UIA2024KL

Kai-Uwe Bergmann is a Partner at BIG, where he contributes his architectural expertise to proposals across the globe, including North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Kai-Uwe heads up the firm's business development, which have expanded to over 40 countries. He also oversees BIG's Urban scales projects and support BIG's Landscape Projects. His recent contributions include his involvement in the resiliency plan known as BIG U, designed to protect 10 miles of Manhattan's coastline. The project, initially conceived as part of the Rebuild by Design competition to create proactive responses to Superstorm Sandy, is under construction and expected to be completed by 2026. Among his other significant projects are the Reimagining Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Queens Park, Smithsonian Master Plan, Pittsburgh Master Plan, and Miami Beach Square.

 

He complements his professional work through previous teaching assignments at University of Pennsylvania, IE University in Madrid, and his alma mater the University of Virginia. Bergmann formerly was on the Board of the Van Alen Institute, participates on numerous international juries and lectures globally on the works of BIG.

Karl Fender is a founding partner of Fender Katsalidis (Aust) Pty Ltd, one of Australia’s leading architectural practices. He has been involved in the design of Melbourne’s tallest buildings, Australia 108 and Eureka Tower; and the world’s second tallest building, Kuala Lumpur’s Merdeka 118. He resides in Melbourne where he has been very active in programmes to further opportunities for the enhancement of inner-city living. He has enjoyed collaborative dialogues championing design excellence consistently throughout his career. He is an avowed urbanist who loves life in the city and seeks every opportunity to improve liveability through the influence of sound planning and design principles in the buildings and precincts he helps create.

 

He has served as both National and Chapter President of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and has been a Venice Biennale Committee member. He currently holds positions on the Design Excellence Advisory Panels for the city changing Barangaroo development in Sydney and for the Melbourne City Council. In recent years, he has served as Jury Chairman for the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat Awards.

Shigeru Ban is the 37th recipient of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the most prestigious prize in modern architecture. The Pritzker Jury cited Ban for his innovative use of material and his dedication to humanitarian efforts around the world, calling him "a committed teacher who is not only a role model for younger generation, but also an inspiration."

 

Ban's influences humanitarianism and his works with paper and other materials are heavily based on its sustainability because it produces very little waste. As a result of this, Ban's DIY refugee shelters (used in Japan after the Kobe earthquake, in Turkey, Rwanda and around the world) are very popular and effective for low-cost disaster relief-housing.

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Ban created the Japanese pavilion at Expo 2000 in Hanover, Germany in collaboration with architect Frei Otto. The 72-metre-long gridshell structure was made with paper tubes. But due to stringent building laws in Germany, the roof had to be reinforced with a substructure. After the exhibition the structure was recycled and returned to paper pulp.

Lee Polisano is the founder of PLP Architecture and is internationally recognised for his architecture and urban design works, which emphasise  environment sustainability and a passion for innovation. Lee has received numerous awards for his designs. His recent projects include the Bankside Yards, a hyper-mixed-use, net-zero master plan that includes eight towers and diverse public spaces that acts as a connector between some of London’s most important cultural institutions. The project will be the UK’s first major fossil fuel-free development. Park Nova, a new  luxury residential tower being developed on a highly desirable garden site along Orchard Boulevard in Singapore. A biophilic enclave rising above the surrounding greenery, the building focuses on healthy and sustainable urban living in the garden city.

  

Lee’s work emphasises an underlying passion for advocating radical change in our cities and the systems that build them. He created PLP’s design research collective, PLP Labs, to explore multi-disciplinary collaborations beyond the typical boundaries of architecture, investigate possibilities, and define solutions for tomorrow’s built-environment.

Wang Shu and his wife, Lu Wenyu, founded Amateur Architecture Studio in 1997 in Hangzhou, China. He creates modern buildings from traditional materials and using traditional methods. Amateur Architecture Studio is known for the Library of Wenzheng College, Suzhou University; Ningbo Contemporary Art Museum; Five Scattered Houses, Ningbo; Xiangshan Campus, China Academy of Art (Phase I) Hangzhou; Xiangshan Campus, China Academy of Art (Phase II) Hangzhou; Ceramic House, Jinhua; Vertical Courtyard Apartments, Hangzhou; Ningbo History Museum - constructed from bricks salvaged from buildings demolished to give way for new developments; and, Exhibition Hall of the Imperial Street of Southern Song Dynasty, Hangzhou.

 

In 2012, Wang Shu won the Pritzker Architecture Prize and in 2011, he received the Gold Medal of Architecture from the l'Académie d'Architecture of France. In 2010, Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu were awarded the Schelling Architecture Prize, which goes to individuals who have responsibly advanced architecture's development with significant designs, realised buildings or with profound contributions to architectural history and theory. 

Lu Wenyu co-founded the firm Amateur Architecture Studio which became known for its use of natural materials such as wood, stones, and mud, bringing in aspects of the greater landscape; using traditional techniques in building. They chose the name as a rebuke of the "professional, soulless architecture" practiced, which they believe has contributed to the large-scale demolition of many old urban neighbourhoods. She was a visiting Professor at Harvard GSD and MIT and the Director of the Experimental Centre for sustainable building in China Academy of Art and has co-founded with Wang Shu the Architecture Department at China Academy of Art in 2003. Their work “Xiangshan Campus of China Academy of Art” was one of “The 25 Most Significant Works of Postwar Architecture” all over the world selected by the New York Times in 2021. 

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In 2010, Lu Wenyu and Wang Shu together won the German Schelling Architecture Prize. In 2012, Wang Shu was awarded the Pritzker Prize for the work the duo completed together in their firm, Amateur Architecture Studio. In 2019, Lu Wenyu received the 2019 Gold Medal of Tau Sigma Delta. She is also  the juror of UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.

Professor Carlos Moreno is an associate professor at IAE Paris – Panthéon Sorbonne University. He co-founded the “Entrepreneurship, Territory, Innovation”, that focuses its research on urban and territorial mutations, and has conducted research on smart and sustainable cities. Moreno coined the term 15-Minute City "Ville du quart d’heure" at the Paris United Nations Climate Change (COP21) Conference and became a scientific advisor to Paris's Mayor, Anne Hidalgo, who embraced the Ville du quart d’heure concept. His works have been recognised by local governments and urban transformation programmes both in France and internationally. In 2010, he was awarded the Chevalier of the Legion of Honour by the French Republic, and in 2019, he received the Medal of Prospective from the French Academy of Architecture. In January 2022, the City Diplomacy Lab of Columbia University appointed Carlos Moreno as a member of its scientific board.

 

In 2022, Moreno launched the Global Observatory of Sustainable Proximities. The 15-Minute City was a notable recommendation in UN-Habitat's World Cities Report that year. Throughout his career, Moreno has been involved in numerous governmental committees and public service activities.

Roland is a Senior Partner at Foster + Partners and brings over 20 years of professional experience to the firm. He trained at the Architectural Association in London before joining the firm in 2000. Since then, Roland has played a pivotal role in overseeing the design and delivery of commercial and residential projects on a global scale, with a primary focus on South East Asia. His exceptional work and commitment to architectural excellence have been recognised with prestigious honours, including the RIBA International Award, which he has received twice. As the leader of the Singapore office, Roland provides invaluable leadership and expertise to the projects in the region.

 

Roland's extensive experience living and working in equatorial climates for over 15 years has ignited a profound passion for tropical architecture. His research into vernacular building forms has become a valuable resource, influencing and enriching their ongoing projects in the region. Roland's dedication to innovative design and sustainable architecture continues to shape the future of Foster + Partners.

Dr. Ken Yeang is an architect and ecologist, pioneering an authentic signature ecology-based architecture since 1972. His research and built experiments advance the field of designing to save the planet to reverse climate breakdown and deliver a nett zero energy (non-renewable) carbon-neutral future, presented in his instructive books. His architecture is characterised by verdant biotic constituents (greenery) to create habitats as ‘constructed ecosystems’ (in Boustead Tower (1985), DiGi Data Centre (2002) etc). He trained at the Architectural Association (London). His doctorate at Cambridge University on ecological design was published as ‘Designing with Nature’ (McGraw-Hill, 1985). He remains a Fellow (Honorary) of Wolfson College, Cambridge.

 

Among the awards for his innovations and architecture include, Aga Khan Award, Prinz Claus Award, UIA Auguste Perret Award, Architectural Society of China LiangSiCheng International Award and Merdeka Award. In recognition of his dedicated 50 years of practice-driven research, built experiments, innovations and writings on an ecology-based architecture, the Guardian names him one of the 50 people who could save the planet.

Chee Huang is the CEO of DP Architects and a firm believer in purpose-driven architecture that synergises economic, environmental and social dynamics, to bring positive impact and delight to everyday life. His design pursuits include Singapore Sports Hub, Our Tampines Hub, Bukit Canberra and Punggol Regional Sports Centre – all pioneering models of integrated community, sports and lifestyle hubs in Singapore. He champions corporate social responsibility through community and socially conscious initiatives including Project Bus Stop, a prototype bus shelter with innovations that enhance the commuting experience; Heartware Network, a co-lab workplace for a youth charity; and GoodLife! Makan, a senior activity centre which was awarded the prestigious President’s Design Award in 2020 for its progressive approach to senior care.

 

Chee Huang served as the President of Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) and spearheaded the development of the Industry Transformation Map for the architecture profession. An advocate for the profession, he participates actively in the larger discourse of the built environment through design advisory panels and committees for various agencies and institutions.

Ar (Dr) Serina Hijjas is one of the leading proponents on sustainable design in Malaysia. She is the principal creative director at Hijjas Kasturi Associates; known for changing the building landscape of architecture through buildings that are responsive, energy conscious and bold. Her emphasis in energy efficiency and sustainable design demonstrated in projects like Heriot Watt University ‘green campus’, Celcom Tower ‘interconnective offices’ and EPIC waste training centre and sustainable data centre in Cyberjaya. Serina’s work for Malaysia Pavilion at Dubai EXPO is the first Net Zero Carbon Pavilion at EXPO envisioned as a Pavilion in synergy with nature inspired by the rainforest and Malaysian traditional architecture of building on stilts. Touching the ground lightly, the Pavilion is to inspire its nation on the importance of sustainable development in every aspect from embodied to operational carbon.

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Serina is also the Chairman of Green Building Index Accreditation Panel and Vice President of Malaysia Green Building Council working on the release of CarbonScore as part of Advancing Net Zero in Malaysia and supporting our countries ESG transition.

Michal Mlynár is a seasoned diplomat with almost 30 years of experience in multiple senior assignments focused on international organisations, security sector governance, development cooperation, humanitarian aid, and Africa.

 

During his term as Slovakia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, he has held several positions, including Vice-President of the United Nations Children’s Fund Executive Board, Vice-Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, and Chair of the Sixth Committee. 

 

Presently, he is being appointed as the Acting Director of UN Habitat. He also served as the Chair of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to UN-Habitat and the President of its Governing Council. Mr. Mlynár holds PhD and MA degrees from Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia. He also studied in the UK and the USA.

Doan Thanh Ha graduated from Hanoi Architectural University (Vietnam) in 2002. He set up and has been operating H&P Architects since 2009. The studio’s works focus on poor and disadvantaged communities in Vietnam, designing structures built from natural, traditional and recycled materials. These ‘essential spaces’ are intertwined with ecological systems to form nature-like environments that can adapt to changing conditions. 

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He is known for the Toigetation 1&2, Cao Bang & Dien Bien; Blooming Bamboo Home, Hanoi; Floating Bamboo House 1&2, Hanoi; Be Friendly Space, Quang Ninh; BES Pavilion, Ha Tinh; S Space, Ha Nam; Ngói Space, Hanoi; AgriNesture, Quang Ninh; Brick Cave, Hanoi.

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His projects have received international recognition and have won numerous awards including the UIA Vassilis Sgoutas Prize 2023, Turgut Cansever International Award 2020, Barbara Cappochin Prize 2019, UIA Friendly and Inclusive Spaces Awards 2017, ARCASIA Awards for Architecture Gold Medal (2019, 2016, 2015), Architectural Review House Award 2014.

Laurence Loh is recognised as a leading conservation architect and cultural heritage expert in Malaysia and the Asia-Pacific region. He is a Director of Think City, a project delivery partner in making cities more liveable, environmentally and socially resilient, and sustainable. He has received numerous awards including the Malaysian Institute of Architects Gold Medal Award, restoration and adaptive reuse of the world-renowned Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (2000 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award), Cheng Hoon Teng Temple (2003 Award of Merit), the Restoration of Merdeka Stadium (2008 Award of Excellence), Suffolk House (2008 Award of Distinction), and UAB Building (2018 PAM Building of the Year and PAM Gold Award for Adaptive Reuse).

 

He teaches at the University of Hong Kong and formerly taught at the International Centre for the Study of Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) in Rome. Over the past 10 years he has been collaborating with the Getty Conservation Institute on a bi-annual urban conservation planning course for ASEAN countries.

Omar Degan, is the principal of DO Architecture Group an international architecture and research practice founded in the capital city of Somalia, Mogadishu. With a focus on fragile and emergency contexts, his practice lies in crafting culturally and environmentally sensitive solutions to global social challenges. Degan’s has collaborated globally and advised international organisations like the UN-Habitat and IOM on shelter upgrades and community development in the Horn of Africa. Recognised as an Obama Foundation African Leader in 2022, he was lauded for his impactful work in the Horn of Africa and beyond. In 2023, he established FragilityLab, dedicated to guiding vulnerable communities through the complexities of fragile environments, from conflict zones to climate resilience. 

 

His architecture projects have garnered global attention, and featured in publications and media worldwide. Degan's relentless advocacy for cultural diversity in architecture and vulnerable communities has solidified his reputation as one of East Africa's most influential architects, shaping the future of architecture on a global scale.

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.

Elizabeth Cardosa is a highly regarded figure in the field of cultural and heritage preservation. She is the co-founder of H & C Heritage Services Sdn Bhd and a Registered Conservator with National Heritage Department, Malaysia. She has an extensive track record of advocating for the preservation of cultural heritage over two decades. She is a member of the Executive Board of ICOMOS Malaysia and is also an expert member of the ICOMOS International Cultural Tourism Committee. She sits in the Council of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, a learned society dedicated to the collection, recording and dissemination of historical and cultural information about Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. Her expertise extends to designing materials for the interpretation of heritage sites, enhancing the understanding of their historical and cultural significance.

 

Her technical involvement in building restoration includes Stadium Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, winner of the 2010 Award of Excellence for the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation, and most recently the 2019 PAM Gold Medal award for the conservation of Masjid Di Raja Sultan Sulaiman in Klang, Selangor.

Norliza Hashim is the Chief Executive of Urbanice Malaysia, a Centre of Excellence for Community Well-being and Urban Sustainability, Malaysia and has led a team of experts to develop the National Low Carbon Cities Assessment Framework for the Government. She was the President of Malaysia Institute of Planners (MIP) and presently the Director for MIP’s Low Carbon Cities and Sustainability Centre. Her experiences as a Town Planner covers a wide spectrum of the planning discipline and she has experience in exporting urban planning services to more than 12 nations - including Russia, Indonesia, China, Pakistan, India and the Saudi Arabia. She is now the Chairman of the Penang Platform for Sustainable Urbanisation, a dynamic partnership among leading urban development organisations in achieving Sustainable Development Goals and New Urban Agenda in Asia and the Pacific.

 

Norliza is also an Adjunct Professor to the International Islamic University Malaysia (2022) and was conferred Planner of the Year in 2018 by MIP and awarded as the Top 10 National Women Entrepreneur Award, Malaysia in 2014 by the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation.