Event Description

Traditional Chinese architecture has always been built with wooden structures, which is a very green and low-carbon construction method. In rapidly developing China, it is difficult to find craftsmen who can make wooden structures, resulting in fewer and fewer traditional spaces. On a Xujiang island, Suzhou, we attempted to build a cultural experience hall about Chinese ancient post stations using modern wooden structures. This experience hall will be designed according to the layout of ancient post stations, but the construction method is all modern. This not only continues the flavor of traditional Chinese architecture, but also allows for a good combination of modern wooden structures and traditional spaces. We hope that this approach can be more applied to other projects, allowing traditional Chinese architectural spaces to be continued and revitalized with the support of modern wooden structures.

Speaker

Dr Yi Cheng, Founder, Yijian Architects (YJA)

Moderator: Anderson Chider Hsieh, Intl. Assoc. AIA, LEED AP, China Architecture and Design Lead, Surbana Jurong; AIA Shanghai Immediate Past President

CES: Estimated 1 LU/ HSW for AIA Members

Speaker Bios

Dr. Yi Cheng has 7 years of university architecture teaching experience and another 7 years of doctoral research and postdoctoral research in architecture design, before starting her own architectural design practice. Therefore, she is a scholar-type architect, and design-based research is her key core design strategy. Dr. Cheng founded Yijian Architects (YJA) Office in Shanghai in 2016. Her works focus on the cultural nature, sustainability and social significance of architecture.

She has led the design team to complete various types of buildings. For example, Health care building - Chuntaiyue rural elderly apartment; Medical building - Chuntaiwang Rehabilitation Hospital and Nursing Institution; and Historical renewal building - Suzhou Shantang Street renewal; Cultural building - Meishan Library and Cultural Center. The common feature of these works is the focus on the integration of regional culture, the relationship between architecture and nature, and social significance. Her works have won many globally influential awards, such as WAF, GDA, ICONIC, A’ Design Award, etc.

With over 25 years of global experience in planning, design, operations, and management, Anderson Hsieh is a seasoned professional with a rich interdisciplinary background and a deep understanding of local and global practices. Throughout his career, he has successfully led high-performing integrated teams, delivering innovative and practical solutions to clients by leveraging his astute market sense and in-depth expertise.

In his current role at Surbana Jurong, Anderson is the Architecture and Design lead in Greater China and is at the forefront of driving growth across the region. He plays a pivotal role in developing and executing business strategies, fostering new client relationships, and strengthening existing ones. His journey began as an architect and urban designer in early 2000 and has left an indelible mark on the architectural industry in the US, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Mainland China.

Having previously worked with renowned international firms such as AECOM, EDAW, and HOK, Anderson's recent focus has spearheaded mixed-use, urban regeneration, and transit-oriented development projects. His contributions have not gone unnoticed, with recognition as an expert by the Beijing Urban Planning Society. Notable projects in Mainland China include the award-winning Nantong Transit Hub urban design, the Daye Lake Ecological New District in Huangshi, and the Dongguan West Transit Hub.

Anderson has also held leadership roles, serving as the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Shanghai Chapter Vice President in 2022 and President in 2023. Additionally, he is a registered architect in Taiwan and a LEED-accredited professional, showcasing his commitment to sustainable and environmentally conscious practices. He is not only a

distinguished professional in his field but is also consistently recognized for his expertise, often sought after to contribute as a design award or competition juror.

A graduate of Chung Yuan Christian University with a Bachelor of Architecture, Anderson furthered his education at Columbia University, earning a Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Design. His academic achievements complement his extensive professional background, positioning him as a respected and influential figure in the field.