Invisible Green

At the core of every building is an anticipation of the future. While the past has been all about enabling designs to be sustainably operated, the future is about delivering and maintaining that performance, oftentimes challenging established architectural practises and engineering standards. In embracing technological progress, we have found our focus shifting more towards holistic models that look harder at the sustainability of the build environment. By embracing invisible architecture: air, heat, light and sound, we can design buildings that minimise energy use, reduce carbon emissions and ensure the construction of inclusive, unconventional and transformative spaces. Whether working on a micro or macro scale, join us live on October 22nd for a conversation about embracing the ‘Invisible Green’.  

9am - 10am

Achim Kaufer

ac.ka architektur

BIO:

Achim Kaufer founded the Berlin based practice ac.ka – architektur in October 2011. Since formation he designs and implements projects ranging within the mutual interrelation of object, space, building and city.

Achim Kaufer studied architecture and design at Stuttgart State Academy of Fine Arts and architecture at University of Applied Arts Vienna where he attended the studio of Prof. Greg Lynn. In 2007, he received his diploma in Stuttgart.

His latest built work comprises a detached house in Ribbeck (Germany), the project Prinzregenten – an ecological conversion of a 70´s groundfloor area in Berlin as well as the design of the Wuchazi bridge (五岔子大橋) in Chengdu, China, which was completed and handed over to the public early in 2020.

From 2007 to 2011 he worked in the internationally operating practice LAVA GbR, where he lately was project architect in the field of urban planning and building design. Within the position Achim Kaufer was responsible for a research building with 10.600m² gross floor area (GFA) in Saudi Arabia as well as for a master plan of a science campus including laboratory buildings (230.000m² GFA for buildings). 

Since 2009 Achim Kaufer is registered architect in Germany.

He completed several experimental projects including the project “Reflexion Space” - a high-technology ergonomic three-dimensional urban interface, shown at the Austrian Museum of Applied Arts (MAK), Vienna. 
In 2017 Achim Kaufer taught at the workshop TRANSFORMING THE [RE]PUBLIC in Athens.

TALK TOPIC:  THE SPECIFIC VERSUS THE GENERIC

Strategies for a diverse & multi-layered architecture

Against the background of an ever more differentiating and individuating society, an increasing urbanisation of the population as well as a steadily rising consumption of land and resources with the accompanying climatic changes, a further development of the modernist concept of generic, standardised space towards specific spatial solutions is necessary.

Through a selection of projects of varying scale, ranging from a spatial object over a recently completed bridge project in Chengdu, China, up to urban development projects, the potential of a diverse and multi-layered architecture is illustrated.

“The answer to solving the global challenges of our generation are to be found in specific, not generic spatial solutions. This requires dealing with greater complexity in the design process as it is about to work with the diversity of users as well as the always differing local, each with its particular needs.”

10am - 11am

Yo Hakomori

Studio Hau

BIO:

StudioHAU is a creative design and research office which recently opened in May of 2016. Founded by Yo-ichiro Hakomori, PhD, AIA, NCARB, StudioHAU's design and research explores the relationship between urbanism and architecture, with past and present projects focusing on single-family residences, as well as art related projects, with an emphasis on environmentally-friendly, sustainable design. Hakomori received his Master of Architecture from the Graduate School of Architecture and Urban Planning at the University of California Los Angeles, and a Doctor of Engineering in Architecture from the University of Tokyo. Hakomori has experience in a variety of project types, from museums and gallery design, to single-family residences. As founding partner and principal of wHY Architecture, Hakomori worked with Pritzker Prize winning architect Tadao Ando as executive architect on two residences in the Los Angeles area. He also completed the Grand Rapids Art Museum, the first LEED gold certified museum in the world in 2007, the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, Kentucky; the Tyler Museum of Art in Tyler, Texas; gallery/exhibit design at the Harvard Art Museums in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and at the Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois; L&M Arts in Venice, California; Royal T Gallery and Café in Culver City, California; and the Perry Rubenstein Gallery in West Hollywood, California. Hakomori was also principal architect for the Pomona College Studio Art Hall, Tyler Museum of Art, the Interpretive Green Bridge (Art Bridge) at the Great Wall of Los Angeles, and a number of single-family residences in Los Angeles and Thailand. Hakomori is currently Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Southern California School of Architecture where he is director of the Asian Architecture, Landscape and Urbanism study abroad program, and teaches graduate and undergraduate design studios.

Talk Topic: Creating environmentally - conscious spaces to uplift human spirit 

Yo Hakomori will discuss their work with Museums with a focus on the

Grand Rapids Art Museum, the first LEED Gold certified art museum in the world, the Tyler Museum of Art, and the Studio Art Hall at Pomona College. Studio Hau have and are designing buildings that are environmentally-friendly without compromising the overall budget. Studio Hau look at local neighbourhood in relation to construction and design and always look to create an important public space that connects to people. Yo will discuss the strong visual, programmatic, and spatial connection between the City and the Museum.

He will discuss the intricacies of project managing different design processes and a team. Project management being an integral part of their practice to ensure that they achieve the desired outcomes for their clients. 

AACA Learning outcomes and objectives:

Design: Conceptual Design 

3.2 Application of creative imagination, aesthetic judgement ans critical evaluation in formulating design options. 

Design: Schematic Design 

Evaluation of design options in relation to project requirement

Documentation: Detailed Design 

5.1 Application of creative imagination and aesthetic judgement in producing a resolved project design