XJTLU staff elected to new RIBA China Chapter Committee

June 11, 2020

John Latto, teaching fellow in the Department of Architecture and Design at XJTLU, has been elected as a member of the chapter committee of the Royal Institute of British Architects China Chapter. RIBA is a global professional body that has accredited XJTLU’s undergraduate and postgraduate architecture programmes. The RIBA China Chapter is new, announced 7 May.

As part of the committee, Latto will help to shape the RIBA China Chapter, originally kick-started by the Department of Architecture and Design. The chapter is an initiative of Professor Gisela Loehlein, head of department, and Dr Teresa Hoskyns, also of the department.

(Pictured above from left to right: Professor Gisela Loehlein and John Latto)

“Academic institutions can provide an excellent base for professional institutions,” said Professor Loehlein. “It was a logical step to form the RIBA China Chapter.”

By its founding, the chapter aims to serve the members and the emerging architecture community in China through clusters in Shanghai and Beijing.

“I believe the RIBA China Chapter can be the voice for the members practicing in China, promoting their excellent work and positive contribution to the society,” Latto said.

“It can also offer support in meeting continuing professional development requirements through structured seminars, workshops and exhibitions.”

As an elected member of the RIBA China Chapter committee, he will seek to contribute to the growth, development and reputation of the Institute in China, strengthening its international profile. Likewise, his participation will raise the profile of XJTLU’s Design School.

“Having a presence on the committee will help to promote the excellent reputation of the Design School at XJTLU nationally and internationally,” Latto said.

“It will also open exciting opportunities to create positive links with the Institute in the UK.”

Latto also advocates strong links between practice and academia, encouraging deeper relationships for the benefit of both students and the profession.

“I believe collaboration between professionals, as well as connection between practice and academia here in China, can support positive change through best practice, innovative thinking and design excellence,” he said.

According to Latto, XJTLU, as an academic body with extensive research capabilities, can work with professions to test practices that can be applied to industry.

“Our academic staff and students can offer practice a wealth of talent, to their mutual benefit,” he said.

By Yi Qian, edited by Tamara Kaup

Photo by Yi Qian

June 11, 2020