RIBA UK–China Forum: Integrated Morphology of Future Cities – Cambridge

A Cambridge forum bringing together UK and China architects, designers and entrepreneurs to explore integrated morphological thinking.
About this Event

Two Key Topics

🔹 Topic 1: Sports, Transportation, and Mixed-Use Architecture

This topic explores the large-scale, city-shaping end of the spectrum. It asks: how can sports stadiums, railway stations, airports, and transit-oriented developments (TODs) function not as isolated megastructures but as dynamic civic destinations? Discussions will examine global best practices in which transport hubs become mixed-use catalysts — integrating retail, office, public space, and even community sports facilities.

🔹 Topic 2: Premium Residential and Hospitality Architecture

This topic shifts focus to the human scale and the quality of lived experience. As urban populations grow and land values rise, the demand for premium residential and hospitality spaces that offer sanctuary, comfort, and cultural resonance has never been greater. The forum will investigate design strategies for luxury apartments, serviced residences, boutique hotels, and mixed-use hospitality-led developments. Key themes include: spatial planning for wellbeing and privacy, material craftsmanship and local identity, the integration of biophilic and wellness design principles, and the role of hospitality in placemaking.

📅 Schedule
13:00–13:05

Welcome Remarks

Matt Blakeley — Regional Director – Central UK | RIBA

13:05–13:10

Welcome Remarks

Prof. Alan Short — Dean of Clare Hall College, University of Cambridge

🕐 13:10–14:30

Keynote Presentations

• Patrick Usborne — Director, Perpendicular Architecture; Chairman, Cambridge Association of Architects
• Peidong Zhu — Co-Founder & Chief Architect, line+ studio
• Joanna Bacon — Managing Partner, Allies and Morrison
• Bangsheng Yang — Founder and Design Principal of YANG & Associates Group

🕐 14:30–15:00

Panel Discussion
Chair: Patrick Usborne — Director, Perpendicular Architecture; Chairman, Cambridge Association of Architects

Speakers:

• Peidong Zhu — Co-Founder & Chief Architect, line+ studio
• Joanna Bacon — Managing Partner, Allies and Morrison
• Bangsheng Yang — Founder and Design Principal of YANG & Associates Group
• France Davies — Director of Development, Clare Hall College, University of Cambridge

🕐 15:00–16:20

Keynote Presentations

• Emily Phang — Senior Executive Partner, Foster + Partners
• Daniel Bryan-Harris — Associate, Jestico + Whiles
• Wei Sun — Founding Partner/Principal Architect, weico architects
• Simon Bayliss — Managing Partner, HTA Design

🕐 16:20–16:50

Panel Discussion
Chair: Matt Blakeley — Regional Director – Central UK | RIBA

Speakers:

• Emily Phang — Senior Executive Partner, Foster + Partners
• Daniel Bryan-Harris — Associate, Jestico + Whiles
• Wei Sun — Founding Partner/Principal Architect, weico architects
• Simon Bayliss — Managing Partner, HTA Design

🕔 17:00–17:05

Closing Remarks
Matt Blakeley — Regional Director – Central UK | RIBA

🥂 17:05–18:00

Networking / Reception

🍽️ 18:00–20:00 Formal Dinner

Invited only