Celebrating 15 years of the Shanghai office

This year marks 15 years since the opening of RSHP’s Shanghai office in 2011, a milestone recently celebrated with a special evening at the Shanghai studio, bringing together colleagues, friends and collaborators from across the practice’s journey in Asia.

Established in 2011 and led by Ben Warner, Managing Director of RSHP Asia, the Shanghai office consolidated the practice’s presence in the region, delivering projects across China, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea. From transport infrastructure and airports to workplaces, housing and mixed-use developments, its work reflects the practice’s international expertise and the ambition and dynamism of Asia’s cities.

Reflecting on his time working across Asia and establishing the Shanghai office, Ben Warner said: “I never thought it would lead me on such an amazing journey, building in some of Asia's incredible, demanding and distinct cities. It has certainly been the greatest adventure of my life. Full of many successes, risks and rewards, difficulties and surprises; but as I look forward optimistically to the future, I am sure there will be many more to come.”

The anniversary coincides with the completion of several major projects, including ONE Shanghai, a 38-storey mixed-use tower beside the historic Zhang Garden, recently named ‘Best Building’ at the inaugural Council on Vertical Urbanism China Awards; and the Central China International Convention and Exhibition Centre (Phase 2), comprising a convention centre, conference centre and hotel connected by a 1.7-kilometre elevated central spine.

Together, these projects demonstrate RSHP’s continued capacity for innovation, rooted in the bold thinking, curiosity and ambition that have defined the practice since its foundation.

The celebration also marked the launch of a special edition of Architectural Practice (AP) magazine dedicated to RSHP. Featuring a timeline, reflections, projects and interviews, the issue explores the practice’s design philosophy, evolution and architectural achievements through a range of perspectives. (archipractice.cn).