Tang Wei shares façade design insights at 8th DAF Conference in Shanghai
On August 7 – 8, the 8th DAF Design and Application of Architectural Façade Conference took place in Shanghai, gathering global leaders in architectural design, curtain wall detailing, and construction. This year’s theme, “Public Building Case Studies,” focused on innovative practices and emerging trends in façade design.
Tang Wei, Project Director at Benoy Shanghai Studio and Project Lead for the Wuhan Ali Center, was invited to speak on day one. Using the large-scale mixed-use development set for full completion in 2025 as a case study, she delivered a keynote offering the live audience an in-depth analysis of the façade’s standout features and design philosophy.
At the DAF ‘Golden Scale’ Award Ceremony held that evening, the Wuhan Ali Center project received the Gold Award.
In her presentation, Tang Wei offered an architectural design perspective on the Wuhan Ali Center. She highlighted how the development, anchored by a major tech giant, features a 100,000 sqm smart commercial complex (Qincheng MIXC), and an ecosystem of office towers empowered by both talent and technology-enabled office buildings creates flexible, multi-dimensional work-life possibilities for office users and a retail experience for the public. She also delved into the building’s façade design, which thoughtfully blends art and technology, creativity and commercial value.
Tang Wei shared:
“Spanning over six years, this project embodies the dedication of many, from the client to design consultants and builders. Everyone approached it with the precision and care of crafting a design masterpiece.
I’m deeply grateful for the support and recognition we’ve received. From the outset, our goal was to carry forward Alibaba’s DNA in both form and spirit. We introduced interactive, connective shared spaces and tranquil, healing landscapes, while also incorporating elements that reflect Alibaba’s cultural values of warmth, connection, and windows as a symbol of transparency and openness.
The orange ramp, in Alibaba’s signature colour, connects not only the rooftop garden and horizontal Hub, but also bridges the B‑to‑C relationship. The LED screen outside the Hub enables real-time interaction. Elegant glazed glass adds a subtle, humble atmosphere, while wide transparent office windows offer expansive views.
We’ve always embraced an open and inclusive design mindset, ready to welcome future change.”
A collaborative platform for façade design excellence
The two-day conference welcomed a strong lineup of renowned firms, including international design studios such as Aedas, Ennead, Gensler, PC&P, Perkins&Will, and Snøhetta. Domestic leaders in curtain wall detailing, engineering, and construction were also present, including Zhejiang Zhongnan Construction Group, China Construction Southwest Engineering Group, and Shanghai Mechanical Construction Group.
Each participant provided diverse and in-depth analyses of public building case studies, contributing valuable insights from across the industry. The DAF Conference served as a high-level, multi-dimensional platform for professional exchange, pooling industry expertise to drive innovation in façade design.
The event was further supported by over ten professional organizations, including the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Shanghai Architectural Society, and the Guangdong Registered Architects Association.
Benoy will continue to leverage this opportunity to deepen collaboration across the industry peers, bringing forward innovative design concepts and practical solutions in architecture and façade design, shaping spaces and experiences that go beyond expectations.
About DAF:
The Asia Building Skin Design & Application International Conference (DAF) was established in 2020 and has successfully held seven editions to date. Since 2022, each conference has hosted around 300 attendees, with professional visitors accounting for an average of 73%. DAF gathers top talents in architectural and curtain wall design from China and abroad, combining academic conferences and exhibitions to create a professional platform for knowledge sharing and business matchmaking in the building envelope industry.
