LAHORE, (Gwadar Pro): A delegation from the Institute of Architectural Design and Research at Shenzhen University, China, visited the School of Art and Design at the University of the Punjab, Lahore on Monday to explore avenues for academic, research, and institutional collaboration in architecture, urban design, and the creative industries.
The visiting delegation was warmly received by the faculty and administration of the School of Art and Design. During the visit, both sides held in-depth and forward-looking discussions on potential joint initiatives, including faculty and student exchange programmes, collaborative design studios, research partnerships, and platforms for knowledge sharing and innovation.
Talking to Gwadar Pro, Dr. Mahboob Hussain, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Punjab University, said the discussions underscored the importance of integrating design-led innovation with sustainable urban development and the preservation of cultural heritage. He noted that the visit reflects the growing academic and cultural engagement between Pakistan and China, complementing the broader framework of bilateral cooperation and people-to-people connectivity.
Khalid Taimur Akram, who played a facilitating role in bringing the two institutions together, said that a tripartite consortium had been established involving Habib Rafiq (Pvt.) Limited (HRL), the University of the Punjab’s School of Art and Design, and Shenzhen University’s Institute of Architectural Design and Research.
He said, under the consortium, faculty members from the Institute of Architectural Design and Research at Shenzhen University will visit Punjab University to teach architecture and design, while the HRL Group will provide students with opportunities to transform their architectural designs into real-world projects.
He described the formation of the consortium as a significant step towards practical, industry-linked architectural education and international collaboration
