Identity, culture and respect are key themes that underpin the idea of the Indo-Pacific region, and it is those differences that are celebrated. As such, the projects explored in this issue are drawn from across the region as exemplars of how architecture reflects the culture of different places within the Indo-Pacific (from p. 106).

They are as diverse as 90 Devonport Road, a workplace in Tauranga, Aotearoa, by Warren and Mahoney that nurtures respect and pride, to a resort drawing on yurt architecture on the Xinjiang grasslands of the Tian Shan mountains that reinforces the significance of traditional typologies. From Suzhou, we have a remarkable theatre etched from the remains of a factory by Wutopia Lab, while in India, Architecture Discipline has reimagined Ziya at the Oberoi as a silvery oasis.

In Australia, place and culture are given precedence with fjcstudio’s new studio in Australia Square, Flinders Motel by Tate, the new Footscray Hospital by COX and BLP, and the brilliant Potter Museum of Art by Woods Marsh, all exploring architecture at the confluence of experimentation and rigour.

The significance of embedded culture in projects is unprecedented, and we look at the abilities of two unique practices to shape understanding and respect, with profiles on Haumi in Aotearoa and Jirra Lulla in Australia (p. 92). The culture of the regions continues with Warren and Mahoney principals — this issue’s guest editors — sharing their thoughts on what makes us change and how we use those catalysts to both address concerns and take new directions, while Cairo-based designer Louis Barthélemy gives us his thoughts on the need for repatriation and restitution (p. 156).

Related: A theatre of invention for Western Sydney

Over the past ten years, the INDE.Awards has established itself as one of the most significant architecture and design awards programs in the region. In this issue, we look back over the past decade and hear from the winners of the Best of the Best from 2017 to this year’s winner (p. 44).

The INDE.Awards 2025 Winners are also revealed and, as always, the results celebrate some of the strongest architecture and design across the Indo-Pacific (p. 19).

There is also much more to discover, and naturally the In Short section (p. 56) offers a feast of design moments to inspire. To find out more about the magazine, tap here.

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