In a recent conversation with Garett Hwang, Director at UNStudio Asia, we delved into the future of urbanism and how innovative design is reshaping our cities.
Hwang, a pivotal figure in leading UNStudio’s architectural projects across Asia, emphasizes the strategic use of computational design to create sustainable, human-centric environments.
This article explores the insights shared by Hwang during her talk on *The Future of Urbanism: Building Liveability and Resiliency* at the FIND Global Summit, highlighting key projects and methodologies that define UNStudio’s design philosophy.
Innovative Design Philosophy
Garett Hwang’s approach to design is a seamless blend of aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.
She believes that a good design is one that balances and solves all of a project’s ambitions in an elegant, holistic manner.
This philosophy is evident in landmark projects such as Raffles City Hangzhou and the Lyric Theatre Complex.
By strategically using computational design, Hwang and her team are able to optimize project quality, cost, and control.
This allows them to deliver complex building designs that meet diverse needs.
Raffles City Hangzhou: A Sustainable Urban Hub
Raffles City Hangzhou is a prime example of UNStudio’s innovative approach to urban design.
This project is a sustainable urban hub that combines living, working, and leisure within two streamlined towers set atop an ambitious podium and landscaped plaza.
The design incorporates natural ventilation, sun-shading, and daylighting principles tailored to the local environment.
This makes it one of the first retail malls in China to use natural ventilation on a large scale.
The project has achieved Gold LEED certification, underscoring its commitment to sustainability.
Human-Centric Urban Design
At the core of UNStudio’s design philosophy is a commitment to human-centered design.
This involves anticipating people’s preferences and habits to enhance their quality of life and well-being.
According to Hwang, *For us, human-centered design is not just an ideology but a practice.*
This approach is applied at every scale, from user interfaces to urban design, ensuring that the needs of people, communities, and neighborhoods are always considered.
Lyric Theatre Complex: Enhancing Cultural Engagement
The Lyric Theatre Complex in Hong Kong is another testament to UNStudio’s human-centric design approach.
This multi-theatre venue for dance and theatrical arts is situated on the Victoria Harbor waterfront and is designed to unite the general public, theatre-goers, and performing arts communities.
The building is supported by nearly 650 giant isolation springs that protect it from vibrations, ensuring a seamless experience for all users.
The project is expected to be completed in 2026 with a BEAM gold rating.
Future-Proof and Sustainable Development
UNStudio is committed to designing for future generations, focusing on sustainable and resilient development.
This involves creating designs that are adaptive and resilient to future challenges, particularly those posed by climate change.
Hwang emphasizes the importance of integrating sustainability into every aspect of the design process, from computational analysis to the use of innovative materials and technologies.
Xiangshan People’s Square: A Green and Iconic Attraction
In their proposal for Xiangshan People’s Square in Ningbo, China, UNStudio aimed to provide a green and iconic attraction that features civic facilities and public recreation areas.
The design integrates green plazas, a museum, a civic library, a transit-oriented development (TOD) sunken garden, and a public athletic center.
This creates a delicate social and ecological fabric that enhances the cultural and community-building qualities of the Square.
Leveraging Computational Design
Computational design is embedded in UNStudio’s DNA, allowing the team to manage more parameters and optimize design processes for improved efficiency and quality control.
Hwang stresses that computational tools should advance the design process rather than drive it.
Hiwell Amber Centre: An Urban Living Room
The Hiwell Amber Centre in Hangzhou is a recent project under construction that exemplifies UNStudio’s innovative use of computational design.
This human-centric, large-scale *Urban Living Room* features public and open spaces united under a single canopy roof, with four high-rise towers above.
The design team utilized cluster analysis algorithms to control and rationalize the structure, reducing construction costs and potential for site error.
Technological Integration in Architecture
Technology plays a crucial role in shaping the future of architecture and urban design.
UNStudio leverages Building Information Modeling (BIM), data, VR and AR intelligence, AI, and computational tools to facilitate fully integrated working processes that maintain quality and mitigate risk.
These technologies enable the creation of impactful, human-centered spaces that address environmental challenges.
Data-Driven Design: Enhancing User Experience
UNStudio’s User-Experience Team in Amsterdam recently conducted an investigation into airport design.
They combined surveys with physiological readings of passenger journeys to identify traveler pain points.
The data findings were used to inform design decisions that enhance the overall passenger experience, demonstrating the power of data-driven design in creating user-centric environments.
Conclusion
Garett Hwang’s insights into UNStudio’s design philosophy and innovative projects underscore the importance of a holistic approach to architecture and urban design.
By integrating aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability, and leveraging computational design and advanced technologies, UNStudio is paving the way for future-proof and resilient urban environments.
For more details on Hwang’s conversation and UNStudio’s groundbreaking projects, visit the full article on Branding in Asia.