New Taipei City Art Museum. Image credit: © Iwan Baan
Event Description
Architecture embodies both the visible and the invisible.
Its physical presence “materials, forms, and structure” is tangible and evident. Yet, its deeper essence is intangible, shaped by spatial experiences, cultural narratives, and the natural and historical context of a place.
The challenge lies in harmonizing these two dimensions, transforming them to resonate with contemporary lives and minds. This delicate balance is what makes architecture not just a discipline, but a profound and ever-evolving dialogue between past and future, nature and culture, the seen and the unseen.
Speaker
Kris Yao, Hon. FAIA, Founder, KRIS YAO|ARTECH
Moderator
Jou Min Lin, AIA; Principal Architect, J.M. Lin Architect / The Observer Design Group; President, AIA Taipei
CES: Estimated 1 LU for AIA Members
Speaker Bio
Kris Yao is the founder of KRIS YAO | ARTECH, an Asia-based architectural firm established in 1985, with offices in Taipei and Shanghai. Over the past four decades, the firm has built a diverse portfolio spanning cultural, corporate, commercial, hospitality, performing arts, transportation, institutional, residential, and educational projects.
Throughout his distinguished career, Kris has received numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the College of Environmental Design at the University of California, Berkeley (2005), Taiwan’s National Award for Arts (2007), an Honorary Fellowship from the American Institute of Architects (Hon. FAIA, 2014), and an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from NYCU (2024). His work has been widely featured in international architectural publications, and the firm has released five monographs, most recently SECTION: KRIS YAO | ARTECH (2024).
Kris has participated in major international architectural exhibitions, including the Venice International Architecture Biennale, the Rotterdam International Architecture Biennale, and the Beijing International Architectural Art Biennale. He has also held solo exhibitions, such as 30x30 in Beijing and Within．Without at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Shanghai.
Renowned for his poetic approach to architecture, Kris seamlessly integrates function, culture, and history, creating designs that celebrate the unique spirit of each location.
Moderator Bio
As the principal architect of J.M. Lin Architect / The Observer Design Group, founded in Taipei in 1995, Mr. Jou Min Lin has led the office specializing in architectural design, interior design, landscape design, communication design, and research-based design. Driven by the pursuit of creating a better man-made environment in Taiwan, the office has actively undertaken projects that engage with public spaces.
Over the years, Lin has built a strong reputation through outstanding projects, particularly in schools, art-related exhibition spaces, and cultural facilities that open new possibilities in the built environment. One of his most remarkable achievements is the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology in Keelung, where, from 2004 to 2013, Lin successfully transformed an old power plant into a cultural hub of recreation and knowledge.
In December 2014, Lin was appointed by Taipei City as the Commissioner of the Department of Urban Development. His primary responsibilities in the public sector were to advance public housing projects and oversee government-operated urban regeneration initiatives. Although transitioning from practicing architect to public servant presented challenges, Lin's vision and goals remained consistent. Viewing his public service as an opportunity to give back to his city, he continuously planned from the perspective of a Taipei citizen, striving to find solutions for a better urban environment.
Since December 2018, Lin has returned to his practice, once again leading the firm with a commitment to creating lasting value in architecture and design.
