The School were delighted when recently asked to host a professional delegation from Tianjin Urban Planning and Design Institute. Tianjin is the third largest city in China, it serves as both the most important manufacturing centre and the leading port in northern China. Tianjin is an industrial base for major activities such as the production of heavy machinery, chemicals, iron and steel production, and shipbuilding and repair. Tianjin is a fine example of beautiful urban design and architectural practices with its stunning skyscrapers and desire to invest in urban repair and ecological restoration.
The delegation consisted of city planners, architects and engineers (20 in total), who were all very interested to learn of the UK's expertise in renewal methods, and therefore our School was the perfect fit for their visit to London.
The visit itself occurred on Thursday 25 July 2019. The Dean, Professor George Ofori, kicked off proceedings with an introductory seminar that highlighted our brand, our product, our recent achievements, and our vision for the future. An open discussion then took place between both parties, in which we shared our knowledge and theorised how Tianjin might apply it in their urban redevelopment efforts; with Dr Issa Chaer (SBEA’s Director of Enterprise) and Lale Day (SBEA’s Business Partner) also in attendance, the topic of conversation quickly turned to ideas of future collaboration.
The delegation were then given a tour of our facilities, which included a visit to the DARLab, in which recyclable materials are used to create new materials through 3D printing technology, and our Anechoic Chamber (pictured above) and Acoustic facilities, in which we study the effects of noise pollution on the urban environment.
Upon completion of the visit, we soon received an email from the Institute, thanking us for the enoyable experience; we equally loved having them with us and are hopeful that this visit marks the beginning of an enterprising friendship!
The Tianjin Binhai Library, co-designed by architects from Tianjin Urban Planning and Design Institute
