How Asia’s innovative builders are championing sustainable architecture

By deploying planet-friendly processes that minimise the negative effects of growing a city, these architects and engineers promote responsible building

The creation of built environments has an impact on the planet, among them the production of greenhouse gas emissions and waste related to construction processes. Seeking to reverse these negative effects, the innovative builders on Asia’s Most Influential list implement sustainable ideas in their architectural projects. These include the green retrofitting and adaptive reuse of existing structures—practices that reduce the consumption of energy and water and the production of waste. Above all, when building their green towers, public spaces and communities, they place the Earth at the centre of their vision, ensuring that, as the city grows, the planet thrives, too.

Also read: How Asian astronauts and scientists have contributed to our understanding of the universe

Wong Mun Summ and Richard Hassell, co-founding directors, WOHA Architects (Singapore)

Above Wong Mun Summ, co-founding director, WOHA Architects

Above Richard Hassell, co-founding director, WOHA Architects

Through WOHA Architects, Wong Mun Summ and Richard Hassell explore architectural solutions that address climate change, population growth and urbanisation in Singapore, Australia, China and South Asia. Today, the pair, who met while working at Kerrry Hills Architects in the ’90s, has built some of the best examples of how architecture can successfully incorporate the ideals of sustainability (green energy, water collection, food production) in a master plan or public space like its projects, the Punggol Digital District or the Parkroyal on Pickering. Dedicated to its design philosophy, the Singapore-based firm has even devised a rating system that covers key green ratios in its creations, including green areas, community spaces, civic generosity, ecosystem contribution and self-sufficiency.

The firm is currently working on the Pan Pacific Orchard, a 23-storey garden hotel with landscaped terraces and amenities stacked on top of each other, as well as the BRAC University Campus, which features a water court that helps cool air. Last year, WOHA’s recent projects were featured in WOHA: New Forms of Sustainable Architecture, a compendium of the firm’s ideas for building with the planet in mind.

Read Wong Mun Summ’s and Richard Hassell’s full profiles on Asia’s Most Influential

Cary Chan, executive director, Hong Kong Green Building Council (Hong Kong)

Above Cary Chan, executive director, Hong Kong Green Building Council

With the goal of addressing the energy consumption and carbon emissions of buildings, Cary Chan, executive director of the Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC), champions the green retrofitting of existing properties. The process involves introducing renewable energy sources, installing energy-saving lighting, and upgrading climate systems, among other performance improvements, to reduce the carbon footprint of built environments.

With over 90 per cent of electricity consumption and more than 60 per cent of carbon emissions linked to building activities in Hong Kong, HKGBC has made retrofitting one of its priorities. In January 2023, the organisation released the HKGBC Retrofitting Guidebook, which details various strategies and case studies that can help developers adopt retrofitting works. “This is intended to be a living document which will be updated from time to time, with the latest best practices and technology advancements,” said Chan, adding that HKGBC will announce webinars, conferences and projects to help mainstream the concept. The guide has been made available to over 70 regions by local green building councils. “I’m pleased to see our Guidebook will also be released to the whole world as it signifies Hong Kong’s leading position in driving the development of the sustainable built environment in the global arena,” added Chan, who is also the chair of the World Green Building Council’s Asia Pacific Regional Network.

Read Cary Chan’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Shin Tseng and Shin Chang, co-founders, REXKL (Malaysia)

Above Shin Tseng, co-founder, REXKL

Above Shin Chang, co-founder, REXKL

Architects Shin Tseng and Shin Chang joined hands to transform the legendary Rex Theatre, one of the first theatres in Malaysia, into the community and cultural hub REXKL. By implementing the adaptive reuse of an existing building to create a new social space, the architects have lowered energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste linked to demolition and construction processes. Now, the sustainable centre is home to craftsmen, restaurateurs and retailers, including Stellar Coffee, Book Xcess, Outsider Bikes and more. The refurbished building, which features its original brick details, also serves as a venue for events, performances, exhibitions and workshops.

Through REXKL, the architects also protect the cultural heritage of Kuala Lumpur. “I believe in preserving our heritage buildings because they are all part of an area’s history. It’s so sad to see old buildings demolished and lost to time,” said Shin Chang to Tatler. The architect is looking to continue the spirit of the project in nearby areas. “In five years’ time, I hope we can build up the downtown area to something the people of KL can be proud of,” he added.

Read Shin Tseng’s and Shin Chang’s full profiles on Asia’s Most Influential

Tatler Asia's Most Influential is the definitive list of people shaping our world today. Asia's Most Influential brings together the region's most innovative changemakers, industry titans and thought leaders who are driving positive impact in Asia and beyond. View the full list here.

NOW READ

The transport leaders who are literally moving us

How these environmental leaders are securing the integrity of water

Asia’s best museums, galleries and art shows—and the people behind them

Topics

Asia’s Most Influential Asia’s Most Influential 2022 Cary Chan Wong Mun Summ Richard Hassell Shin Tseng Shin Chang