THE U.A.B BUILDING (GEORGE TOWN, PENANG)
The PAM (Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia) 2018 Building Of The Year & Gold Awards
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Rating
Synopsis
The stunning restoration and adaptive reuse of the UAB Building for Khazanah Nasional and Think City embodies the very principles of sustainability where environmental, social and economic concerns are addressed holistically. The overall approach for this conservation project have gone beyond the concerns of historical restoration, bringing the heritage site to a new level of international best practice ‘green building’ standards. It is the first Malaysian heritage building to be awarded Gold status for the internationally coveted U.S. LEED (Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design) rating.
Physical and Cultural heritage has been embodied with the very principles of the Biophilic notion of the human need to affiliate with nature and other forms of life.
Prof Loh will share with us the journey behind this ground-breaking project, and how energy, building and cultural conservation can and should hand-in-hand.
‘Exemplary edifice which not only honours its rich architectural lineage but also resolutely demonstrates the innate connection to nature and natural processes to enhance health and well-being of spaces to work, play and live in.’ – PAM Jury Citation.
Speaker’s Bio
Professor Laurence Loh (Executive Director, Arkitek LLA Sdn. Bhd.)
Professor Loh is a graduate of the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London. He has operated his own design practice in Penang since 1983 and is one of the leading practitioners in the conservation field in Malaysia. His conservation work has been recognized with the following UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards: Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Penang (Most Excellent Project, 2000), Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Melaka (Award of Merit, 2003), Merdeka Stadium, Kuala Lumpur (Award of Excellence, 2008) and Suffolk House, Penang (Award of Distinction, 2008). In addition, he continues to work with UNESCO as an expert resource person in various conservation programmes. His work has garnered several PAM & Industrial Awards for excellence in conservation as well as residential building design, interior design, and the use of materials and technology. He is a fellow of the Hong Kong Institute of Conservationists, a past President of Badan Warisan Malaysia and a Director of Think City Sdn Bhd (an urban rejuvenation platform). Prof. Loh is also a member of the URA Architectural Heritage Awards Assessment Committee (2017-2018).
[2 CPD points will be awarded for BOA/SIA members]