Colman Architects opened an office in China in May 2008.The new office, Colman China, is located in Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan province in China. Chengdu has a population of 10 million. It is one of the most important economic centres in China as well as a top transport and communication hub and has attracted a number of large multinational corporations such as IBM and Nokia.

Colman China’s first instruction is to develop a strategic masterplan for the development of a new neighbourhood in Jingtang, an area 30 miles outside of Chengdu, on behalf of the local authorities.

The aim is to create a sustainable community that will mix residential with commercial, health and education facilities in a form that references traditional Chinese villages and will develop a uniquely Chinese contemporary architectural style.