The work of Crossboundaries originates from a strong belief that design as a process results in successful, operational buildings. This approach is based on two fundamental principles: research and collaboration. For our projects we create suitable multi-disciplinary teams where all participants can assess the opportunities within the given conditions. We identify the essential questions, jointly create pragmatic solutions by data collection and analyze significant precedents. We regularly discuss possible programmatic shifts with our clients to raise their benefits of the project.

Some of Crossboundaries’ most prominent projects include:

• Songzhuang Micro Community Park, Tongzhou, Beijing, China
• Qkids English Learning Center, Xiamen, China
• Chaoyang Future School, Beijing, China
• Crossboundaries Office, Beijing, China
• THE KNOWN, an installation, Shenzhen, China

The following statistics helped Crossboundaries achieve 12th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

11. AIM Architecture

AIM is a collective of passionate, international individuals. Founded by Belgian and Dutch architects Wendy Saunders and Vincent de Graaf in 2005, AIM brings together architecture with interior and product design to create wholly integrated products and ideas. Headquartered in Shanghai and with an office in Europe, AIM is a global studio with local feeling.

Our approach is deliberate and focused. Each project is approached individually. We pair context to concept and explore the fi ne line between vision and practicality. The result are unique spaces with a powerful narrative. Bold, playful, and gritty. Well-built projects with refined details. A built-in love of materials, and passion for place and purpose.

Some of AIM Architecture’s most prominent projects include:

• Fushengyu Hotspring resort, Sichuan, China
• SOHO Fuxing Plaza- Shopping Mall, Shanghai, China
• Jiaxing Island, Jiaxing, China
• Aluminum Lobby in SOHO Fuxing Plaza, Shanghai, China
• Glass Office in SOHO Fuxing Plaza, Shanghai, China

The following statistics helped AIM Architecture achieve 11th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

10. Atelier Alter Architects

Founded in 2009, Atelier Alter Architects is a pioneering inter-disciplinary practice based in New York and Beijing. Noted for designing from critical analysis of the site, Atelier Alter has been recognized by numerous awards.

Atelier Alter Architects focuses intensely upon culture facilities ever since the beginning of the practice. Atelier Alter wan the competitions to build Qujing Culture Center in 2009, by transferring the metaphysical context of the site into an artistic yet tangible urban space of historic remembrance.

Some of Atelier Alter Architects’ most prominent projects include:

• BIT Sports Center in Beijing, Beijing, China
• WuliEpoch Culture Center, Beijing, China
• Senior Center of Guangxi, Nanning, China
• Library for Qujing Culture Center, Qujing, China
• WuliEpoch Culture Center, Beijing, China

The following statistics helped Atelier Alter Architects achieve 10th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

9. GOA (Group of Architects)

Founded in 1998, GOA has held its position as one of the most prominent architectural firms in China. With offices established in Hangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing and Nanjing, GOA has employed more than 900 professionals. Covering service ranging from urban design, architecture, structure, MEP, landscape planning, interior design to design consulting, GOA’s business scope is a complete organism with architecture design as the core competencies.

GOA adheres to the Principal-based working system, each project is in the charge of one or more principals. By participating in the projects thoroughly, they ensure a best quality for all projects. On the basis of in-depth understanding of clients’ needs, GOA contributes to integrate the top resources and provide perfect design solutions and high-quality service for clients. Creativity, quality and humanity shall always be our goal.

Some of GOA (Group of Architects)’s most prominent projects include:

• Restaurant of Metasequoia Grove, Suzhou, China
• Yada Theatre, Jiangsu, China
• Lying Rainbow (Wohong) and Tranquil Wave (Pingbo) Bridges, Zhejiang, China
• Uniview Headquarters, Zhejiang, China
• Alila Wuzhen, Jiaxing, China

The following statistics helped GOA (Group of Architects) achieve 9th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

8. LUO studio

Mr. Luo Yujie is the founder of LUO studio, who also teaches the course of Construction Basics in the School of Architecture at Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA). His exceptional works have been shortlisted and awarded by numerous design award competitions worldwide. He is committed to creating more durable, friendly and quality spaces with creative thinking, a spirit of craftsmanship and the principle of caring for nature.

Some of LUO studio’s most prominent projects include:

• Temporary Site of Shengli Market — Creation of Spatial Order , Henan, China
• Yuntai Ice Chrysanthemum Display, Henan, China
• Prepared Rehmannia Root Crafts Exhibition Hall, Jiaozuo, China
• Timber Bridge in Gulou Waterfront, Jiangmen, China
• Jiulongfeng Children Learning Center for Conservation, Huangshan City, China

The following statistics helped LUO studio achieve 8th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

7. The Architectural Design & Research Institute of Zhejiang University (UAD)

The Architectural Design & Research Institute of Zhejiang University (UAD) was established in 1953. It is one of the earliest First Class Design Institutes among major national universities. The company now has nearly 1100 employees, among which 1 Master Engineering Designer of China, 2 Top-100 Architects of China, 10 Awardees of the Young Architect Prize of the China Architectural Institute.

Company insists harmonious environment, global vision, complete services, and highest professionalism as their guidelines. Based on the resources of Zhejiang University, UAD hires Academicians of the China Academy of Engineering and of the China Academy of Sciences to provide technical support for blossoming architectural creations.

Some of The Architectural Design & Research Institute of Zhejiang University (UAD)’s most prominent projects include:

• Asian Games 2022 Master Plan and Hybrid Buildings, Hangzhou, China
• Guangsha College Sports Center, Hangzhou, China
• Fengzejiang Lecture Hall, Shaoxing, China
• UAD Campus in ZITOWN, Zhejiang, China
• The Hangzhou Asian Games Baseball and Softball Sports Cultural Center, Shaoxing, China

The following statistics helped The Architectural Design & Research Institute of Zhejiang University Co., Ltd.(UAD) achieve 7th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

6. Lacime Architect

Lace Architects was established in Shanghai in 2001 and has always adhered to the architectural philosophy of “depleting complexity and simplifying, tracing the origin,” based on the local area and aiming to create first-class architecture.

After more than ten years of development, the company has nearly 300 architects and rich experience in large-scale project design at home and abroad, architectural landscape integration design, and has accumulated many residential, commercial, cultural and tourism completed projects and high-end customers in China. I hope to create buildings that truly conform to the regional environment by cultivating local talents in China and integrating elite design teams.

Some of Lacime Architect’s most prominent projects include:

• Vanke Emerald Park, Chongqing, China
• One City Development, Hubei, China
• Liva Riverside Book Bar Reconstruction of East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
• Waterfront Art Gallery, Nanchang, China
• Financial City Community Center, Suzhou, China

The following statistics helped Lacime Architect achieve 6th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

5. SUP Atelier of THAD

SUP atelier, founded by Prof. Song Yehao from Tsinghua University School of Architecture in Beijing around 2011, dedicated to the research and practice on sustainable urban and architectural design. SUP Atelier explores the simultaneous sustainability of natural resources and human community through high context sensibility, modest architectural strategies, and tectonic research on natural and local materials, in relevant to integrate buildings to the environment and community livings.

SUP Atelier focuses on sustainable theory within the scope of architecture, urban studies, and building technology, while highly promoting the combination of modern design and vernacular architecture in China. Regional and local understandings are rather important, to further initiate innovative design based on the understanding, and thus the design strategy is always incorporating the latest technical measures or traditional climate adaptation design strategies at that time.

Some of SUP Atelier of THAD’s most prominent projects include:

• Yunzhai Community Center, Xinxiang, China
• Tea Leaf Market of Zhuguanlong, Ningde, China
• Swirling Cloud: Pavilion for BJFU Garden Festival, Beijing, China
• Village Lounge of Shangcun, Jixi, China
• Huizhong Starry Center, Jinan, China

The following statistics helped SUP Atelier of THAD achieve 5th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

4. line+ studio

line+ is founded by Mr. Meng Fanhao and Mr. Zhu Peidong in Hangzhou. “line”is the boundary, based on architectural design. “+”aims to break through the clear boundariesof traditional industry and use cross-border thinking as a way to realize the boundless integration of planning, architecture, interior, landscape, product, operation and other fields.By adapting diverse strategies, we look forward to share the value of design with our partners.

Some of line+ studio’s most prominent projects include:

• Floating Cornice on the Brook, China
• Yunnan Mile Artist Mansion, China
• Songyang Stray Birds Art Hotel, Lishui, China
• Jiunvfneg Bubble Pool and Supporting Facilities on Mount Tai, Tai’an, China
• Dali Erhai Lake Ecological Rest Station, Dali, China

The following statistics helped line+ studio achieve 4th place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

3. ARCHSTUDIO

Arch Studio devotes to using multi-perspective and rational means to intervene the development of contemporary urban living environment, finding a right balance between the connections of reality and nature, history and culture, creating a spatial environment that is full of the spirit of times and humanistic quality.

In this complex and multivariate era, new creation is not from a sudden inspiration, but from careful study of the unique needs and restrictions of each project, from uninterrupted breakthroughs and challenges to the restriction boarder, from continuous improvements in the whole process from concept to construction details.

Some of ARCHSTUDIO’s most prominent projects include:

• Qishe Courtyard, China
• Waterside Buddhist Shrine, Tangshan, China
• Tea House in Hutong, Beijing, China
• Dingshi Logistics Office Building, Hebei, China
• Organic Farm, Hebei, China

The following statistics helped ARCHSTUDIO achieve 3rd place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

2. Neri & Hu

“We don’t ask to be eternal beings, we only ask that things do not lose all their meaning.” Antoine de Saint Exupéry

Founded in 2004 by partners Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu, nhdro (Neri&Hu design and research office) is a multi-disciplinary architectural design practice based in shanghai, china. NHDRO works internationally providing architecture, interior, master planning, graphic, and product design services. currently working on projects in seven countries, NHDRO is composed of multi-cultural staff who speak over 20 different languages. the diversity of the team reinforces a core vision for the practice: to respond to a global worldview incorporating overlapping design disciplines for a new paradigm in architecture.NHDRO’s location is purposeful.

Some of Neri & Hu’s most prominent projects include:

• The House of Remembrance | Singapore Residence, Singapore
• The Relic Shelter | Fuzhou Teahouse, Fuzhou, China
• Sulwhasoo Flagship Store, Seoul, South Korea
• The Garage, Beijing, China
• Design Republic Design Commune, Shanghai, China

The following statistics helped Neri & Hu achieve 2nd place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

1. MAD Architects

MAD works in forward-looking environments developing futuristic architecture based on a contemporary interpretation of the eastern spirit of nature. All of MAD’s projects – from residential complexes or offices to cultural centers — desire to protect a sense of community and orientation toward nature, offering people the freedom to develop their own experience. Founded in 2004 by Ma Yansong, the office first earned worldwide attention in 2006 by winning an international competition to design a residential tower near Toronto, expected to be completed in the end of 2012.MAD has been commissioned by clients of all backgrounds, leading to an intriguing combination of diverse project designs.

Some of MAD Architects’ most prominent projects include:

• The Cloudscape of Haikou, Haikou, China
• Harbin Opera House, Harbin, China
• Chaoyang Park Plaza, Beijing, China
• Courtyard Kindergarten, Beijing, China
• Gardenhouse, Beverly Hills, California
• Top image: The Ark – Shanghai Cement Factory Warehouse Renovation, Shanghai, China

The following statistics helped MAD Architects achieve 1st place in the 100 Best Architecture Firms in China:

Other Architecture firms to Consider

Several other renowned architecture firms can be found just outside the Top 100, each of which is worth considering for their experience in delivering high quality, large-scale projects across typologies. They include: Yuan Ye Architects, Dazhou And Associates, Wildurban Architects, ARCHISTRY design&research office, PILLS, Greater Dog Architects, Tanghua Architects, Studio NOR, RIGI Design, WAG Architects, LI WENXI ARCHITECTS 郦文曦建筑事务所, PRAXiS d’ARCHITECTURE, Hier Architects, ARCity Office, HONG Designworks, Eight Inc., Vector Architects, Matt Lighting Design Associates, B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio, MOC DESIGN OFFICE, Lead8, MOZHAO ARCHITECTS

Why Should I Trust Architizer’s Ranking?

With more than 30,000 architecture firms and over 130,000 projects within its database, Architizer is proud to host the world’s largest online community of architects and building product manufacturers. Its celebrated A+Awards program is also the largest celebration of architecture and building products, with more than 400 jurors and hundreds of thousands of public votes helping to recognize the world’s best architecture each year.

Architizer also powers firm directories for a number of AIA (American Institute of Architects) Chapters nationwide, including the official directory of architecture firms for AIA New York.

An example of a project page on Architizer with Project Award Badges highlighted

A Guide to Project Awards

The blue “+” badge denotes that a project has won a prestigious A+Award as described above. Hovering over the badge reveals details of the award, including award category, year, and whether the project won the jury or popular choice award.

The orange Project of the Day and yellow Featured Project badges are awarded by Architizer’s Editorial team, and are selected based on a number of factors. The following factors increase a project’s likelihood of being featured or awarded Project of the Day status:

• Project completed within the last 3 years
• A well written, concise project description of at least 3 paragraphs
• Architectural design with a high level of both functional and aesthetic value
• High quality, in focus photographs
• At least 8 photographs of both the interior and exterior of the building
• Inclusion of architectural drawings and renderings
• Inclusion of construction photographs

There are 7 Projects of the Day each week and a further 31 Featured Projects. Each Project of the Day is published on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Stories, while each Featured Project is published on Facebook. Each Project of the Day also features in Architizer’s Weekly Projects Newsletter and shared with 170,000 subscribers.

We’re constantly look for the world’s best architects to join our community. If you would like to understand more about this ranking list and learn how your firm can achieve a presence on it, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at editorial@architizer.com.

The post 100 Best Architecture and Design Firms in China appeared first on Journal.

The latest edition of “Architizer: The World’s Best Architecture” — a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe — is now available. Order your copy today.  

Alison Brooks Architects is known for the studio’s innovative and socially conscious approach to design. Founded by Alison Brooks in 1996, the London-based firm has garnered international recognition for projects that range from housing and cultural spaces to educational institutions. The practice is celebrated for its distinctive use of materials, sensitive contextual responses, and an unwavering commitment to crafting buildings that enhance the quality of life for their users and communities.

Over the years, Alison Brooks Architects has delivered a portfolio of work that is as diverse as it is groundbreaking. This year, Alison Brooks Architects added another accolade to its impressive list of honors as the Jury Winner for Best Medium Firm (16 – 40 employees) in the A+ Awards. This recognition underscores the firm’s continued impact on the global architectural stage, honoring its ability to blend aesthetic rigor with social responsibility across a wide range of project types.

As the firm’s projects consistently push the boundaries of design, they also respect the cultural and historical contexts in which they exist. Their work is a testament to the idea that architecture can be both beautiful and purposeful, creating spaces that foster a sense of belonging, engagement and joy.

The Smile

London, United Kingdom

“The Smile,” a landmark project for the 2016 London Design Festival, was a pavilion made entirely from cross-laminated American tulipwood. Designed as a curved timber tube cantilevered in both directions, it allowed visitors to walk through its length, rising toward light and offering unique views of London. The structure, prefabricated in Germany with the largest tulipwood panels ever produced, featured perforated walls to filter sunlight. At night, it became a glowing lantern. The Smile attracted 30,000 visitors and 290 million online views, celebrated for its inventive use of material and groundbreaking engineering.

One Ashley Road

London, United Kingdom

One Ashley Road, a landmark project for Related Argent, serves as the gateway to the Heart of Hale redevelopment in Tottenham Hale. The project features two residential towers housing 183 units, retail spaces, and office incubators, along with communal roof gardens and a new public square. The design draws inspiration from the area’s industrial heritage, particularly the Berol House, using a distinct faceted form and orange brick exterior to reference the Berol Eagle Pencil. Its stepped massing accommodates the unique site conditions posed by two underground tunnels, creating green terraces and secluded communal spaces for residents.

Newhall Be

Harlow, United Kingdom

This 84-unit project for Linden Homes completes the South Chase of Phase 1 of the award-winning Newhall development in Harlow. Alison Brooks Architects designed the scheme using prefabricated timber construction and a highly efficient plan, drawing inspiration from the simple materials and roof forms of rural Essex. The project features a variety of housing types, including apartments, villas, courtyard houses and terraced homes, with 26% designated as affordable housing. The design maximizes space and flexibility, incorporating elements like roof terraces, loft spaces and home offices to accommodate modern living and future adaptability.

Exeter College Cohen Quad

Oxford, United Kingdom

The Cohen Quad reimagines the traditional Oxford quadrangle by blending student housing with teaching spaces in landscaped courtyards. The expansion for Exeter College includes 90 student rooms, lecture halls, seminar spaces, a café, and fellows’ accommodations. The S-shaped design connects two courtyards through cloisters, staircases, and garden paths, while the central commons area serves as the social hub. The Quad’s distinctive curved roof houses loft study spaces and, along with its stone-clad base and stainless steel façade, creates a striking addition to Oxford’s skyline.

Mesh House

London, United Kingdom

The Mesh House is a new family home in London’s Hampstead Conservation Area tailored to the informal lifestyles of a family of five. The site, located in Belsize Park, presented challenges with its sloping, wedge-shaped form and proximity to neighboring buildings, requiring careful 3D modeling to maintain daylight and harmonize with the streetscape. Inspired by the surrounding Victorian villas and Arts and Crafts houses, the design features faceted planes unifying façade, roof and walls. A central courtyard opens to the south, creating fluid connections between indoor spaces and three gardens, while vertical spaces and glazed apertures flood the home with light. A winding steel and timber staircase serves as a key architectural element, reflecting the house’s dynamic geometry.

Lens House

London, United Kingdom

Lens House transforms a five-story 19th-century villa in north London into a light-filled, modern home for a client in photography and design. The project restores the derelict house and introduces bold interventions, including large trapezoidal openings that frame views of a 300-year-old walnut tree and draw light throughout the day. A low single-story volume wraps around the house to create a home office and roof terrace, while a second tapered volume extends the living room. The design’s folded geometries and seamless surfaces create a weightless, origami-like aesthetic, while carefully positioned apertures funnel light into the interior and connect the home to its surroundings.

The latest edition of “Architizer: The World’s Best Architecture” — a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe — is now available. Order your copy today.  

The post Crafting Community: Finding Beauty in Place With Alison Brooks Architects appeared first on Journal.

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletters.

There is no desperation in building decay, no sadness in the natural process of aging — only a quiet, knowing elegance, creating a place that can abandon any vanity of youth and instead lean fully into the grace that only time can bestow.

A limestone balustrade, once a gleaming marvel, softened by decades of caresses—each hand that has passed over it leaving an indelible mark. A copper dome, once a brazen beacon in its youth, now wearing a dignified cloak of verdigris. Cracks in lime plaster have spread like fine spider silk, delicate yet determined, each line beginning to record the countless seasons that have come and gone.

Patina is the result of interaction — with nature, humanity and time. It happens through processes such as moisture interacting with minerals, oxidation in the air, or the gradual build-up of natural materials like moss or algae. Patina doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a slow, organic process determined by the unique conditions of a building’s environment— rain, wind, pollution, sunlight — all leaving their mark in subtle and unpredictable ways.

Rather than masking the effects of aging, patina enhances character, adding texture and depth to a surface. For architecture, patina brings warmth, richness and a sense of history to a building, making it feel lived-in and connected to its surroundings. It also acts as a form of natural preservation, protecting any underlying materials from further decay. The following A+Award-winning projects cherish and celebrate the authenticity patina brings and serve as a reminder that perfection lies not in pristine surfaces but in the graceful acceptance of change and age.

Liminal House

By McLeod Bovell Modern Houses, West Vancouver, Canada

Jury and Popular Choice Winner, Residential Interiors (>3000 sq ft), 12th Annual A+Awards

Photographs by Hufton and Crow

Liminal House’s concrete surfaces react subtly to their coastal environment. Salt carried by the strong ocean breezes will pit the surface, while carbonation — a process where carbon dioxide in the air interacts with calcium hydroxide in the material — will give the concrete a denser, more resilient finish. Over time, the once grey façade will shift to earthier hues as rain leaves mineral streaks that slowly soften its color, allowing the family home to blend better with the rugged shoreline. Surprisingly the evolving patina actually helps to protect the structure, reducing porosity while visually anchoring it to the landscape.

River Bend Residence

By Lake|Flato Architects, New Braunfels, Texas

Popular Choice Winner, Private House (M 2000 – 4000 sq ft), 12th Annual A+Awards

Photograph by Casey Dunn

Around the façade of River Bend Residence, Lake|Flato Architects used weathered Corten steel that will continue to oxidize with exposure to the elements. Not only a visually interesting design choice, the pre-rusted surface, a result of oxidation, has a stable layer that will protect the underlying metal as it deepens in tone thanks to the moisture in the surrounding air. Inside, a use of Douglas fir allows for more evolution as the golden timber shifts to a silvery-grey over time. Together, these materials will age naturally, allowing the building to mature comfortably in its dense woodland environment while helping it to withstand the pressures of time.

Madrone Ridge

By Field Architecture, Sonoma County, California

Jury Winner, Private House (L 4000 – 6000 sq ft), 12th Annual A+Awards

Photography by Joe Fletcher Photography

Copper cladding at Madrone Ridge offers a striking example of how the correct material choice can allow a building to synchronize with its environment. Initially bright and reflective, over time, the copper will begin to oxidize on contact with the air, creating a protective patina that shifts from coppery tones to deep greens and browns. This natural aging process shields the metal from further corrosion and will result in the home becoming integrated more comfortably into the surrounding valley.

Casa Lohr

By Veinte Diezz Arquitectos, Mérida, Mexico

Jury and Popular Choice Winner, Residential Renovations and Additions, 12th Annual A+Awards

Photographs by Manolo R. Solis

At Casa Lohr, the exposed plasterwork reveals the structure’s colonial origins. The rough texture, left intentionally unfinished, allows the passage of time to play a visible role in the building’s aesthetic. Cracks and weathering expose layers of stone and brick beneath, with each imperfection marking the history of the structure. As the plaster continues to age, the façade will gradually soften, embracing the rawness of its materials and creating an ongoing dialogue between the architecture and the forces that shape it.

Murka Hotel (Phase II)

By Thinking Design, Wenzhou, China

Popular Choice Winner, Hotels and Resorts, 12th Annual A+Awards

Thinking Design’s use of local stone and reclaimed timber at Murka Hotel initially helps the building blend with the natural landscape. Its raw texture and color palette pay homage to the traditional culture of the area. However, it is the use of biophilia here that will drastically alter the south-facing hotel’s appearance over time. As the stone weathers, its surface will darken and roughen, and the abundant plant life will grow on and around it. The wild grass-covered roofs will grow into the valley, allowing the buildings to be increasingly absorbed into its environment becoming a living habitat.

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletters.

The post Better With Age: 5 Projects Positioning Patina as a Dominant Design Detail appeared first on Journal.

Architizer is thrilled to announce the world’ best architecture firms in 2024, all winners of the 12th Annual A+Awards! Want to get your firm in the running next season? Stay up to date by subscribing to our A+Awards Newsletter. 

Architectural forms often draw inspiration from a variety of sources, whether organic or inorganic, such as natural elements or abstract concepts like movement or light. However, their true success lies in revealing a building’s function, particularly in spaces intended for public use where circulation and purpose must be clear. Distinct forms also have the power to embody the identity and philosophy of the organizations they house, transforming buildings into symbols that reflect the missions and values of the communities or institutions they represent.

In contemporary practice, architects are continuously exploring how form and function can coexist harmoniously, building on Louis Sullivan’s famous principle, “form follows function,” which emphasizes that a building’s design should emerge from its purpose. For instance, modern buildings often incorporate innovative shapes, materials and structural features that are both visually striking and highly functional. Simultaneously, the use of cutting-edge technologies like AI-driven design or parametric modeling allows for the creation of fluid, non-traditional forms that still serve their intended purpose efficiently.

This harmonious balance between creative architectural forms and building function is evident in the remarkable case studies featured below. These projects showcase how architects integrate innovative design with practical requirements, achieving a synthesis of aesthetic vision and usability. By examining these case studies, we can gain deeper insights into how modern architecture continues to push boundaries while remaining rooted in purpose.

Harmonizing Form and Function: Case Studies in Contemporary Architectural Design

Ascentage Pharmaceutical Headquarters by OLI Architecture, Suzhou, China | Photos by Xiaobin Lv; Shen Zhonghai

Ascentage Pharmaceutical Headquarters is a 1.58 million square foot (146,786 square meter) modern R&D and manufacturing complex for a Hong Kong-listed pharmaceutical company. Symbolizing Ascentage’s cutting-edge cancer research, the state-of-the-art campus was created using advanced digital design and fabrication tools. The site’s 15-acre layout features high-tech labs and advanced manufacturing facilities, all illuminated by abundant natural light through its translucent roof.

Seven curvilinear buildings are elevated above a glass base, floating over a reflecting pool. The 262-foot (80-meter) tall R&D and Administration building stands as an iconic symbol at the busy southwest corner near a new subway station. The design of the complex draws inspiration from the benzene ring, a chemical molecular formula representing the planar bonds of six carbon and hydrogen molecules.

The hexagonal form is intricately integrated into the façade of each building, where it is parametrically folded around the seven distinct volumes. The façades, crafted using Ultra High Strength Concrete panels and custom anodized aluminum nodes and extrusions, reflect this molecular structure, achieving an optimal balance of visual transparency and privacy. This unique design establishes a new identity for Ascentage and highlights its promising future.

Louisiana Music and Heritage Experience Museum by EskewDumezRipple, New Orleans, Louisiana | Popular Choice Winner, Architecture +AI, 12th Annual A+Awards

The 120,000-square-foot (11,148 square meter) Louisiana Music and Heritage Experience Museum celebrates New Orleans’ musical legacy at a prime Downtown location across from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Designed as a state-of-the-art cultural hub, the museum will feature exhibit spaces, a performance theater, research archives, a rooftop terrace, event areas, a lobby, a museum store, classrooms, a music club and a restaurant. Positioned as the anchor of the $1 billion River District redevelopment, it aims to revitalize a former industrial area near the Convention Center and Central Business District.

Unlike regional museums that focus on specific genres, this museum will offer a unified narrative of Louisiana’s diverse musical traditions, from jazz and zydeco to hip-hop and rock, celebrating the cultural richness shaped by the State’s history and people. The design draws directly from musical instruments, using AI tools like Midjourney to create conceptual vignettes from images of musical instruments and lighting descriptions. By experimenting with the profiles and forms of these instruments, the team developed architectural elements that capture the interplay of light and shadow, translating musical intricacies into the building’s design.

Still in the concept phase, the museum is gathering community support and conducting feasibility studies. Advocates like Kirk Joseph of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band highlight its significance in honoring New Orleans’ profound global influence on music.

Transforming Architecture: How AI Tools Shape Form and Function

Zhuhai Jinwan Civic Art Center by Zaha Hadid Architects, Zhuhai, China | Photos by Virgile Simon Bertrand

AI tools are transforming how architects approach form generation by offering unprecedented flexibility and creativity in design. Traditionally, manual design processes, material capabilities and time constraints limited the shaping of architectural forms. However, with AI-driven platforms like Midjourney, Grasshopper or generative design software, architects can now rapidly explore and experiment with innovative and complex forms that are visually striking and functionally efficient, like the examples featured above.

These tools enable architects to input parameters like building function, environmental factors, structural constraints and aesthetic preferences. Based on these criteria, AI generates a diverse array of unique, intricate forms, opening up new possibilities for creative expression.

010 Building by Clouds Architecture Office, Fukuoka, Japan | GION, Yashiro Photo Office

The 010 Building in Fukuoka is a striking example of how form and function are seamlessly integrated to achieve successful architectural design. Its distinct geometry responds to the building’s internal programs and frames the surrounding views, creating a dynamic and varied spatial experience. Designed to reflect the city’s vibrant energy, the building’s central element — a multi-purpose immersive theater — is elevated, allowing the ground level to connect seamlessly with the urban landscape and riverside. Its form, made up of symmetrically stacked square masses rotated 45 degrees, is wrapped in a spiraling stainless steel curtain, giving the structure no defined front or back. The curtain exposes the interior from every angle, evoking a sense of fluid motion. Its reflective metal surface amplifies this effect by shifting with the weather and light, enhancing the experience for both passersby and those within the building.

Whether drawing inspiration from organic or inorganic forms, AI tools can translate these inspirations into functional architectural forms. AI tools have ultimately opened new possibilities in form generation, pushing the boundaries of contemporary architecture and leading to structures that are distinct, expressive, and aligned with a building’s identity and purpose.

Achieving a Balance Between Artistic Expression and Functional Efficiency

AI is fundamentally transforming building design, influencing every stage from concept generation to material selection and user experience. Tools like Midjourney and parametric design software enable architects to craft unique forms that not only embody the identity and philosophy of the organizations they serve but also push the boundaries of contemporary architecture.

While some critics argue that a focus on striking architectural forms may compromise functionality, proponents counter that innovative designs, when thoughtfully executed with advanced technology, can result in structures that are visually striking and functionally efficient. Case studies like the Ascentage Pharmaceutical Headquarters, the Louisiana Music and Heritage Experience Museum, the Zhuhai Jinwan Civic Art Center, and the 010 Building illustrate how AI tools can achieve a successful balance between creativity and practicality to achieve a harmonious and effective architectural outcome.

Architizer is thrilled to announce the world’ best architecture firms in 2024, all winners of the 12th Annual A+Awards! Want to get your firm in the running next season? Stay up to date by subscribing to our A+Awards Newsletter. 

The post The Future of Architecture: “Form Follows Function” in the Age of AI appeared first on Journal.