Date 29.09.2025
Location Guangzhou, China
On 29 September 2025, the CUHK School of Architecture (SoA) visited Guangzhou for a one-day academic exchange. Convened by Professor Jiaxiu Cai, the event brought together Master of Architecture students and undergraduate students from the Faculty of Social Science, alongside faculty members and staff. The delegation was joined by the School Director Professor Peter Ferretto, who delivered a series of important lectures during the visit.
The exchange strengthened cross-institutional collaborations with the Guangzhou Planning Institute (GZPI) and the School of Architecture, South China University of Technology (SCUT)—two leading institutions shaping the urban and architectural landscape of the Greater Bay Area.
Guangzhou Planning Institute
The CUHK delegation began the day at the Guangzhou Planning Institute, where they were warmly received by Director Zhang Ji and the GZPI team. Through presentations and discussions, students gained valuable insights into community-centered planning strategies, with a particular focus on integrating ecological and cultural values into Guangzhou’s ongoing urban transformation. The session highlighted Guangzhou’s innovative approaches to territorial design and adaptive planning in response to environmental challenges and regional integration strategies.
SCUT School of Architecture
In the afternoon, the delegation visited SCUT’s School of Architecture, where they were hosted by Dean Professor Peng and faculty members. The program included campus and design institute visits, field practice sessions, and an international research seminar Adaptive Urban Development and Regional Synergies: Spatial Practices in the Guangdong-Hong Kong- Macao Greater Bay Area.
Professor Peter Ferretto expanded on the idea of architectural agency and its capacity to shape communities, while Professor Han Meyer (TU Delft) introduced the concept of Delta Urbanism, emphasizing natural landscape layers as the most enduring and transformative structures in urban development. During the seminar, Professor Shifu Wang discussed the role of social responsibility and co-governance in water driven urban and architectural practice in Pearl River Delta. These rich academic exchanges reflected shared concerns across institutions regarding urban transformation, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.
Building Collaborative Foundations
The day’s discussions laid important groundwork for future partnerships. Potential areas include joint research initiatives, undergraduate and postgraduate design studios, and collaboration with planning authorities on adaptive urban development in the Pearl River Delta. CUHK looks forward to deepening ties with GZPI and SCUT through MoUs, collaborative teaching, and research ventures.
This exchange brought forward CUHK’s commitment to fostering cross-border academic networks that support students’ professional development, enable innovative research collaborations, and expand career opportunities within the Greater Bay Area.
