Shaping Modernity: British-East Asian architectural networks, c.1850–c.1950

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has embarked on a new collections research project with a donation made by a family member on behalf of the Crescent Garden Foundation. The project will explore the role that British architects played, particularly through networks created and facilitated by RIBA, in colonial and globalisation contexts across East Asia between c. 1850-1950.

While it is known that there were connections between RIBA and local East Asian hubs during this period, there is little knowledge on how those networks came about.

This innovative research project will shed light on these relationships revealing the role that RIBA and British architects more broadly, played in shaping architectural design and practice alongside local architects across East Asia, from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century.

Through new research and a fresh interrogation of RIBA's rich collections, including its institutional archive, the project will bring new perspectives on the history of East Asia's built environment. Over 24 months, it will focus on three case studies, Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai, uncovering hidden stories of people, places and practice. All three cities experienced an influx of designs and styles from Britain and the West, while the effect of Asian and East Asian architecture and art on architectural design is equally evident.

Across all three cities, British architects, many affiliated with RIBA, shaped architectural production, from the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Shanghai, to the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank. The project will examine the global architectural connections between these centres, analyse the dynamics of influence, exchange, adaptation and independence.

Dr. India Whiteley, an interdisciplinary historian and museum collections specialist, doctoral researcher at Queen Mary University of London and Officer for Revealing the Collections at RIBA, has been appointed to lead a new 24-month research project exploring the architectural histories of East Asia's built environment through RIBA's collections.

Dr. India Whiteley, the newly appointed Crescent Garden Foundation RIBA Research Fellow, said:

"I am delighted to be taking on this exciting project, which will enrich our understanding of RIBA's collections and what they reveal about the formation and legacies of British–East Asian architectural networks. It is a privilege to be supported by The Crescent Garden Foundation for this research fellowship, and I look forward to sharing insights as the project progresses."

Peggy Siu (Founding Chair) and Jack Tsang (Executive Director), The Crescent Garden Foundation, jointly said:

“The Foundation is delighted to make this donation to RIBA, to support this excellent and meaningful project. Britain and East Asia share a fascinating history - we are committed to cultural and heritage preservation and public understanding of East Asian history and architectural legacy and are very excited to see how this research develops.”

Oliver Urquhart-Irvine, Executive Director, Architecture Programmes and Collections at RIBA, said:

“We are enormously grateful to have secured significant funding to explore a crucial and perhaps overlooked chapter in architectural history. The Crescent Garden Foundation is a natural partner for this work, sharing our belief in the power of architecture to shape our world, and commitment to the value of architectural heritage in inspiring future generations of architects. Our collections include a wealth of material that many people don’t know exist, and this project will bring new and diverse perspectives of the role that British architects played in colonial and globalisation contexts in East Asia, and create valuable new resources for researchers, practitioners, and the public alike.”