Chapman Taylor takes leading role at the OPDI 2026 Annual Conference
Chapman Taylor takes leading role at the OPDI 2026 Annual Conference
Chapman Taylor was proud to support and co-organise the 2026 Annual Conference of the Overseas Planning & Design Institutions Committee (OPDI) of the China Association of City Planning, held in Shanghai from 18–19 September 2026.
Held under the theme “Connecting China and the World - Building Dreams, Sailing Forward,” the conference brought together Chinese and international planning and design professionals to exchange ideas, share expertise, and explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of cities.
Chapman Taylor Director Johnny Jiang
As a standing member of OPDI, Chapman Taylor played an active role in organising this year’s conference. Chapman Taylor Director Johnny Jiang (蒋毅) and Deputy Director of OPDI, helped co-organise the event, reflecting our long-standing commitment to strengthening dialogue and collaboration between Chinese and international design communities.
A 35-year journey connecting people, places and cultures
A highlight of the conference was a keynote address by Chapman Taylor Director Chris Lanksbury, Director at Chapman Taylor, entitled “A 35-year Journey - Reflections on a life connecting people, places and cultures.”
Chapman Taylor Director Chris Lanksbury
Drawing on more than three decades of international design experience, Chris reflected on a career spanning different countries, cultures and project types, and considered the role architecture and urban design can play in connecting people and creating places with a strong sense of identity and belonging.
His personal perspective on the relationships between design, place and culture resonated strongly with delegates and provided a fitting contribution to the conference’s wider theme of strengthening connections between China and the international design community.
His personal perspective on the relationships between design, place and culture resonated strongly with delegates and provided a fitting contribution to the conference’s wider theme of strengthening connections between China and the international design community.
Championing urban regeneration
Chapman Taylor also hosted and curated a dedicated Urban Regeneration forum, moderated by Johnny Jiang.
The session brought together leaders from a range of international design practices and disciplines, including urban design, architecture, landscape design and commercial planning, to share perspectives on the evolving role of urban regeneration in China and internationally.
Discussions explored how existing urban areas can be renewed and repositioned to meet changing social, environmental and economic needs, while creating places that remain relevant and resilient over the long term.
The conversation reinforced the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to regeneration, bringing together different areas of expertise to unlock the potential of existing places and create vibrant, people-centred urban environments.
Chapman Taylor is honoured to have contributed to this year’s OPDI Annual Conference and to support a platform that encourages the exchange of knowledge, ideas and experience between Chinese and international design professionals.
Our involvement reflects Chapman Taylor’s continued commitment to international collaboration and knowledge sharing, drawing on global expertise and local understanding to help shape successful and sustainable places.