Briefing.
The business of building and furnishing Asia, companies, projects, policy, and people, reported and checked by our newsroom.
Sydney Study: Blue Mountains' Uneven 5-Year Bushfire Recovery
University of Sydney researchers tracked 760 sites in the Greater Blue Mountains, finding wet sclerophyll forests recovered, while rainforests and grassy woodlands did not, five years after the 2019–20 Black Summer fires.
Venezuela Illegal Mining Expands Despite US Reform Efforts
U.S. officials aimed to formalize Venezuela's mining sector after January 2026 changes, but observers report new mine sites covering 30.7 hectares in protected areas and increased criminal control.
AIA South Korea’s First East Asia Symposium in Seoul Oct 16–17
AIA South Korea will host its inaugural East Asia Symposium in Seoul from October 16–17, 2026, exploring the interplay of global urban development and local cultures for design professionals.
China, India Log Exports Stable, Prices Up; NZ CLT Plant Opens
Log export markets for China and India demonstrated stability and price improvements over the last six months, according to Allan Laurie, Managing Director of Laurie Forestry. China saw August prices increase by NZ$1-NZ$3 per cubic meter at the wharf gate, with India maintaining steady prices slightly above China. New Zealand also opened a new Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) plant near Rotorua, signaling growth in engineered wood products.
EIU: Asia Liveability Soars, Boosting Healthcare, Infrastructure
The Economist Intelligence Unit's 2026 Global Liveability Index reveals Asia recorded the largest regional improvement in liveability, driven by public investment in healthcare and infrastructure, showing sustained demand for building materials and FF&E across the region.
Austrian Softwood Exports: MENA Down 24.2%, Asia Down 26.3%
Austria's softwood timber exports to the Middle East and North Africa declined 24.2% in the five months to May, with overall exports to all markets falling 10.6% to 2.51 million cubic meters. Exports to Asia, including Japan, also decreased by 26.3% over the same period. The Fachverband der Holzindustrie Österreichs projects national sawn timber production for 2026 to be the lowest since 2015, reaching 9.3 million cubic meters.
Effective Construction Risk Management for Asia Procurement
Effective construction risk management requires identifying, assessing, and controlling potential project issues. This structured approach helps procurement teams and specifiers in Asia anticipate challenges and make informed decisions on material sourcing and project delivery.
OMA Completes 62,720 m² Tenjin Business Center II in Fukuoka
OMA has finished the 18-story Tenjin Business Center II in Fukuoka, Japan, adding 62,720 square meters of mixed-use office space to the city's Tenjin Big Bang initiative. Separately, Japanese architect Kengo Kuma will receive the Andrée Putman Lifetime Achievement Award in 2027. The 2026 OBEL Award recognized a Balearic social housing model that integrates local materials and circular construction, while climate events in Nepal damaged 40 kilometers of roads and numerous bridges.
Nepal Glacier Collapse Destroys Roads, Bridges, Hydropower
A Himalayan glacier collapse on August 26, 2026, triggered flash floods along the Trishuli River in Nepal. The event destroyed 40 km of roads, dozens of bridges, and critical hydropower infrastructure in the Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts, prompting urgent calls for rebuilding and relief supplies.
Sumitomo Forestry, SCA, Navigator Company Join PEFC Alliance
Sumitomo Forestry, SCA, and The Navigator Company have become international stakeholder members of the PEFC Alliance. These three entities manage millions of hectares of forest globally, bringing their sustainable forest management and wood product operations into the PEFC framework.
Singapore to Host IBEW 2026 with Focus on AI, Built Environment Sustainability
Singapore's International Built Environment Week (IBEW) 2026, scheduled for September 2–4, will address artificial intelligence adoption, environmental sustainability, and workforce development. The event, organized by BCA International and RX Singapore, gathers industry leaders to discuss emerging technologies and sector challenges.
Altendorf F 45 Panel Saw 120th Anniversary Edition Launch
Altendorf will release a limited-edition F 45 sliding panel saw from August 17, 2026, to mark its 120th anniversary. Only 120 individually numbered machines will be produced worldwide, available until November 30, 2026, or until sold out.
TMX 2027 Bangkok to Detail Exhibition Design, Sustainable Booth Construction
Thailand MICE X-Change (TMX) 2027 in Bangkok will cover exhibition design, booth construction, and sustainable practices. The event targets the business events supply chain, including materials and FF&E suppliers.
Beijing Named World Capital of Architecture 2029 by UNESCO-UIA
UNESCO and the International Union of Architects (UIA) designated Beijing as the World Capital of Architecture for 2029 on August 5, 2026. The city will host a year-long program of events culminating in the UIA World Congress of Architects, focusing on inclusive design and urban resilience within the built environment.