International architecture – local identity

On October 4, 2021, we will have the opportunity to discuss internationality with the biggest German practice, gmp architekten and their partner in Shanghai, Magdalene Weiß. How have they successfully established practices in 7 countries? How do they combine their international experience with local identities? What challenges and opportunities do they see globally?

The architects von Gerkan, Marg and Partners (gmp) are an architectural practice which was founded in Hamburg and has branches worldwide. Over 500 people from more than 50 countries work for gmp worldwide.

With their generalist approach and more than 50 years of experience, they complete projects in dialogue with their clients and the participating planning disciplines, at all scales and cultural contexts, covering all design phases and working on all continents. The range of their projects extends from family residences to high-rise buildings, from stadiums to concert halls, from office buildings to bridges, and from door hardware to urban planning.

About the speaker: Magdalene Weiß, Partner at gmp architects and managing director of gmp’s Shanghai office

Magdalene Weiß has been an associate partner since 2010. She has been managing gmp’s design team in Shanghai since 2004. Weiss studied architecture in Stuttgart and Kassel and joined gmp in 1997. In Germany she was involved in the design of the Swissôtel Berlin project at Kurfürstendamm. Over the years she has managed a number of prestigious projects in China, including the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center, the Suzhou Sports Park, the Changzhou Cultural Center, the Caohejing Xinzhou Mansion and the Poly Greenland Plaza in Shanghai.