DEAN'S LECTURE SERIES

Winston Shu - Integrated Design Associates, Hong Kong

Integrated Design – a Holistic Approach and a Business Model

Listen to audio recording of lecture here.

7pm Tuesday 28 April
Carrillo Gantner Theatre, Basement, Sidney Myer Asia Centre

In today’s advancement in building engineering and technology, the creation of architecture is no longer the plaything reserved only for the architect. Projects such as the CCTV and the Bird’s Nest Stadium in Beijing are prime examples that fantastic architectural forms are made possible only when advanced engineering principles are considered as an integral part of their conceptualisation process.
 
In a multi-disciplinary world of professional practice, architects have to possess a broad spectrum of design skills and engineering knowledge to practice their craft, from conceptual ideas to realities. In a commercial world such skills are absolutely essential, especially when a project demands an alternative or mode-breaking solution to become feasible. By adopting an integrated approach at concept stage the architect has a better chance in bringing life to such a project, because specialists that architects often rely upon to engineer the design are usually engaged only when the project has the go ahead, usually after the concept has been signed off by the client.
 
This integrated approach to taking design from concept to construction runs through most of our projects.  Our objective in adopting this approach is not about the creation of exciting forms, but the enhancement of performance of the building as habitats in meeting the client’s specific functional requirements. This lecture illustrates the need that architects must work, not in isolation, but to embrace many aspects of engineering and technologies that can turn complex, otherwise banal building types into projects that are innovative, user-friendly, and more importantly the difference they make in the client’s perception of values.
 
Winston Shu of Integrated Design Associates, Hong Kong, has practised for 28 years, with broad experience in design and construction built over 2 decades of working with Sir Norman Foster and Partners on projects in UK, Hong Kong and China. His major completed work includes the Stansted Airport Terminal, and the Hong Kong International Airport Passenger Terminal Building, and recently completed Hyderabad International Airport.