Founded in 1999, URBANUS is recognized as one of the most influential independent architecture practices in China. More than a design practice, URBANUS is also a think tank. It aims at formulating architectural strategy from the urban environment and its ever-changing conditions. URBANUS has always focused on the urban realities in China and seeks architectural solutions based on its research of emerging urban problems.
URBANUS’ architecture delivers a unique identity while respecting the existing urban fabric. Many built works have become landmarks of urban life and received prominent awards, such as ASC Architectural Creation Award, AIA Award, Architectural Record Design Vanguard, Architectural Record Awards, WA Chinese Architecture Award, THE PLAN Award, International Urban Project Award (IUPA), The ARC ASIA Awards for Architecture, China Architecture Media Award, Architizer A+ Awards, Dezeen Award, etc. URBANUS’ works have received extensive attention from world-renowned architectural and design media, been exhibited worldwide and collected by prestigious Museums including MoMA in New York and M+ in Hong Kong.
URBANUS focuses on the contemporary urban phenomena in China to conduct a series of research projects, including typologies for hyper-density, the preservation and regeneration of historical urban areas and urban villages. URBANUS has drawn international recognition due to its sensitivity to urban, historical and social structures, its ability to mobilize and integrate potential spatial and social resources, and its effectiveness in responding to the complexities of the urban environment.
URBANUS has retained experienced project teams and a rigorous project management system. The three founding partners, guided by a shared framework of URBANUS principles, lead design studios independently as principal architects. Currently, Meng Yan leads URBANUS Shenzhen studio, Wang Hui leads URBANUS Beijing office and Liu Xiaodu leads a cross-disciplinary design atelier. Looking towards the future, we aim to transform URBANUS Studios into more diverse and forward-looking design practices with strong individual identities.
