UNS marked a significant milestone with the celebration of its newly renovated Shanghai office. The salone brought together clients, colleagues, partners, and media to share in the moment. It was more than just a celebration of a refreshed workspace—it was a platform to exchange knowledge, showcase our latest research and projects, and express gratitude for the enduring support and collaboration of our community.

The salone also underscored UNS’s unwavering commitment to the Chinese market and our dedication to contributing to the local community.

Ben van Berkel, Founder and Principal Architect of UNS, and Hannes Pfau, Partner and Managing Director of UNS Asia, opened the event with heartfelt words of appreciation for Shanghai, the city that has been our home for over a decade, and for the guests who have been integral to our journey.

Ben set the tone with a lecture titled ‘Designing with the Future in Mind’, where he explored strategies for constant transformation and innovation in architecture. Following this, he led a panel discussion featuring esteemed speakers: Prof. Dong Yi from Tongji University, Eric Zhang from Vanke SP, and Lu Feng, former Managing Director of CITIC Capital. The discussion was moderated by Garett Hwang, Director of UNS.

Hannes Pfau reflected on the journey of UNS in Asia, saying, “It’s such a great pleasure to see so many members of our ‘family’ here today. Over the years, we’ve grown together, working on countless projects and building a strong foundation of trust and collaboration. We are deeply committed to being part of the knowledge community in China, sharing insights, and continuing to work on many levels. After 15 years, our dedication to this market remains as strong as ever.”

In his lecture, Ben emphasised the importance of designing with the future in mind. He shared UNS’s approach to creating environments that foster communication, build stronger communities, and prioritise health and sustainability.

“As architects and designers, we have a responsibility to reduce the carbon footprint of our projects and to create spaces that positively impact the people who use them. It’s not just about the buildings themselves but also about the indoor environments and how they shape the lives of their users. These are the discussions we need to have as we move forward.”

This celebration follows the renovation of our Hong Kong office last July, where we hosted a house-warming event to mark the occasion. Together, these milestones highlight UNS Asia’s dedication to investing in the local market, improving the quality of architecture and urban life, and advancing our mission to create a more sustainable and healthy built environment.

For more insights into our Hong Kong event, visit UNS Hong Kong Event.

UNS Asia: A Decade of Growth

Since its establishment in 2010, UNS Asia has been at the forefront of architectural innovation. Starting with our Shanghai office and expanding to Hong Kong in 2014, we’ve built a strong presence in the region. With 35 years of international project experience, UNS continues to push boundaries through parametric design, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a global network of consultants, partners, and advisors.

This renovation and the accompanying salone are a testament to our belief in the power of design to shape a better future. Together, we’ll continue to explore new possibilities, challenge conventions, and create spaces that truly put people first.