AIA International Singapore - In Praise of Light and Bicycles
Event Description
This talk explores two design enablers of sustainability and wellness - light and the bicycle. The focus is on the reframing of these two embedded potentials in the development of the design, and the rethinking of place-making in the tropics. Light is the design inspiration, and the bicycle is the design generator. The focus is on the ideation and alignment with each stakeholder’s brief. Through a visual presentation, the speaker will share his personal reflections on an exploration that was at times both enriching and frustrating.
CES: Estimated 1 LU/ HSW for AIA Members
Speaker
Yew Kee Cheong, FAIA, MSIA, Vice President, AIA International; Founding Principal, 2B ARCHITECTS
Moderator: Alex Miller, AIA, AIA Intl Spring Conference Chair, Senior Associate Principal at KPF
Yew Kee Cheong is a Singaporean architect with more than 25 years of professional experience as an architect and educator, with passion in sustainable design, biophilic design and wellness. He is the First Vice-President and 2024 President-elect for the American Institute of Architects International (AIA Intl). He was its Y2020-2021 Treasurer and Y2017-2018 Director for Unassigned Members.
He received his Master of Science in Sustainable Design from the University of Nottingham, UK and Master of Architecture from the University of Texas in Austin, USA. He worked in reputable firms in USA, Mexico and Singapore with projects over eight countries. Yew Kee is Founding Principal of 2B ARCHITECTS, an award-winning boutique firm. He is a licensed architect both in Texas and in Singapore.
In his first term as AIA Intl Director, Yew Kee led and organized successfully the AIA International Region Conference 2018 in Singapore. Presently, he is spearheading efforts, working with the country representatives of Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia, in Section formation for AIA South-East Asia. In Singapore, Yew Kee is a Council Member of the Singapore Institute of Architects and its Chair for SIA Wellness Committee and previously, Chairs for SIA Design Competition and SIA Sustainability Committee.
Yew Kee is active in bridging professional and community works. He serves on institutes council, sits on advisory committee of statutory boards, mentor students in university, speaks in public forum and acts as juror for institutes awards. In 2013, Yew Kee received the Singapore Ministry of National Development Medallion for Distinguished Service.
Moderator: Alex Miller is a Senior Associate Principal at KPF, and provides leadership and technical skills to numerous projects often involving the interweaving of historic buildings and contemporary architecture. He has been involved in long-term with the design and delivery of multiple projects involving listed buildings in Covent Garden including the London Film Museum, the 2020 AIA National award-winning Floral Court mixed-use development, and the cast-iron framed Carriage Hall.
He enjoys complex projects at various scales and has experience collaborating with large teams in the delivery of projects. He is currently working on a 40-storey student residential accomodation tower adjacent London Bridge Station.
He is a past President of the American Institute of Architects UK Chapter and a past Secretary of AIA International.
