RAFA：In Conversation with the World’s Top Architects！
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.
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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.
Speaker
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.
Programme
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.
16 – 18 December, 2025
Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center
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DAY 01
Global Architecture Futures?
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Opening Ceremony
Kick off the symposium with high profile keynote talks from global leaders at the Opening Ceremony.
Session 1: Future Frameworks: Innovation in Investment, Development and Policy
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.
Session 2: Future Business: Work Types, Technology, Practice management and Skills
To make the future a better place, Practices need to be ready as businesses. Operating as a successful business is essential to affect change. A development of RIBA’s thought leadership research programme, Horizons report 2034: connecting big picture to skills in practice series, this session will capture insight on the critical issues facing the profession today. We demonstrate the value of great architecture and promote its positive impact on people and our planet. This workshop will act as a live workshop session to inform the research programme.
RIBA Asia Pacific Awards – Live Design Reviews
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:
- Social Architecture
- Urban Regeneration
- Sustainability & Resilience
- Adaptive Reuse
- Mixed Use
- Design for Living
- RIBA Member Design Prize
- Future Projects
- Temporary Architecture
- AI Powered Design
Architecture Exhibitions
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.
Building Stories – Inspiration Hour
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.
Informal Networking
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 2
Future Architecture and The City
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Day two of the symposium includes three high powered panel discussions covering the critical issues for architecture in the urban context now and tomorrow.
Session 1: Technology, AI and Generative Design
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.
Session 2: Well-being and Resilience: Healthy Human Cities
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.
Session 3: Sustainability: Asia ESG with Green Design
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.
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Workshops and panel discussions
If you’re still looking for more inspiration and ideas, then choose from five interactive workshop sessions on a range of compelling topics including:
- The Future of Women in Architecture ‘She is an Architect’
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/\Architecture (UABB)
- Asia 100 Designer
- BIPV/ AI /BIM
- Future Talent of Architecture and Dean’s Education / Academic Forum
Building Stories – Inspiration Hour
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.
RAFA Gala Dinner and RIBA Asia Pacific Awards ceremony
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.
Day 3
RIBA Architecture Tours
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.
Book Tickets for RAFA
Join us for the RIBA Architecture Festival Asia (RAFA), happening in Shenzhen, China from 16–18 December 2025.
Don’t miss out — browse ticket options and secure your spot now with early bird discounts available until 26 September.
All-access Ticket (16 – 18 Dec)
Including:
- Grand Opening Ceremony
- Symposiums
- Forums
- 10 Live Award Design Reviews
- Inspiration Hour
- RIBA Exhibitions
- Welcome Reception
- Gala Dinner Ticket (17 Dec)
- Local Tours and Building Visits (18 Dec)
Early Bird Rate Discount
￡1000?(tax included)
Discount available until 26 September 2025
Symposium Ticket (16 & 17 Dec)
Including:
- Grand Opening Ceremony
- Symposiums
- Forums
- 10 Live Award Design Reviews
- Inspiration Hour
- RIBA Exhibitions
- Welcome Reception
Early Bird Rate Discount
￡800?(tax included)
Discount available until 26 September 2025
Gala Dinner Ticket (17 Dec)
- Gala Dinner seat
*If you would like to book a Gala Dinner table, please contact us.
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
Partners
Medias
