- SNIEC, Shanghai
- 31 March - 3 April 2026
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From December 16 to 18, 2025, the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center will host a major cross-industry event—RAFA (RIBA Architecture Festival Asia), held alongside Hotel & Shop Plus Shenzhen. This collaboration between IM Sinoexpo and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) will bring together world-renowned architects, designers, hoteliers, and commercial developers in Shenzhen for a landmark celebration of Asian architecture.
The integration of these two premier events underscores Shenzhen’s growing influence as a design capital and commercial innovation hub, offering a unique convergence of ideas and technologies for global industry leaders.
The inaugural RIBA Asia Pacific Awards winners will be announced at RAFA. The awards celebrate architects’ talent, visionary design, and the transformative power of architecture across our communities. The shortlisted projects will be showcased through Live Design Reviews with opportunities to hear from the architects.
RAFA also offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with architects and built environmental professionals at formal and informal networking sessions and a programme of building tours.
The RAFA forum brings together over 10 world-leading architects and over 100 Asian design experts, including Pritzker laureates, sustainable architecture advocates, and digital design pioneers. Discussions span urban regeneration, sustainability and
resilience, future commerce, smart spaces — aiming to inspire the industry through cross-disciplinary exchange.
A three-day symposium will include panel discussions, keynote talks and workshops and will address current challenges, future opportunities and thrilling innovations that will shape our built environment.
Kick off the symposium with high profile keynote talks from global leaders at the Opening Ceremony.
Hear from agencies and decision makers who shape the architectural landscape through setting policy frameworks, motivations for funding priorities, and development incentives. The session will consider innovative examples that foster good design and create well-loved places.
Hear from agencies and decision makers who shape the architectural landscape through setting policy frameworks, motivations for funding priorities, and development incentives. The session will consider innovative examples that foster good design and create well-loved places.
Make sure to visit any of the ten live design sessions that will celebrate the talent and creativity of the architects on the new RIBA Asia Pacific Awards shortlisted schemes. The awards cover a range of interesting and important themes:
Explore digital exhibitions revealing the treasures of the RIBA Collections including some of the one million stunning photographs in the RIBA Robert Elwall photograph collection.
Each day of RAFA will close with an inspirational session covering a design or approach that pushes the boundaries of architecture. This session will inspire, challenge and engage the audience with what might be possible for the future of the built environment.
Day one ends with an informal drinks party to meet new friends and contacts and discuss the events of the day at the Big Bay Area Cocktail party.
Day two of the symposium includes three high powered panel discussions covering the critical issues for architecture in the urban context now and tomorrow.
Technology, AI and Generative Design provocative talks on emerging technologies like AI and biomaterials, and the infinite possibilities and challenges they offer architects and place makers.
How does the urban environment impact on health? Speakers will focus on housing, health and density and how Asia vast cities can be retro- fitted to provide a human centric built environment that tackles climate change.
Architecture shapes how we live—but equally, how we live shapes architecture. Hearing from speakers who have tackled We cover examples that have made a difference.
If you’re still looking for more inspiration and ideas, then choose from five interactive workshop sessions on a range of compelling topics including:
Each day of RAFA will close with an inspirational session covering a design or approach that pushes the boundaries of architecture. This session will inspire, challenge and engage the audience with what might be possible for the future of the built environment.
The in-augural ceremony for these prestigious awards will honour outstanding achievements in architecture, recognising projects that embody innovation, sustainability, and social impact. From groundbreaking urban design to quietly powerful residential work, these awards celebrate the architects shaping the future of our built environment. The night will culminate in an elegant gala dinner, where industry leaders, rising talents, and design enthusiasts come together for a night of inspiration, networking, and celebration.
Wrap up with an exclusive programme of architect-led building visits to view the architectural marvels of Shenzhen. Or, if you want more inspiration visit the Connexions show for ideas for world-class interiors and products.
Wrap up with an exclusive programme of architect-led building visits to view the architectural marvels of Shenzhen. Or, if you want more inspiration visit the Connexions show for ideas for world-class interiors and products.
Including:
1250
Early Bird Rate Discount
£1000 (tax included)
Discount available until 26 September 2025
Including:
1000
Early Bird Rate Discount
£800 (tax included)
Discount available until 26 September 2025
Including:
* If you would like to book a Gala Dinner table, please contact us.
450
Early Bird Rate Discount
£360 (tax included)
Discount available until 26 September 2025
Ticket Discounts and Eligibility
RIBA Members & Award Shortlist
10% off all tickets
RIBA Students
Heavily discounted rates (Limited complimentary tickets available)
RIBA Chartered Practices
10% off when booking 3 tickets
Award Shortlisted Projects
Minimum one ticket required per shortlisted project
