RAFA - RIBA ARCHITECTURE FESTIVAL ASIA 2025
# RAFA 2025: A Landmark Celebration of Architecture in Shenzhen
The inaugural **RIBA Architecture Festival Asia (RAFA) 2025**, held in the vibrant heart of **Shenzhen**, was an astounding success and a truly unforgettable experience. Bringing together some of the most influential voices in global architecture, the three-day event was a masterclass in design, innovation, and dialogue. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to **Dennis Ho**, Chair of the RIBA Hong Kong Chapter and Jury Chair, for the kind invite to this landmark festival.
### A Confluence of Architectural Titans
The symposium featured a stellar lineup of keynote speakers who are shaping the future of our built environment. The stage was graced by:
* **Kengo Kuma:** Who shared his profound insights on the relationship between nature and architecture.
* **Wolf Prix (Coop Himmelb(l)au):** Delivering a characteristically bold perspective on the radical possibilities of design.
* **Sir Peter Cook:** Bringing his legendary visionary energy to the discussion.
### Engaging Dialogues: AI and the Role of the Architect
Beyond the formal presentations, the festival provided a unique platform for intimate and thought-provoking private conversations. I had the pleasure of discussing the rapid integration of **Artificial Intelligence** in architectural workflows with **Patrik Schumacher**, Principal of **Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)**. We explored how ZHA is leveraging AI to push the boundaries of productivity and creativity, transforming the very nature of the design process [1] [2].
Equally enlightening was a conversation with **Chris Williamson**, the **RIBA President**. We delved into the evolving **title and function of the architect** in the 21st century—a topic that feels more relevant than ever as our profession navigates technological shifts and global challenges [3].
### Celebrating Excellence: The RIBA Asia Pacific Awards
A highlight of the festival was the announcement of the **RIBA Asia Pacific Awards 2025**. The winning projects demonstrated an incredible depth and diversity of architectural excellence across the region.
| Award Category | Winning Project | Architects |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Adaptive Reuse** | Taoxichuan Ceramic Culture Industrial Park | Beijing An-Design Architects & THUPDI |
| **Social Impact** | 10 winning projects were recognized for their mindful and impactful design [4] [5]. | Various |
It was particularly inspiring to witness the **significant contribution of women in architecture** throughout the region. The festival highlighted how female architects are leading some of the most innovative and socially conscious projects in Asia, reaffirming their vital role in shaping the future of our cities.
### Conclusion: A Vision for the Future
RAFA 2025 in Shenzhen has set a high bar for architectural festivals in Asia. It was more than just an event; it was a spectacular celebration of design excellence and a testament to the power of cross-border collaboration. As the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) begins to fuel the rise of technology and finance in the region, festivals like RAFA will continue to be essential catalysts for innovation and inspiration [6].
# Shenzhen Architectural Tour: Beyond RAFA 2025
While **RAFA 2025** was the primary focus of my visit, the trip to **Shenzhen** would not have been complete without exploring some of the city's most iconic and recently completed architectural landmarks. Taking a step back from the festival's symposiums, I embarked on a personal tour that showcased the incredible evolution of the urban realm in this "City of Design."
### A Return to Roots: DJI Sky City by Foster + Partners
Visiting the **DJI Sky City** was a particularly poignant experience for me, as it was designed by my former employer, **Foster + Partners**. Completed in 2022, this twin-tower complex serves as the global headquarters for the drone giant DJI and is a masterclass in structural innovation [1] [2].
* **Asymmetrical Suspended Steel Structure:** The towers feature the world's first asymmetrical suspended steel structure for high-rise buildings, giving the impression of "floating" research labs [3].
* **The Skybridge:** A 90-metre-long suspension bridge connects the two towers at a height of 105 metres, symbolizing the connectivity and fluidity of ideas within the company [1].
* **Vertical Innovation:** The design defies the traditional office layout, integrating flight-test areas and research labs directly into the vertical structure, a testament to the "Fosterian" philosophy of integrated design.
### Organic Futurism: Shenzhen Bay Cultural Centre by MAD Architects
Another highlight was the newly opened **Shenzhen Bay Cultural Centre**, designed by **MAD Architects** and led by **Ma Yansong**. Opened in late 2025, this project is an "ancient future" landscape that seamlessly blends culture with nature [4] [5].
* **Monolithic "Stones":** The architecture consists of smooth, white monolithic volumes that resemble giant stones scattered across a park, housing a museum, exhibition halls, and public spaces [6].
* **The Sunken Plaza:** Much of the program is located underground, allowing the surface to remain a continuous, accessible public park that connects the city to the waterfront [4].
* **Materiality:** The use of white granite and fluid, organic forms creates a serene, almost ethereal atmosphere that stands in stark contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers.
### A Breath of Fresh Air: The Landscape Masterplan by Oval Partnership
Complementing the bold architecture of the Cultural Centre is the nearby landscape masterplan by **The Oval Partnership**. This project has truly breathed a "breath of fresh air" into the Houhai district, demonstrating the importance of quality in the urban realm [7].
* **Seasonal Beauty:** The masterplan is famously characterized by its **pink cherry blossom trees**, which create a stunning visual corridor during the spring months.
* **Urban Connectivity:** By integrating **canals**, shaded seating areas, and pedestrian-friendly walkways, the project has transformed a series of disconnected land parcels into a cohesive, vibrant public space [7] [8].
* **Human-Centric Design:** The focus on "soft" infrastructure—water, greenery, and social spaces—provides a much-needed respite from the density of the city, offering a high-quality urban experience that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens.
### Conclusion: A City in Harmony
These visits reaffirmed my belief that Shenzhen is at the forefront of a new era in urbanism—one where bold architectural statements and high-quality landscape design work in harmony to create a truly livable city. From the structural precision of Foster + Partners to the organic vision of MAD and the human-centric urbanism of Oval Partnership, Shenzhen continues to inspire and challenge our perceptions of what a modern metropolis can be.
