Topic 6
Topic 6: Designing with People and Nature in Mind
1030 - 1230 (Plenary Hall)
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Paper 1- Seah Chee Huang, CEO of DP Architects (Singapore),
Paper 2 - Paper - Muyiwa Oki, RIBA President (UK).
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Seah Chee Huang
DP Architects (Singapore)
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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.
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Muyiwa Oki
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
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On 1 September 2023, Muyiwa Oki made history by becoming the youngest and first black president of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). He pledged to champion diversity and inclusivity in architecture, emphasising the need for varied perspectives to tackle significant global challenges. He is committed to advocating for a national retrofit strategy to decarbonise the built environment and improve UK social housing.
Oki's career started his practise at Glenn Howells Architects, focusing on residential projects in Birmingham before transitioning to Grimshaw Architects in London. Here, he worked on prominent projects such as the Euston station redevelopment for the HS2 railway and the North London Heat and Power project in Edmonton. During his tenure at Grimshaw, he established a multi-ethnic group and allies’ network. Currently, he is with Mace Group and serves as an ambassador for the Mayor of London's Design Future London challenge, continuing his advocacy for transformative architecture and urban development.