Shuhei Aoyama, the Japanese architect who became a household name in China after redesigning a cramped Beijing hutong on a 2015 reality show, is now reshaping how we think about urban spaces. 🏗️ From revitalizing aging neighborhoods to designing global commercial hubs, Aoyama’s 20-year journey in China reveals a philosophy: 'Architecture isn’t just concrete – it’s about human connection.'
In an exclusive chat with CGTN’s Yang Yan ahead of the 2025 Osaka World Expo, Aoyama shared how historic preservation and futuristic design can coexist. 🌆 'The Expo isn’t just a tech showcase – it’s a bridge for cross-cultural dialogue,' he said, hinting at his upcoming projects blending Japanese minimalism with China’s rapid urbanization.
Fun fact? His viral hutong makeover proved even 30-square-meter spaces can become community magnets! 💡 As cities worldwide combat cookie-cutter designs, Aoyama’s work reminds us: Great architecture starts with listening to the people who live there.
