Constructed Ecosystems

Presented here are the assemblies and subsystems used in Ken Yeang's projects, illustrating the ways in which ecological architecture could advance technically through devices and components that articulate and enhance "passive-mode" (bioclimatic low-energy design), mixed-mode, and sub-systems that foster ecological integration between the organic landscape, human occupants, and the inorganic, human-built environment. While the focus of most "green architects" tends to be technical compliance, Yeang's contention is that an eco-architecture needs to fully embrace the natural world and to have buildings designed and constructed as "living systems." Green design is still very much in its adolescence, and there is considerable work to be done. The assemblies and subsystems here illustrate the need for such developmental work. This is Eco-Architecture. AUTHOR: Ken Yeang (born 1948) is a Malaysian architect, ecologist and author known for his signature ecoarchitecture and ecomasterplans. Yeang is an early pioneer of ecology-based green design and masterplanning, carrying out design and research in this field since 1971. He is named by the Guardian as one of the 50 people who could save the planet. Yeang had served as board member of the public-listed MBf Property Unit Trust and the Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (Malaysian Institute of Architects) Education Fund. His key built works include the Roof-Roof House (Malaysia), Menara Mesiniaga (an IBM franchise) (Malaysia), National Library Singapore (Singapore), Solaris (Singapore with CPG Consult), Spire Edge Tower (India with Abraxas Architects), DiGi Data Centre (Malaysia), Ganendra Art House (Malaysia), Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital Extension (under Llewelyn Davies Yeang, UK), and the Genome Research Building (Hong Kong with Andrew Lee King Fun & Associates). 300 colour