Topic 5
Topic 5: Reimagining Cultural Narratives in Rebuilt Spaces
1600 - 1800 (Plenary Hall)
Paper 1 - Omar Degan, Principal, DO Architecture Group (Somalia/Italy),
Paper 2 - Laurence Loh, Principal of Arkitek LLA (Malaysia),
Paper 3 - Elizabeth Cardosa, Director, H&C Heritage Services SB (Malaysia).
Omar Degan
DO Architecture Group
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.
Laurence Loh
Arkitek LLA
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.
Elizabeth Cardosa
H&C Heritage Services SB
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.