Contemporary cities today are complex arenas where a multitude of conflicting needs intersect. MVRDV approaches architecture and urban design as tools to mediate and harmonize these tensions.How can we create an artificial cityscape that feels even more natural than untouched nature itself? How can we densify urban areas without compromising quality of life? How do we preserve individual identities within a collective framework? How can innovation grow from the foundation of tradition? And ultimately, how can architecture serve as a meaningful and supportive base for human activity?

On 26 April, Associate Director Kyo Suk Lee, and Senior Project Leader and Urban Designer Chun Hoi Hui will present a series of MVRDV projects that explore these fundamental questions at the Chinese Academy of Art, offering insights into the firm’s vision for shaping future cities. 

Kyo Suk Lee is an Architect and Associate Director at MVRDV. Lee is responsible for Asian urbanism and strategic projects within MVRDV’s Asia Studio, and plays an integral role in the design of multiple signature MVRDV projects, both in Asia and around the world. In his multi-continental practice, across Asia, South America, and Europe, Lee has led the design and realization of the Tianjin Binhai Library in China, Seoullo 7017 and the Tancheon Waterfront Development in Korea, as well as Ilot Queyries in France, among many others. Driving the success of his approach and practice is his dedication to design by research, and research by design, as well as articulating conceptual simplicity from a project’s inherent complexities. Lee is a graduate of Rotterdam’s Berlage Institute, and has also worked as a researcher with Urban Think Tank in Venezuela.

Chun Hoi Hui joined MVRDV in 2016 where he is now a senior project leader and urban designer. He studied architecture at Delft University of Technology with The Why Factory, which focused on future city transformation. At MVRDV, he has been working on strategic planning and urban design of various projects worldwide that proposes urban visions and strategies including topics of carbon neutral transition, sustainable development, urban regeneration and future mobility.

• Date & Time: 26 April | 14:00 (CST). 
• Location: Lecture Hall, No. 15 Building, Xiangshan Campus of China Academy of Arts.