The German-Chinese forum Urban Academy - organised by the Goethe-Institute Shanghai - focuses on sustainable urban development as well as on the theme of the World Expo 2010: Better City - Better Life. Eco-efficiency in building services, engineering, traffic, water and energy, social transformations and cultural industry stimulated by the City of Shanghai are main issues of these discussions. Chinese best practice examples of ecological building and construction industry are analysed. Renowned Chinese artists present their positions on sustainable urban development, expressed deficits and suggested alternatives. Moreover, this publication showcases 40 best practice projects (among others Steven Holl, Atelier Deshaus, standardarchitecture, AmateurArchitectureStudio, Urbanus, Mario Cucinella and Liu Jiakun) and reflects questions on energy-efficient design, planning and construction.