Good architecture provides a safe and efficient space for people to live, work and play in. Additionally, it should reflect the aesthetics, culture, and history of the people who built it. The best architecture endures, and expresses a people’s hopes, aspirations and their place in the world.

When Chinese people first came to Australia two centuries ago, they built joss houses, community halls and restaurants. Some of these original structures can still be found in Australia, telling the stories of how those early migrants honoured their culture and traditions.

Australia left an exceptional imprint in Chongqing during the Second World War in the form of the Australian Legation Building, our first diplomatic mission in China. The modest but extraordinarily significant structure stands proudly to this day. The old Legation Building tells the story of Australia’s first formal engagement with China, and the beginnings of our independent foreign policy.

As Australian Consul-General in Chengdu, I am privileged to witness the development of Southwest China, the fastest growing region in the country. I am delighted to see that Australian architectural firms have contributed directly to environmentally and culturally sensitive projects throughout the region. Whether it be John Wardle Architects’ iconic residential towers ‘Luxe Lakes C16’ in Chengdu’s newest park city, or Woods Bagot’s soaring ‘Chongqing Tower’ designed to mirror the flow of the upper Yangtze River, these places represent the successful collaboration between the peoples of Australia and China.

‘Living in the City: Australia-China Conversations Through Architecture’ started as a concept to showcase the rich collaboration between Australian architectural designers and Chinese partners through the extensive collection of Australian architectural designs already delivered in China. Its initial purpose was to raise greater awareness of opportunities in Southwest China to Australian design firms, and to showcase Australia’s strong capabilities in innovative architecture and town planning to the Southwest. But because of the considerable interest throughout China, the exhibition has become national in scope. Australia’s record of having among the most liveable cities in the world means that Australian designers have much to contribute all over the country.

Through this online exhibition, Australians and Chinese alike have the opportunity to experience the interactions between our two peoples through design, and catch a glimpse of possible mutually beneficial collaborations in the future.