

Topic 2
Topic 2: Space and Place for Cultural Interaction
1530 - 1700 (Plenary Hall)
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Paper presentation:
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Paper 1 - Nadia Habash, Chairperson, Eng. Assoc. Jerusalem Centre (Palestine);​
​Paper 2 - Tan Loke Mun, founder of DTLM Design Group (Malaysia).
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Nadia Habash
Engineering Association - Jerusalem Centre (Palestine)
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Nadia Habash is a Palestinian architect and academician who has been involved in various projects across Palestine. Her architectural prowess is further magnified by her leadership roles; notably, she was the first female to head a regional branch of the Engineers Association of Jordan and Palestine. Moreover, she also served as a city councillor in Ramallah, where she dedicated herself to protecting and preserving the city's cultural heritage.
Habash's architectural journey includes collaborations with eminent architects such as Peter Zumthor and Rasem Badran. Her notable projects include the meticulous rehabilitation of Arraba Palaces and the Old Road, as well as the thoughtful addition and rehabilitation of St. Nicolas Elderly Home in Bait Jala. Another significant endeavor led by Habash was the revitalization of Bethlehem Old Market.
She is also involved in the Vernacular Heritage Pilot Enhancement Project in As-Samou’, a restoration and enhancement of traditional heritage in the West Bank. Her contributions to architecture was highly commended for a Tamayouz Excellence Award for Women in Architecture and Construction, acknowledging her commitment and excellence in the field.

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Tan Loke Mun
DTLM Design Group (Malaysia)
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Dr Tan Loke Mun’s architecture is Green and Tropical. He is a prominent award-winning Architect and is well regarded as a visionary and a bit of a maverick With a career spanning more than 30 years, Dr Tan’s works are widely published and his practice is amongst the most awarded in the region. He is the recipient of the prestigious Kington Loo Gold Medal. Other significant architectural awards include the ASEAN Energy Award, Futurarc Green Leadership Award and numerous PAM and REKA Awards. He has successfully interpreted and translated tropical regional metaphors into his architecture and masterplans. The multi-award winning GBI Platinum rated S11 House is one of his biggest ideological successes.
He has managed to juggle a prolific career as an architect, interior designer and master planner whilst at the same time contributing extensively to the profession. He was the President of the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) 2005-07, Team Leader responsible for setting up the Green Building Index (GBI) rating tool for Malaysia in 2009, and a long-standing member of the Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM) from 2003.