Ken Yeang: “Ecologist First, Architect Second”

Born in Penang, Malaysia, in 1948, Ken Yeang is an architect, ecologist, and writer whose work is mostly known in ecologically based design. Widely known as a pioneer in sustainable architecture. Both as a professional practitioner and academic researcher. Ken Yeang grew up in an environment that respects nature and culture, which made him deeply believe in the harmony between architecture and nature. He is widely known for his ecologically conscious designs and expertise in skyscrapers, urban master plans, and bioclimatic design. With his partner Tengku Robert Hamzah, he founded his own architectural firm, TR Hamzah Yeang Sdn Bhd.

Ken Yeang’s Potrait (cr: Gan Yew Chin)

A pioneer in ecological design since 1971 who has always worked on the theory and practice of sustainable design. His architectural practice focuses on the philosophy of "biointegration". All his innovative ideas focus on creating buildings synergistically connected with nature while addressing contemporary environmental challenges. He is a productive architect who conducts research, designs, builds, and writes. Ken Yeang studied at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London. He continued by obtaining his doctorate at Cambridge University after successfully completing a dissertation entitled "A Theoretical Framework for Incorporating Ecological Considerations in the Design and Planning of the Built Environment" which was published as Designing With Nature (McGraw-Hill, 1995). Some of his works have been widely published in the books Skyscraper, Bioclimatically Considered: A Design Primer, The Green Skyscraper: The Basis for Designing Sustainable Intensive Buildings, Reinventing the Skyscraper: A Vertical Theory of Urban Design, Eco Skyscrapers, Ecodesign: A Manual for Ecological Design, EcoMasterplanning, Ecoarchitecture: The Work of Ken Yeang.

Genome Research Building (cr: TR Hamzah Yeang Sdn Bhd)

In academics, Ken Yeang once held the position of Distinguished Plym Professor at the University of Illinois, USA. Honorary degrees that I have obtained include from Sheffield University, England, in 2004; University of Malaya in 2013, Ricardo Palma University, Peru, in 2016; and Taylors University, Malaysia, in 2017. Ken Yeang, in deepening his knowledge, took an ecology course at the Department of Environmental Biology at Cambridge University, and took an ecological land use planning course at the Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Pennsylvania, under the direct guidance of Ian McHarg. The background and mentoring courses undertaken have become the ecological basis for his works which use biodiversity and biomimicry in ecological architecture and master planning, he also joined the British Ecological Society in 1975.

The approaches used in its design refer to ecological-based principles in architectural structures to realize the basis of‘Applied Ecology’, which becomes the material to promote more environmentally friendly, carbon-free, and energy-efficient solutions. Always emphasizing the importance of designing buildings based on the local climate and environmental conditions.

During his career, more than 200 development projects spread throughout Asia, Europe, and Australia, including eco-friendly and bioclimatic high-rise buildings, residences, and many more masterplans and eco-friendly city designs. He is also active in giving lectures at various conferences and architecture schools in more than 30 countries worldwide.

Ken Yeang as a Lecturer (cr: TR Hamzah Yeang Sdn Bhd)

His great works include Roof-Roof House (Malaysia), Menara Mesiniaga (Malaysia), National Library Singapore, Solaris (Singapore), Spire Edge Tower (India), DiGi Data Centre (Malaysia), Ganendra Art House (Malaysia), Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Extension (England), and Genome Research Building (Hong Kong). Thanks to his success and everything he has achieved, he has received various prestigious awards, including the Aga Khan Award for Architecture for Menara Mesiniaga, Prince Claus Award, Auguste Perret Award (from the International Union of Architects), Liang SiCheng International Award (from the Architectural Society of China), Gold Medal from the Malaysian Institute of Architects. For all his work and efforts in the world of architecture, especially in ecological design, in 2008, the UK newspaper The Guardian named him as one of the 50 people who can save the planet.

Roof-Roof House (cr: TR Hamzah Yeang Sdn Bhd)

Menara Mesiniaga (cr: Aga Khan Development Network)

Ganendra Art House (cr: TR Hamzah Yeang Sdn Bhd)