Architect plans office developments in two cities as Western firms scramble to cash in on Olympic spending.
Alsop Architects has ambitious plans to expand into China, with projects pencilled in for Beijing and Shanghai.

The practice has submitted a planning application for a 20,000 m2 office in the capital. Final planning approval is expected next week.

The architect is also drawing up a feasibility study to develop 100,000 m2 of office space in a number of buildings around the River Bund in Shanghai. A planning application is expected to be submitted next month.

A spokesperson for Alsop said: "The Shanghai project is part of a masterplan to revitalise the whole area around the Bund. There are a number of masterplan options drawn up by several European architects to which we have been asked to respond."

The push into China comes after the firm recent commission to revive the historic Clarke Quay quarter in Singapore in November 2002. The client is Capitaland, the island's largest developer.

Plans for Clarke Quay include the installation of ETFE foil shading 鈥� ETFE was the plastic used to cover the Eden Centre 鈥� over streets and shops, and the development of a public space made up of two cinemas and an office building. Work is due to start next month.

Beijing is increasingly attracting interest from international architects. Earlier this year, a consortium including Swiss architect Herzog & de Meuron and ArupSport beat off competition from two Chinese teams to design the 拢300m Olympic Stadium in Beijing for the 2008 games.

The Shanghai plan aims to revitalise the area around the Bund

Alsop spokesperson

Foster and Partners, in a consortium with Arup and French airport planner NACO, has also been shortlisted for major developments at Beijing Capital International Airport.

The brief for the 300,000 m2 site includes 120 gates, domestic and international terminals and station facilities for a rail line.

n A team including Arup has won the international design competition for the 拢61m National Swimming Centre for the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

The winning consortium includes Australian architect PTW, the China State Construction and Engineering Corporation and the Shenzen Design Institute.