In the 25 years since a Cathay Pacific A340 aircraft took off from Kai Tak for the last time, the former airport and its surrounds have been transformed into a thriving urban precinct with new hospitals, schools, parks, an MTR station, an international cruise terminal and later this year, two new stadiums. Now there’s a new landmark project, AIRSIDE, rising above Kai Tak station, which pays homage to the city’s manufacturing history and sets a new benchmark for sustainable design.

As the year draws to a close, new leadership teams are taking the helm of the Hong Kong chapters of two key industry associations, the American Institute of Architects (shown above) and the Royal Institute of British Architects.

While eVTOLs, otherwise known as flying taxis, won’t make their first “commercial” passenger carrying flights until the Paris Olympics next year, the futuristic aircraft and the vertiports from which they operate are ideal for densely populated cities like Hong Kong, according to a dynamic UK-based architect Andrea Wu, who’s now focusing on the emerging industry.

World-renowned for its ancient terracotta warriors’ museum, Xi’an has a spectacular new attraction that could well become another must-visit experience for visitors. The Aedas-designed Xi’an Lovi Center, a mixed-use development which opened in June, is a sight to behold.

Hong Kong and Seoul are both densely populated, global cities with rich cultural influences. Following the latest instalment of AIA Hong Kong’s instructive “Emerging Voices Series”, it’s clear they share something else in common: at least four emerging architecture firms with a passion for pushing the boundaries of conventional design and finding new ways of doing business.

Imagine being asked to connect two new underground rail lines to one of Hong Kong’s busiest MTR stations without disrupting existing services or the surrounding area. Sounds impossible? Not for global design and engineering company Arup which achieved all this and more at the expanded Admiralty station on Hong Kong island.

Hong Kong is often described in terms of its contrasts – old and new, East and West, urban density and nature. But it’s what lies between that is the inspiration for a roving exhibition curated by some of the city’s brightest young architects and designers, now on display in Kuala Lumpur.

Motivating young kids to engage in the classroom is no easy task, as any teacher knows. However, local design studio Bean Buro has created a unique learning space that is piquing the curiosity of young students through a clever use of colours, materials and design features.

Kevin Yiu is rapidly developing a reputation for creating dramatic signature restaurants and bars within the unlikely environs of Hong Kong’s sprawling shopping malls. Room III and Kappou Mu is his latest creation – combining a modern Japanese bar with a traditional kappou counter – in Tsim Sha Tsui’s glitzy new H-Zentre.

The Hamilton Street Rest Garden is not only a zen-like oasis in one of the world’s most densely populated cities but also an inspiring demonstration of the power of collaboration to encourage young talent, community engagement and the better use of public space.