UL, Professor of Architecture, Merritt Bucholz will take part in a showcase of Irish architecture, ‘Irish Architecture – A History of Culture & A Sustainable Future’ running from 16 – 19 October, Shanghai, China. The event is hosted by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) and the Shanghai Irish Centre.

This showcase of Irish architecture which was developed with the funding from the Government Policy on Architecture 2009-2015 comprises a specially created exhibition complemented by a week-long programme of lectures and roundtable discussions covering a variety of areas of Irish architecture. The event also celebrates the current Irish connections with China and highlights the skills, expertise and recent successes of Irish architects in the global market place.

The event is honoured to have the full support of the Architectural Society of Shanghai China (ASSC), Shanghai’s professional and authoritative academic organization in the field of architecture and Tongji University, one of the most prestigious institutions of higher education in architecture and urban planning in China.

The opening ceremony will be followed by lectures presented by Professor Bucholz and John Graby, Director of RIAI. Each will speak on the history, culture and the future of Irish architecture. In addition, Professor Wang Zhijun from Tongji University will give a lecture on Shanghai’s urban planning framework, which is expected to lead to a lively discussion on the comparison of Irish and Chinese architecture.

The RIAI will be leading a delegation of Irish architects who are working globally in markets from China to the Middle East, Australia and Europe. The RIAI’s Shanghai showcase forms part of its internationalisation strategy, which has been developed with the support of Enterprise Ireland, the government organisation responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets.

RIAI President, Michelle Fagan says: “We are delighted to showcase Irish architecture in Shanghai. Ireland’s architects are internationally recognised for their design and project management skills. Our colleagues are winning competitions and commissions all over the world. The RIAI has been working strategically for five years in promoting our work abroad and building strategic alliances. We are delighted about this initiative and partnership with the Irish Centre Shanghai, the Architectural Society of Shanghai China and the Tongji University and see it as a long-term programme.”

For further information about the School of Architecture, University of Limerick go to www.ul.ie/architecture