The Cities of Architecture lecture series, presented by Melbourne’s Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, invites us to take a look into the architectural, urban and cultural history of some of the world’s most inspiring destinations – and now, they’re hitting Shanghai.

Following on from great nights focussing on Tokyo, Venice, and Houston, it’s time to join James Brearley, Director of Brearley Architects & Urbanists (BAU), for his personal reflections and insights into the architecture, culture and personality of the city of Shanghai.

Brearley’s career has had various intersections with the city over the years. With BAU offices in both Melbourne and Shanghai, his architecture and design practice is driven by values embedded in progressive eastern and western philosophies.

The confluence of eastern and western architectural principles could not be more evident in Shanghai. This port city on the Huangpu River has an architectural heritage like no other.

In Shanghai, some of the world’s tallest towers in its financial district stand directly over the river from The Bund – a throng of art deco and neoclassical buildings – a marker of Shanghai’s former identity as ‘the Paris of the East’ in the early 20th century. In the Old Town, Taoist temples and Ming Dynasty design lie adjacent to the streets of the French Concession, lined with European trees.

Head along from 5pm to enjoy a Shanghai-inspired cocktail created by event partners Starward Whisky, complimentary with your ticket.

The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) is a national flagship contemporary art space in Melbourne and a leading centre for the artistic and wider communities to participate in a critically engaged contemporary art culture that encourages curiosity and transformation.

Housed in one of Melbourne’s best loved architectural icons, designed by Wood Marsh, ACCA is a champion of new art and bold ideas and a dynamic platform for current and future generations of artists, thinkers, enthusiasts and supporters of the visual arts.

6pm Monday 17 July, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, $35