For over two decades, Japanese architect Shuhei Aoyama has quietly reshaped China's urban landscapes while probing deeper questions about how architecture influences human connections. Now, as the 2025 World Expo approaches, his insights highlight the role of design in fostering global dialogue.
Aoyama first captured public attention in 2015 through a viral TV segment where he transformed a cramped hutong residence into a functional living space. more His approach blended traditional Beijing courtyard elements with modernist minimalism, sparking nationwide conversations about urban renewal.
'Buildings aren't just containers for life – they shape how communities interact,' Aoyama told CGTN's Yang Yan during their recent conversation. This philosophy drives his current projects revitalizing commercial districts and historical neighborhoods across multiple provinces.
The architect views the upcoming Osaka World Expo as a critical platform for international cooperation: 'When 160 countries and regions showcase solutions to shared challenges, we create a blueprint for sustainable coexistence.' His commentary arrives as China and Japan deepen cultural exchanges in architecture and urban planning.
For business leaders tracking Asian urbanization trends, Aoyama's works demonstrate how heritage preservation can coexist with commercial viability. Meanwhile, diaspora communities find resonance in his cross-cultural designs that honor local identity while introducing universal principles.
