Press Release: The Architecture and Design Conference 2009
Conference sets out future roadmap for Architecture & Design
Top global leaders from the industries of the built environment gathered to outline how design can respond the challenges posed by the economic and environmental issues facing the globe on 14-15 May 2009.
Facility Media’s, The Architecture & Design Conference featured presentations from doyens of design such as Sir Peter Cook, who revealed how his unique approach shapes his futuristic take on structures. Opening keynote speaker, Ben van Berkel of UNStudio, inspired the assembled delegates with a lecture on how architecture must change to face the challenges of today.
One conference delegate noted that the event was both “interesting and fun.. ..the presentations have captured the ideas of architecture and design.” Alfred Yeung, Group Property Development Director for Melco International Development Limited agreed, saying that the event was “most refreshing and thought provoking. It had a global spectrum of speakers offering diverse and balanced views for the profession.”
Particular highlights were the keynote session by visionary designer Thomas Heatherwick and the “origins of inspiration” presentation by HOK’s Paul Collins which another attendee dubbed “very refreshing and insightful.” Other top-tier architects sharing their personal journey included Arquitectonica’s founder Bernardo Fort-Brescia and local trailblazer James Law of James Law Cybertecture International.
The nuts of bolts of the industry were also on the agenda. A high-powered panel featuring architectural business leaders Keith Griffiths from Aedas, Paul Katz of Kohn Pedersen Fox, RTKL’s Scott Kilbourn and Arquitectonica’s Peter Brannan discussed how business are reacting to an ever-changing market. Michael Kwok of Arup and David Yau of Henderson Land also shed light on the engineers and developers perspective.
Landmark projects across the region and beyond featured heavily, demonstrating the breadth and depth of what great design can achieve. Andrew James of sports design firm Populous showcased his take on green stadium design. Environmental pathways for developers, architects and the industry at large were also discussed in expert panel discussions focusing on the adaptive re-use of existing building stock and sustainable design.
“The conference has helped to bring the architectural and design world together to share expertise and discuss how the industry is changing,” said conference producer Ashford Pritchard, “I am confident that the inaugural Architecture and Design Conference has laid the foundations for an annual event that will help push the boundaries of what architects, designers, developers and government can achieve when they work together to face the social, economic and environmental challenges of today.”
About the Sponsors and Supporting Organisations
The Architecture & Design Conference was sponsored by Crystal CG, IQAir Arquitectonica, Populous and Edelman. Supporting institutes and organisations for the event are AIA HK (The American Institute of Architects, Hong Kong), HKIA (The Hong Kong Institute of Architects) & RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors).
To discuss speaking, sponsoring or attending The Architecture and Design Conference 2010, please contact Ashford on ap@facilitymedia.com.
The Architecture & Design Conference is a Facility Media Event
