Architecture in Asia: Challenges and Opportunities

Symposium & ARCASIA Handover Ceremony

Conference Announcement

The Architects Regional Council Asia (ARCASIA) is the most authoritative and influential international architectural industry and academic organization in the Asian region. It is committed to establishing a platform for cross-regional exchange and cooperation, fostering architectural design innovation, technology sharing, and sustainable industrial development. Since its establishment in Jakarta, Indonesia, in 1979, ARCASIA has brought together architectural associations from 24 countries and regions across Asia.

In the presidential election held during the 44th ARCASIA Council Meeting in January 2025, Professor Wu Jiang of Tongji University,recommended by the Architectural Society of China, was elected as the new President of ARCASIA, owing to his distinguished achievements and broad influence in the architectural field. This marks the first time since the organization's inception that a representative from Mainland of China has served as President, signifying the rising influence of the Chinese architectural community in Asia and providing a vital opportunity for the global promotion of Chinese architectural philosophies.

On January 17th, 2026, Tongji University and the Architectural Society of China will co-host an academic conference and the Presidential Handover Ceremony in Shanghai. Actively responding to the Belt and Road Initiative, the conference will convene architects and scholars from ARCASIA member associations to focus on shared issues in Asian architecture and urban development, establishing a dialogue platform that transcends geographical, disciplinary, and practical boundaries. Based on a respect for Asian cultural diversity and regional nuances, the symposium is dedicated to promoting technological integration, institutional synergy, and the formation of shared values with Asian characteristics. Furthermore, it will delve into development pathways for the architectural industry tailored to contemporary challenges, such as high-density spatial governance, multicultural coexistence, and rapid socio-economic transformation.

Agenda：

08:30-09:00 Registration

09:00-09:35 Opening Ceremony

09:35-09:55 ARCASIA Handover Ceremony

09:55-10:10 Group Photo and Coffee Break

10:10-11:40 Keynote Speeches

11:40-14:00 Lunch

14:00-15:30 Architecture Asia Forum

15:30-15:40 Coffee Break

15:40-17:00 Panel Discussion

Key Information：

Date: January 17, 2026

Venue: Lecture Hall, Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Co., Ltd., 1230 Siping Road, Shanghai

Hosts:  Tongji University; The Architectural Society of China (ASC).

Organizers: College of Architecture and Urban Planning (CAUP), Tongji University; Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Co., Ltd.; Institute of Architectural Education-ASC (IAE-ASC) ;Research Institute of Elaborate Urban Governance, Tongji University.

Languages: Bilingual (Chinese and English)

We cordially invite practicing architects, urban planners, and designers from China and abroad , faculty members, researchers, and students from architectural institutions , professionals and researchers from the real estate development and urban construction industries , management personnel from relevant government departments and industry organizations , and the general public interested in the future and sustainable development of cities in China and across Asia to join us in this grand event.