At the 25th Edition of Design Indaba, Shanghai-based architects and designers Neri & Hu delivered a thoughtful presentation on how contemporary design can engage deeply with history, context, and cultural identity. Founders Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu argued that architecture should do more than solve functional problems, it should tell stories about place, memory and the complexities of modern life.
A central theme of the talk is the tension between rapid urban development and cultural continuity, particularly in Asian cities where historic neighbourhoods are often erased in the pursuit of modernity. Neri & Hu advocate for a critical approach that preserves cultural narratives while accommodating contemporary needs. Their work frequently reinterprets traditional forms, materials and spatial concepts in unexpected ways. This process, they explained, is less about nostalgia and more about continuity, allowing buildings to carry traces of what came before. Their work demonstrates that meaningful architecture transforms legacy and history it into a living framework for contemporary life and design.
Watch the full Design Indaba talk here.
