Topic 3
Topic 3: Cultural Sensitivity in Architecture
1030 - 1230 (Plenary Hall)
Paper 1 - Đoàn Thanh Hà, Principal of H&P Architects (Vietnam),
Paper 2 - Ken Yeang, Director of TR Hamzah & Yeang (Malaysia).
Đoàn Thanh Ha
H&P Architects
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.
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.
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.
Kenneth Yeang
TR Hamzah Yeang
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.