AIA Shanghai - Women in Architecture: In Pursuit of Happiness
When: Friday 8 July 2022 @ 07:00 (Eastern US Time)/ 19:00 (Shanghai time)
Where: Wework, 696 Weihai Road Jing'an District Shanghai/ ONLINE
CES Credits - 1.5 LU for AIA Members
Description
The American Institute of Architects Shanghai Chapter will be launching our first ‘Woman in Architecture’ event on Friday, July 8th 2022 at WeWork (696 Weihai Lu). The meaning of happiness has become very skewed amidst the recent Shanghai lockdown. We would argue that happiness is not lost, and the key to finding it is not through social distancing but rather through distance socializing and finding simple sources of joy. The theme of this event is ‘In Pursuit of Happiness’. We have invited some of China’s female leaders to share with us their personal experiences on how they can find happiness amidst the pandemic and what we can do to come stronger after this crisis.
In the post-pandemic era, we face various severe challenges: deteriorating market conditions, reduced productivity, lower economic returns, and increased unemployment.
The lockdown in Shanghai lasts 2-3 months this year, with unpredictable incidents and rumours. This is a time when almost everyone is suffering greater anxiety than ever before, but none of us has stopped our pursuit of happiness. This special historical moment made us think: “What does happiness mean to us?”. As it is known to all, happiness is a necessity that all of us expect to acquire and yearn for. It means a lot to everyone.
Studies found that happiness doesn’t follow success and it’s the other way round. A happy employee can maximize an enterprise’s creativity, productivity, profitability, and social influence. A female filled with happiness can maximize the vitality, motive power and sense of worth of our life, family and work.
Speaker Bios
Tianle Zhang, Founder of Firefly Studio, Founder of Firefly Retreat, Student Program Director of AIA Shanghai
Tianle has more than 20 years of architectural practice. Prior to joining HOK's Shanghai office in 2009, she has been worked in US for more than 10 years. Since 2016, Tianle began to explore and practice in the field of rural construction. In 2019, Tianle built Firefly retreat, a rural community space, from design to construction. During the same period, Tianle founded Firefly Studio, which dedicates to the design of ideal space in rural area.
May Wei, Principal of CRTKL, Director of Shanghai Office, Woman in Architecture Leader of AIA Shanghai
May Wei is Principal of CRTKL, Director of Shanghai Office, responsible for the plan as a whole and management affairs of the company. May Wei brings CRTKL's global perspective and international experience to China, established a strong local team. With the prospective and innovative experience, she can provide the whole process of customized solutions for client on branding strategy, product development, design implementation and operation. She designed and built landmark project in important city, established long term cooperative relationship with many government and developers. She is also committed to promoting the digital, sustainable design and ESG for CRTKL China, shaping a better world with design.
Chihying Hsieh, Cellist
Chihying graduated from the National Academy of Music in Trossingen, Germany, with a Master of Music in Cello, and a Minor in Chamber and Orchestral Performance. She has extensive performing experience in recitals, orchestra, chamber music, master classes and musical festivals worldwide. Chihying founded the Shanghai Cello Society in 2015 as a teaching studio with a social consciousness.
Umi Lyu, Architect/Curator, RIBA Head of Development, China, 2013 World Architecture Festival Future Architecture Special jury, 2013 Ordine Architetti Roma (OAR) Guest Curator
Umi has worked in New Delhi, India, Rome, Italy, Newcastle, England and London, leading cultural events, exhibitions and academic research in Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain and other regions. She founded the All Moving Space in 2015, as an artistic mobile building, which was supported by the Special fund of Shanghai Science and Technology Commission. In 2019, as RIBA's first Chinese full-time representative, she took the position of Head of Development, China and established the second overseas office in the world.
