Snøhetta:

Landscape: The Connector

School of Design 交大设计

邬达克讲堂第21期暨风景园林大师讲坛24期

Landscape has long been a driving factor of Snøhetta's work. Since its inception in 1989, the firm has consistently comprised of both architects and landscape architects working closely with other disciplines and designers. Landscape is integral to its architectural vision, creating spaces that resonate with people and their natural surroundings. This approach has allowed Snøhetta to craft environments that not only serve functional purposes but also foster a deep connection to nature.

In this lecture, Richard and Cheng will explore several new projects, highlighting the intricate interplay between landscapes and buildings. They will delve into the fundamental human need for a connection with nature and ecology, and how this drives their design philosophy. Ultimately creating buildings and landscapes which serve as community centers, fostering engagement and social interactions.

Information

Title

Landscape: The Connector

Speakers

Richard WOOD

Snøhetta

Managing Director Asia at Snøhetta

Cheng GONG

Snøhetta

Studio Director China at Snøhetta

Moderator

Xing RUAN

Dean and Guangqi Chair Professor of Architecture, School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Time

14:30-16:00, Wednesday, Dec 11, 2024

Venue

Yunjing Lecture Hall, the School of Design Building, Minhang Campus, Shanghai Jiao Tong University

上海交大（闵行校区）设计大楼云境厅

Biography of the Speakers

Richard WOOD

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Richard WOOD is the Managing Director Asia at Snøhetta with a focus on developing the firm's projects and values throughout the region. Richard has lived and worked in the region since 2012, designing and leading large public and institutional buildings and urban planning projects throughout. His selected projects at Snøhetta include Tokyo Shibuya Upper West Project, NOT A Hotel in Rusutsu, and among others. Richard has lectured at various educational institutions and design festivals, such as the Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design, FIND Singapore, and among others. Richard received his Master of Architecture at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London, UK. He is a member of the Royal British Institute of Architects.

Cheng GONG

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Cheng GONG is the Studio Director China at Snøhetta, and one of the earliest members of Snøhetta Studio Hong Kong. In 2022, he led and established Snøhetta Studio Shenzhen. Cheng oversees Snøhetta's practice and business development in China. His selected projects at Snøhetta include Shanghai Grand Opera House, Shanghai Nanjing Road East Extension, Beijing Library, and among others. Cheng was guest critic at Syracuse University in New York State in 2020 and the University of Hong Kong in 2018. He has lectured at various educational institutions such as Tongji University (2024) and Fudan University (2024) in Shanghai. Cheng graduated from Southern California Institute of Architecture in Los Angles. He is a member of National Association of Norwegian Architects.

Moderator

Xing RUAN

Xing RUAN , PhD, is Dean and Guangqi Chair Professor of Architecture at School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Xing is Curator of the 18th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia – China Pavilion.

Snøhetta

About Snøhetta

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Snøhetta is a transdisciplinary, dialogue-driven practice including architecture, landscape architecture, interior architecture, art, product design, graphic and digital design, often integrating a combination of interests across projects. Representing different societies and cultures, Snøhetta has more than 350 employees from 40 nations across nine regional studios spanning from Oslo to New York and San Francisco to Innsbruck, Paris, Adelaide, Melbourne, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen.

Snøhetta shares the name with a beautiful, remote, and historically important mountain in central Norway. Snøhetta is a place nobody is from, but anyone can experience. Creating places for societies to connect with each other and with the world around them is a primary motivation in Snøhetta's work. Dialogue and diversity empower this approach.

Snøhetta has realized many internationally acclaimed works around the globe since 1989, including Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Alexandria, 1989-2001), Norwegian National Opera and Ballet (Oslo, 2000-2008), Viewpoint Snøhetta (Hjerkinn, 2009-2011), The National September 11 Memorial Museum Pavilion (New York City, 2004-2014), San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (San Francisco, 2010-2016), Lascaux IV (Montignac-Lascaux, 2012-2016), Times Square (New York City, 2010-2017), Under (Lindesnes, 2016-2019), Trælvikosen (Brønnøysund, 2018-2022), Beijing Library (Beijing, 2018-2023), Vertikal Nydalen (Oslo, 2015-2024), Čoarvemátta (Kautokeino/Guovdageaidnu, 2020-2024), Busan Opera House (Busan, 2012-2025), Shanghai Grand Opera House (Shanghai, 2017-2025), Shibuya Upper West Project (Tokyo, 2022-2027) and among others.

Snøhetta Representative Design Projects

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