Top Image: Xiqu Centre in Hong Kong, China by Bing Thom Architects with Ronald Lu & Partners

500 delegates from over 19 Asian countries are expected to attend the 17th Asian Congress of Architects (ACA17) hosted by the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) this September. The biennial architectural congress will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), the city’s main convention venue, located in Wan Chai North. HKCEC is accessible through covered walkways leading from nearby hotels and commercial buildings.

Themed ‘Growth and Diversity: The Green Age of Asia’, ACA17 seeks to blend the seemingly contradictory concepts of economic development and environmental protection.

Parkview Green in Beijing, China by Integrated Design Associates

Rapid urbanisation and industrialisation are posing serious threats to the natural environment, as exemplified by the destruction of natural habitats, the fast depletion of non-renewable energy resources and global warming, all of which will continue to disrupt the lives of many, even in years to come. These issues are of paramount importance to the long-term stability of Asia Pacific – the region with the highest economic growth rate around the world.

Hoki Museum in Chiba Japan by Nikken Sekkei

The timely conference aims to gather insights from architects, deemed as “inventors of a city,” whose practice has the power to construct responsible and desirable surroundings for the humankind. Aiming to disrupt “the stalemate between economy and environment,” the ACA17 will discuss several topics in depth, including the integration of green elements in architecture; corporate social responsibility; sustainability, green design and technology – continuing the dialogue of ‘Rejuvenation’, explored during the last congress, ACA16.

Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, Oslo, Norway by Snøhetta

Visitors can look forward to keynote sessions by some of the biggest names in architecture; Tomohiko Yamanashi of Nikken Sekkei, Robert Greenwood of Snøhetta, Winston Shu of Integrated Design Associates and Bing Thom of Bing Thom Architects. Panel speakers include Bryant Lu of Ronald Lu and Partners, Duangrit Bunnag of DBALP, ONG Tze Boon of the Singapore Institute of Architects and Siew Man Kok of MKPL Architects, amongst other distinguished speakers.

With a mission “to sustain an Asian spirit” amongst future architects, the ACA17 will honour exemplary work by up-and-coming architectural talents with two awards, the ARCASIA Award for Architecture 2016 and the ARCASIA Student’s Architectural Design Competition 2016. Apart from the awards, students can widen their horizons at the ARCASIA Student Jamboree 2016, while industry players can build and strengthen bonds with fellow regional architects during Friendship Night and city excursions held as part of the ARCASIA Council Meeting.

Register to attend the 17th Asian Congress of Architects here.

ACA17
aca17hk.com