KEN YEANG

Ken Yeang is an architect, ecologist and author known for his pioneering work on ecological architecture (since 1971). His work integrates ecology-based principles with architectural structures promoting environmentally-positive ecological bio integration and outcomes.

The architecture is differentiated by its nature and ecosystem-centric design based on the science of ecology. He is regarded by many as a through-leader and to have invented a systems-based ecological architecture remark as “constructed ecosystems”. His work is topical in the face of the planet threatened by environmental catastrophe. What further makes his architecture motivating is its compelling signature green aesthetic. Ken is not merely a practitioner of sustainable design but a foundational thinker who made the field of ecological architecture possible, articulating its principles, building its first prototypes, and providing the intellectual and technical framework upon which subsequent generations of architects have drawn inspiration.

His innovative and ideas and built work are arrived through an ongoing research programme. The work regenerates our planet ravaged by callous urbanisation and technological systems. The outcome of his work is published in his many books enabling a deeper understanding of ecological design (in www.amazon.com).

His credibility is affirmed by his many awards and accolades that include the Aga Khan Award, Prinz Claus Award, Auguste Perret Award (UIA), LiangSiCheng Award (Architectural Society of China), Merdeka Award (Government of Malaysia), Malaysia Institute of Architects Gold Medal (PAM), and the endorsements from his peers and leading figures in the field.

His built work includes: Roof-Roof House, Mesiniaga Tower (IBM) (Malaysia), Suasana Putrajaya (Malaysia), Solaris Tower (Singapore), Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Extension (London), Nitte University Masterplan (Mangalore, India), National Library (Singapore) and others.

Ken was trained at the Architectural Association School (London). He completed a doctorate at Cambridge University (published as Designing With Nature, (McGraw-Hill, 1985) that became his lifetime’s agenda.

He is Fellow (Hon.) of Wolfson College (Cambridge University), corporate member RIBA, Fellow (Hon.) American Institute of Architects, Fellow Singapore Institute of Architects, Malaysia Institute of Architects (Past-President). The Guardian identified him as ‘one of the 50 people who could save the Planet’.

Ken’s lectures can be viewed at: Harvard GSD, TEDxBerlin, TEDxNitteDU, TEDxMangalore (link at: DR. KEN YEANG: Saving the world by ecological design | TED Talk). Check out the narration on Ken Yeang by Brad Pitt. Ken Yeang can be contacted at: kynnet@kyeang.com