July Shao

ArchDaily China Editor

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Design Firms Hiring in Beijing, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, and Other Cities | Monthly Job Openings

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Since ArchDaily launched its recruitment services, we have received job postings from architecture firms of various scales across China, from Beijing and Shenzhen to Hangzhou. With their unique styles, these practices are active across diverse architectural sectors, seeking talented designers to join their teams. Below is a curated selection of eight firms currently hiring, along with some of their representative projects. We encourage interested readers to apply.

2021 Best Commercial Architecture

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Against the backdrop of a global culture steeped in consumerism, every aspect of our lives is being consumed. As the physical medium of consumer behavior, commercial architecture is undeniably a vital link in this consumer society. "Insta-worthy" spaces—embodying trends, spectacle, and the culture of the gaze—are a direct manifestation of this influence. Yet, looking back at architectural history, we must also acknowledge that the rise of consumerism has largely driven architectural development. The influx of capital and the keen interest of real estate developers have, in some ways, granted architects more opportunities to realize their creative ideals within commercial projects.

Whether in cities or rural areas, "consumer architecture" functioning as public space often serves as the most prominent gathering point. To explore how to create comfortable, inviting commercial spaces, this article presents a curated collection of the best "consumer architecture" of 2021, offering design inspiration for your next project.

Official Announcement | International Solicitation for the Urban Design of the Western (Chongqing) Science City Urban Center

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Official Announcement | International Solicitation for the Urban Design of the Western (Chongqing) Science City Urban Center - Featured Image

The International Solicitation for the Urban Design of the Center Area of Western China (Chongqing) Science City has officially launched! We warmly invite outstanding design teams from around the world to participate.
International Solicitation for Urban Design of the Center Area of Western China (Chongqing) Science City is now open for pre-qualification! Design teams from home and abroad are welcome to participate.

Beijing Changping New Town Eastern District Central Area Urban Design Competition! COFCO Property + China IPPR + Qingdao Yanhai Win

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Beijing Changping New Town Eastern District Central Area Urban Design Competition! COFCO Property + China IPPR + Qingdao Yanhai Win - Imagen 1 de 4Beijing Changping New Town Eastern District Central Area Urban Design Competition! COFCO Property + China IPPR + Qingdao Yanhai Win - Imagen 2 de 4Beijing Changping New Town Eastern District Central Area Urban Design Competition! COFCO Property + China IPPR + Qingdao Yanhai Win - Imagen 3 de 4Beijing Changping New Town Eastern District Central Area Urban Design Competition! COFCO Property + China IPPR + Qingdao Yanhai Win - Imagen 4 de 4Beijing Changping New Town Eastern District Central Area Urban Design Competition! COFCO Property + China IPPR + Qingdao Yanhai Win - More Images+ 14

The International Competition for the Urban Design of the Core Area of Changping New Town East Zone was hosted by the People's Government of Changping District, Beijing, and the Beijing Municipal Commission of Planning and Natural Resources. Located on the east bank of the Dongsha River in Changping District, Beijing, the project encompasses a 9.1-square-kilometer planning study and ecological development plan, alongside a 1.5-square-kilometer urban design for the core area. Situated north of Beijing's city center, along the canal and at the foot of Mangshan Mountain, the East Zone of Changping New Town lies on a critical axis for northern Beijing's industrial expansion and ecological network integration. In addition to accommodating the specialized industrial clusters from southern Changping, the East Zone introduces the planning concept of "Green Spectrum," leveraging urban functions and spatial-environmental resources to maximize the synergy between ecological livability and industrial positioning.

Beijing Jobs | weico architects: Research and Public Affairs Assistant (Architecture), Intermediate Architectural Designer, Intermediate Interior Designer, Intern

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weico is a high-profile, emerging design practice founded by a group of highly experienced architects. Its scope of work encompasses architectural design, interior design, urban planning, project programming, and engineering consultancy, with a particular focus on the cross-disciplinary integration of design with technology, industry, economics, and the humanities. Led by principal architect Sun Wei (former partner of HENN China), weico, within less than a year of its inception, has secured and undertaken projects including the T3 Headquarters, Hengli International Headquarters, Hongqi High-End Customization Center, and the Phase II consultancy for the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou). It has also been shortlisted for the CGN Scientific Research Base and the Bay Area University projects, garnering significant attention within the domestic industry.

The inaugural meeting of the Performing Arts Venue Design Branch of the China Association of Performing Arts Equipment Technology was successfully held!

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The inaugural meeting of the Performing Arts Venue Design Branch of the China Association of Performing Arts Equipment Technology was successfully held! - Image 1 of 4The inaugural meeting of the Performing Arts Venue Design Branch of the China Association of Performing Arts Equipment Technology was successfully held! - Image 2 of 4The inaugural meeting of the Performing Arts Venue Design Branch of the China Association of Performing Arts Equipment Technology was successfully held! - Image 3 of 4The inaugural meeting of the Performing Arts Venue Design Branch of the China Association of Performing Arts Equipment Technology was successfully held! - Image 4 of 4The inaugural meeting of the Performing Arts Venue Design Branch of the China Association of Performing Arts Equipment Technology was successfully held! - More Images+ 16

On August 28, the Inaugural Assembly of the Performing Arts Venue Design Branch of the China Association of Performing Arts Equipment Technology and the First China Performing Arts Venue Design Summit Forum were held in Beijing. Co-organized by the Architectural Design and Research Institute of Tsinghua University Co., Ltd. (THAD), the newly established branch is dedicated to fostering the integration of the cultural tourism, performing arts, and architectural design industries. By driving scientific planning, optimizing theater technology, and expanding multifunctional capabilities, the branch aims to enhance the design, construction, and operational quality of performing arts venues across China, contributing to the industry's advancement.

Creating Sci-Fi Movie Home Settings: The 'Winning Products' of Century-Old German Brand Gira

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We often see futuristic, high-tech homes or workspaces in sci-fi films: from Theodore’s apartment in Her (pictured above), where lights turn on automatically upon his arrival without a single touch, to Tony Stark in Iron Man commanding his system to connect to the network and brew coffee, or Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible controlling lights and televisions with his voice. With the rapid evolution of technology, smart homes have turned these sci-fi visions into reality. At the forefront of this evolution is the century-old German brand Gira, whose smart home systems bring these once-cinematic concepts into everyday life.

While advanced technology promises convenience, it often introduces complexity and steep learning curves. Gira addresses this by bridging the gap between technology and user needs, designing highly intuitive, easy-to-use products that deliver ultimate comfort. With a 117-year legacy—evolving from the original toggle switch to today’s intelligent home systems and touchscreens—Gira has consistently embraced innovation. By aligning technological capability with human experience, the company has established itself as a global benchmark in smart home technology and electrical installations, operating in over 40 countries and earning numerous accolades.

A Million-Yuan Prize: Global Architectural Competition Launched for the Fengyuzhu Metaverse Digital Art Museum

The Fengyuzhu Metaverse Digital Art Museum is a virtual art world created by Fengyuzhu on the Baidu XiRang metaverse platform, designed for and operated for the M-generation. As part of Fengyuzhu’s metaverse cultural facility cluster, the museum is designed and developed in 3D using virtual engines. It will host top-tier digital artists from around the world, offering users an immersive space for viewing exhibitions, entertainment, and social interaction, as well as purchasing digital art collectibles. Planning for the inaugural exhibition is already underway.

The global architectural design competition for the Fengyuzhu Digital Art Museum is launching soon. The project is open to creators worldwide—including architects, programmers, gamers, and metaverse enthusiasts—with the winning proposal receiving a design fee of one million RMB. This project marks the first competition for virtual architectural design in the metaverse within China, with the goal of establishing a cultural landmark within the XiRang metaverse.

For detailed registration information, please follow the official Fengyuzhu WeChat account (ID: 风语筑) as well as the ArchDaily website and WeChat account (ID: 建日筑闻).

A Mountaintop Dwelling: A Minimalist Residence Overlooking the Los Angeles Skyline

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A Mountaintop Dwelling: A Minimalist Residence Overlooking the Los Angeles Skyline - Imagen 1 de 4A Mountaintop Dwelling: A Minimalist Residence Overlooking the Los Angeles Skyline - Imagen 2 de 4A Mountaintop Dwelling: A Minimalist Residence Overlooking the Los Angeles Skyline - Imagen 3 de 4A Mountaintop Dwelling: A Minimalist Residence Overlooking the Los Angeles Skyline - Imagen 4 de 4A Mountaintop Dwelling: A Minimalist Residence Overlooking the Los Angeles Skyline - More Images+ 24

Located in the Bird Streets of Los Angeles, adjacent to Beverly Hills, the Blue Jay Way Residence occupies a prime, elevated site overlooking the Los Angeles and Hollywood skylines. The project’s open floor plan establishes a strong visual and experiential connection between the interior and the panoramic city views, complemented by staggered courtyards and warm white materials that invite a play of light and shadow into every corner of the building.

The Material That ‘Dominated’ China’s Landmark Buildings in 2021: Anodized Aluminum Panels

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The Material That ‘Dominated’ China’s Landmark Buildings in 2021: Anodized Aluminum Panels - Image 1 of 4The Material That ‘Dominated’ China’s Landmark Buildings in 2021: Anodized Aluminum Panels - Image 2 of 4The Material That ‘Dominated’ China’s Landmark Buildings in 2021: Anodized Aluminum Panels - Image 3 of 4The Material That ‘Dominated’ China’s Landmark Buildings in 2021: Anodized Aluminum Panels - Image 4 of 4The Material That ‘Dominated’ China’s Landmark Buildings in 2021: Anodized Aluminum Panels - More Images+ 22

#Anodized Aluminum Panels
In recent years, anodized aluminum panels have emerged as a prominent material, utilized across numerous interior and exterior architectural projects in China. Anodized aluminum features six key characteristics: 1. Metallic Appearance, protected by a transparent anodic oxide film, the natural, soft metallic texture of aluminum is fully preserved; 2. Workability, anodized aluminum features exceptional workability, as well as outstanding forming and bending capabilities; 3. Surface Consistency, across diverse architectural forms, anodized aluminum panels maintain a highly uniform color; 4. Corrosion Resistance, the anodization process generates a dense oxide film on the metal surface, providing superior corrosion resistance and enhancing structural hardness and strength; 5. Weatherability, the static-free surface does not attract dust, making it easy to clean and maintain its pristine, like-new appearance even after repeated washing. This ensures the building facade stands the test of time; projects completed with anodized aluminum 40 years ago still look as good as new today; 6. Sustainability, functioning as an environmentally friendly material classified as Class A non-combustible.

#Almeco Anodized Aluminum Panels
Almeco is a global expert in pre-treated aluminum surfaces, offering a range of innovative anodized aluminum products for interior and exterior curtain walls and decoration. Their unparalleled metallic texture, rich colors, and excellent workability bring new vitality and artistic form to interior and exterior architecture, turning every building into a unique work of art. Consequently, Almeco has become the material of choice for renowned architects such as Jean Nouvel, Thom Mayne, MAD, and UNStudio.

Jobs of the Week | IN.X & SLT-STUDIOLITE

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This week's featured career opportunities come from two design firms based in Beijing and Shanghai: IN.X Design and SLT- STUDIOLITE. Specialized in projects of varying scales and themes, both practices are highly active across diverse design sectors and are looking to recruit like-minded design talent to join their teams.

Now Hiring in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Sichuan: Featured Positions from 9 International Firms and Independent Studios

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Since ArchDaily launched its recruitment services, we have received job listings from architecture practices of all scales across China, from Beijing and Shenzhen to Hangzhou. Characterized by their distinct design philosophies, these practices operate across diverse architectural fields, seeking talented professionals to join their teams. Concurrently, ArchDaily and its sister platform, the design and materials database Architonic, are seeking a Business Development Manager for China. Below is a curated selection of nine active openings and representative practices. We invite qualified candidates to apply.

The Choice for 3,000 Architectural Projects, Including Zaha Hadid, Kengo Kuma, and Neri&Hu: Danish Textiles by Kvadrat

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Number of architectural projects completed annually: 3,000
# Total length of fabric sold annually: 3,999,220 meters
#Retail price of the most expensive textile: ¥ 4,000 / meter
# Textile Brand Kvadrat

Founded in Denmark in 1968, Kvadrat is a renowned textile brand deeply rooted in Scandinavia's world-famous design tradition. The name Kvadrat means “square” in Danish, inspired by the grid paper commonly used by designers and engineers for sketching in the 1960s. Refusing to be homogenized by global trends, the company maintains its distinct Scandinavian identity. As a leader in design innovation, Kvadrat continuously explores new ideas in material and technological applications within design and manufacturing, producing high-quality contemporary textiles and textile-related products for architects, designers, and private consumers worldwide.

Design Firms in Architecture, Interiors, Landscapes, and Exhibitions are Hiring | Monthly Job Openings

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Since ArchDaily launched its recruitment services, we have received job postings from design firms of all scales across the country, from Beijing and Hangzhou to Shenzhen. Active across diverse architectural fields, these practices bring distinct perspectives and are looking for talented designers to join their teams. Below, we feature eight outstanding offices and a selection of their work. Readers are highly encouraged to apply.

Everything Under Control: 2021 iF Smart Home Design Award

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Everything Under Control: 2021 iF Smart Home Design Award - Imagen 1 de 4Everything Under Control: 2021 iF Smart Home Design Award - Imagen 2 de 4Everything Under Control: 2021 iF Smart Home Design Award - Imagen 3 de 4Everything Under Control: 2021 iF Smart Home Design Award - Imagen 4 de 4Everything Under Control: 2021 iF Smart Home Design Award - More Images+ 26

In the future, the Internet of Things (IoT) will play an increasingly profound role in our lives, with devices communicating independently and integrating into our daily routines as smart assistants. As a result, demand for smart home technology is growing in tandem with the range of products on offer. In a recent report, market research firm Statista predicted that this year, approximately 12% of households worldwide will own smart home devices, a figure projected to rise to over 21% by 2025—translating to more than 478.2 million users globally. But which of these devices are actually useful? A selection of outstanding technologies and designs has recently been honored with the 2021 iF Design Award, and here we take a closer look at nine of them.

Pushing Open the "Door" of Minimalism, a 40-Degree Rotation

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# Red Dot Award: Product Design 2020
# 2019 Archiproducts Longlist
# Selected for the 2020 ADI Design Index Exhibition

When Mies van der Rohe urged us to distill our walls to their bare essentials with his famous adage "less is more," he might not have anticipated that we would eventually grow weary of perfectly uniform boxes. While minimalism remains a dominant design style worldwide, there is a growing desire to inject clever details beyond mere simplicity, breaking its monotony to introduce aesthetic refinement and a warmer atmosphere. This is where Eclisse 40 comes in.

The door frame of the Eclisse 40 series is not only a technical innovation, but it also rethinks the frame as an aesthetic, design, and decorative element. The splayed profile defines the volume, playing with light to create a unique theatrical effect. What was once an invisible, purely structural element—the frame—now takes center stage, turning the door into a prominent feature in interior design with its own expressive power.

How Do Zaha, Foster, and Heatherwick’s Ultra-Complex Glass Curtain Walls Resolve Structural Challenges? | ArchDaily Technical Expert

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How Do Zaha, Foster, and Heatherwick’s Ultra-Complex Glass Curtain Walls Resolve Structural Challenges? | ArchDaily Technical Expert - More Images+ 59

The tension between architectural form and structural feasibility is long-standing; the bold, avant-garde visions of architects often remain on paper due to structural requirements and technical constraints. How can projects that break traditional architectural forms be realized? How do we translate these imaginative concepts into reality?

In this feature, ArchDaily introduces Eckersley O’Callaghan, a structural and facade engineering design firm. The practice has collaborated successfully with many of the world’s leading architects. Notably, their long-standing partnership with Foster + Partners has yielded several of Apple’s iconic, minimalist "all-glass" retail stores worldwide. They have also established strong collaborations with Zaha Hadid Architects, SOM, Gensler, KPF, Snøhetta, and Heatherwick Studio. Through numerous innovations and breakthroughs in glass manufacturing technology and structural design, Eckersley O’Callaghan has demonstrated world-leading capabilities in structural innovation and project execution.

Jobs of the Week | Origin Architect, Jaeger Kahlen Partner

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This week’s job openings come from two design firms based in Beijing and Shenzhen: Origin Architect and JKP Architects. Specializing in different scales and themes, both practices are active across various architectural fields and are seeking like-minded architects to join their teams.