Hong Kong Architecture Firm Wins International Award, Pioneers "Upholding One Country, Leveraging Two Systems" Model

RLP Asia has once again garnered international recognition by winning two accolades in the prestigious Asia Pacific Leadership in Green Building Awards, organized by the World Green Building Council. Competing in the commercial project category, RLP Asia claimed two of the three finalist spots.

Among the winning projects, the "Integral" development, nominated by the Green Building and Energy Conservation Committee of the Chinese Society for Urban Studies, received the top honour, the Sustainable Design and Performance Pioneer Award in the commercial category. Another project, "AIRSIDE" in Hong Kong, nominated by the Hong Kong Green Building Council, was awarded the Highly Commended prize in the same category.

These awards highlight RLP Asia's contributions to advancing green architecture and underscore the firm's success in promoting sustainable building practices within China. The dual award-winning projects exemplify the model of "upholding the foundation of One Country while utilizing the conveniences of Two Systems," showcasing the potential for further collaboration within the framework of "One Country, Two Systems."

Hong Kong’s AIRSIDE project, awarded the Highly Commended prize, incorporates a series of pioneering sustainability features. It is Hong Kong’s first commercial development to implement a district cooling system, the largest solar photovoltaic power installation in a commercial building in the city, Hong Kong's first smart bicycle parking system, and an intelligent waste management system. These innovations utilize cutting-edge technology to drive progress toward net-zero goals.

The Asia Pacific Leadership in Green Building Awards, held biennially by the World Green Building Council, is a highly respected competition. Each region nominates a single project to represent it, and entries undergo rigorous selection. The council promotes sustainable building worldwide by partnering with national, regional, and global entities, including governments and corporations.

RLP Asia was able to enter two separate projects because AIRSIDE represented Hong Kong, while the Integral project represented Guilin, mainland China.

Industry experts noted that this collaborative model provides a valuable template. When the nation requires it, the resources of "China Hong Kong" can be mobilized, and conversely, Hong Kong can seek national support when needed. This synergy could enhance international visibility across various industries.

At the awards ceremony, RLP Asia Vice Chairman Bryant Lu presented both projects to the judging panel, providing an in-depth analysis of their innovative and forward-looking design principles. Both projects were praised by the judges for their exceptional sustainability achievements.

Lu extended particular gratitude to the Chinese Society for Urban Studies for nominating Integral, allowing the project to stand out among many strong entries and earn such recognition. He expressed optimism for closer collaboration with the society in the future, with the aim of showcasing China’s green building achievements to the world, promoting wider awareness of the country's innovation and success in sustainable architecture.

Ariel

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CHICAGO (AP) — The Washington Mystics accelerated their rebuild, trading two-time All-Star Ariel Atkins to the Chicago Sky for the No. 3 overall pick in this year's draft on Sunday.

Washington also received Chicago's second-round pick in 2027 and the rights to swap first-rounders that year.

“We are building a program to sustain a period of contention during the next era of Mystics basketball. Our ambitious return to prolonged excellence requires time, intention and difficult decisions,” general manager Jamila Wideman said in a statement. “Trading Ariel, a champion and celebrated Mystic, is one of those difficult decisions. In exchange, we are afforded another opportunity to select a young impact player at the top of the draft who can be part of our aspirational future.”

Atkins helped Washington make the playoffs five times in seven seasons since the team drafted her seventh overall in 2018. She won a WNBA title with the Mystics in 2019 and was the lone remaining player from that team on Washington's roster.

Atkins also won an Olympic gold medal with the United States in 2021.

For the Sky, Atkins will bring veteran leadership to a team led by Chennedy Carter and young stars Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. The Sky went 13-27 and missed the playoffs last season, leading to the firing of first-year coach Teresa Weatherspoon. Chicago hired Tyler Marsh in November to replace the Hall of Famer.

Chicago also brought back veteran Courtney Vandersloot this offseason. The franchise's career assists leader, Vandersloot helped the Sky win the league title in 2021.

An All-Star in 2021 and 2022, Atkins has averaged 13.4 points, 3 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.4 steals in her career. She led the Mystics in scoring last season at 14.9 points per game.

Atkins is Washington's all-time leader in 3-pointers (397) and is second in steals (313) and third in both points (2,914) and assists (525). She is the only player in league history to make an All-Defensive team in each of her first five seasons.

“Ariel has made a tremendous impact on this league since her rookie year,” Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca said. “She is an excellent role model for her teammates and an All-Star-caliber contributor. As one of the league’s top defensive specialists and a consistent scorer, she is a threat on both ends of the floor who will help us build a playoff-contending team in Chicago."

The Mystics fired coach Eric Thibault and his father, general manager Mike Thibault, after finishing ninth in the league at 14-26 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. They hired Wideman and coach Sydney Johnson in December.

AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

FILE - Washington Mystics guard Ariel Atkins (7) moves the ball against the Seattle Storm during a WNBA basketball game May 25, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File)