Colman Architects - General - Chengdu, China

Date: 16 May 2008

UK-based Colman Architects has opened an office in China and won its first instruction in the country.

The new office, Colman China, is located in Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan province in China. Chengdu has a population of more than 10 million. It is one of the most important economic centres in China as well as a top transport and communication hub and has attracted a number of large multinational corporations such as IBM and Nokia.

Colman China's first instruction is to develop a strategic masterplan for the development of a new neighbourhood in Jintang, an area 30 miles outside of Chengdu, on behalf of the local authorities.

The aim is to create a sustainable community that will mix residential with commercial, health and education facilities in a form that references traditional Chinese villages and will develop a uniquely Chinese contemporary architectural style.

Trevor Colman, Director of Colman Architects, said of the new venture: "We are really excited about the opening of our first international office. China has the most rapidly expanding economy in the world; there's plenty of outward investment and it is an exciting time to be there and have a hand in its ever-growing infrastructure.

"With all the building that is taking place it is sometimes easy to lose that sense of tradition and place in the rush to complete developments. We feel that we can create contemporary urban planning and exciting modern buildings that are in keeping with the traditions of Chinese architecture, thereby preserving and extending that unique heritage and Chinese vernacular."

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