The International Forum of the International Union of Architects (UIA) 2024 took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 15 to 17 November 2024, with the theme “Diverscity: Humanity & Sustainable Growth”. The event attracted the participation of thousands of architects, planners, scholars and experts from around the world, creating a space for exchange on diversity in culture, architecture and sustainable development.
The event was organized around 3 main contents
- Culture and Heritage: Exploring the role of local identity and heritage in shaping urban areas. Studies on cultural sensitivity in architecture – Reimagining cultural stories in rebuilt spaces.
- Density and Sustainable Growth: Discuss strategies for developing environmentally friendly megacities.
- Equity and Ecology: Propose solutions that combine social development and ecological protection. The forum is not only a place to present ideas but also an opportunity to share practical experiences through discussion sessions and field visits to Malaysia.
The series of activities with 7 main topics in 3 days
The topics are: “Cultural images in urban context”; “Spaces and places for cultural interaction”; “Cultural sensitivity in architecture”; “Urban diversity management policies”; “Reimagining cultural stories in rebuilt spaces”; “Design with a focus on people and nature”; “Human-centered architecture: Designing for future generations”.
The notable presentations include the speech of Architect. Roland Schnizer, principal partner of Foster + Partners (UK); or Dr. Architect Wang Shu (Amateur Architecture Studio) – Pritzker Prize 2012). They presented on the exploitation of indigenous elements in contemporary architecture, applied through their works. Architect. Kai Uwe Bergmann, a keynote speaker at Bjarke Ingles Group (BIG), (USA/Denmark), left a lasting impression with his research on “unimaginable” yet feasible architectures and urban areas. Or Professor, Dr. Architect Ken Yaeng, who gave this year’s Forum a true “eco-architecture feast”… Among the outstanding keynote speakers at the event, it was a great honor to have a representative from Vietnam, Architect Doan Thanh Ha (H&P), who left a deep impression with his presentation on the topic “Diversity and Sustainable Growth”.
In the topic “Cultural Sensitivity in Architecture: How Architects Design Spaces that Respect and Celebrate Cultural Diversity” (presented with Dr. Architect Wang Shu), through her presentation, Architect Doan Thanh Ha focused on community designs for disadvantaged groups in Vietnam. These are works that use local materials such as bamboo and recycled wood, combined with creative but simple design approaches, not only meeting essential needs but also demonstrating the harmony between architecture and nature, contributing to promoting social sustainability. The presentation also emphasized the values of Vietnamese vernacular architecture (local materials, on-site materials and traditional construction experiences) as the foundation and inspiration for research and development in contemporary designs for people.
In addition, this year’s UIA Forum also featured many scientific reports that closely followed the forum’s themes. From the National University of Civil Engineering, Dr. Architect Nguyen Viet Huy and Dr. Architect Vu Thi Huong Lan delivered an in-depth presentation on the process of indigenous modernization in rural residential architecture in the Red River Delta. The presentation focused on analyzing how traditional cultural values can be preserved and promoted in the context of modern challenges, including climate change and urban growth. The research team proposed architectural solutions that combine local materials with new technologies to both preserve identity and improve quality of life. This year’s presentations emphasized the role of diversity – not only in culture but also in the approach and application of design solutions – as a core element in achieving sustainable development.
Messages
Promoting and preserving indigenous architecture: In the new era of development, architecture and indigenous values bring attractive and interesting diversity to each land. Presentations and studies revolve around the content of UIA Forum 2024 – “Diversecity” diversity. Traditional architecture of China, Bhutan, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Palestine, Somalia… are deeply researched and presented by the authors, bringing new perspectives, multi-dimensional and convincing approaches. Each country and nation has its own indigenous values, culture, and climate, but the common point is still preserving heritage, developing architecture for people, for cultural diversity.
The event ended with a call from the international architectural community: Use architecture as a tool to promote equality, preserve heritage and protect the environment. Diversity is not only a challenge but also an opportunity to create more humane and sustainable cities. The UIA International Forum 2024 is a testament to the fact that architecture is not only an art but also a way to connect people, culture and nature in harmony.
© Vietnam Architecture Magazine
