AkzoNobel is the exclusive partner of the Architecture China 1000 Exhibition, which opened today in Beijing.

Organized by celebrated independent curator Fang Zhenning, the major exhibition showcases 1,000 distinguished architectural designs completed in China between 2000 and 2015. The event also offers AkzoNobel the opportunity to highlight how architecture and design are woven into the fabric of the company’s global Human Cities initiative.

“China’s rich and varied architectural history is renowned all over the world,” said AkzoNobel CEO Ton Büchner during the opening ceremony. “This collection of 1,000 great works not only offers a tantalizing glimpse of what the future holds in store, but also underlines the key role that architects play in shaping our cities and making them more human.”

He added that the exhibition held extra significance because of AkzoNobel’s involvement in a large number of the projects on display. “We’re particularly proud that our products featured in many of these 1,000 projects, highlighting the key role we play in the global buildings and infrastructure sector. As a leading player in these market segments, we believe that a lot more can be done to make cities more exciting, vibrant and enjoyable. And architects can make a major contribution.”

Commenting on the global influence of architects, Dr. Lin Liangqi, President of AkzoNobel China and Managing Director of Decorative Paints, China and North Asia, said: “In China, the speed and magnitude of urbanization are tremendous, with 68 percent of the population – that’s around a billion people – expected to live in cities by 2030. Architecture will play a pivotal role in humanizing urbanization during the course of this century, especially in China, and AkzoNobel is poised to support this process.”

Being staged at 798 Art Zone in Beijing, the event also includes the China Architecture Summit, where leading Chinese architects, urban planners, industry experts and academics will meet to exchange ideas and share architectural insights.

“This exhibition provides a bird’s eye view of the evolution of China’s architectural history during the early part of the 21st century,” added Fang. “China has become an arena for international architects to experiment with their ideas and this event will allow audiences to see for themselves why Chinese architects in particular have become truly world class.”

The exhibition runs until October 7.