Speakers

Keynote Speech

Riken Yamamoto

Japan

Renowned Japanese architect Riken Yamamoto (山本理顕) was born in Beijing, China in 1945 Celebrated for his innovative designs and contributions to architecture, his designs often emphasize community interaction and sustainable architecture.

He is a recipient of the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2024. He earned his bachelor's degree from Nihon University in 1967 and a master's degree from Tokyo University of the Arts in 1971. He also studied under Hiroshi Hara at the University of Tokyo. In 1973, he founded Riken Yamamoto & Field Shop Co., Ltd. He has held teaching positions at several institutions, including Yokohama National University and Nihon University. He also served as the president of Nagoya Zokei University of Art & Design from 2018 to 2022. Some of his significant projects include the Yokosuka Museum of Art, Namics Techno Core, and Future University Hakodate Research Building. Yamamoto has received numerous accolades, including the Architectural Institute of Japan Award and the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2024. In 2025, he was honored with the Crystal Award.

Keynote Forum

Lee Sang Leem

Korea / City architect of Incheon, Space group

Lee Sang Leem is a prominent Korean architect who served as the chairman of Space Group, one of Korea's most influential architectural firms. Lee Sang Leem is a key figure at Space Group, contributing to its legacy of innovative and culturally significant architectural designs. He has been involved in various projects that emphasize the integration of art, culture, and architecture.

Lee has participated in projects like the SAVINA Museum of Contemporary Art, where he collaborated with other architects and artists to create a space that harmonizes natural light, structure, and the surrounding environment. As a leader of Space Group, Lee Sang Leem has been instrumental in promoting architecture that embodies humanism and cultural values. The firm under his guidance continues to focus on creating spaces that inspire and connect communities. He also served as the president of KIA ( Korea Institute of Architects).

Keynote Forum

Park Yeon Soo

Doctor of Engineering / Former 4th Commissioner of the National Emergency Management Agency

Dr.Yeon Soo Park has held key leadership positions in both national and local government. At the national level, he served as the 4th Commissioner of the National Emergency Management Agency. Within the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, he held prominent roles including Director General of the Local Government Officials Development Institute (LOGODI) and Director General of the Local Finance and Taxation Bureau. At the local level, Dr. Park served the Incheon Metropolitan City Government in various senior capacities, including Director General for Planning and Management, Director General for Urban Planning, and Mayor of Dong-gu District.

In 1986, during his tenure as Director General for Urban Planning in Incheon, he initiated the Incheon International Airport and New Songdo City projects. Over a period of more than two decades, he successfully persuaded three mayors and four presidents to support and implement these visionary initiatives. As a result, the Incheon International Airport and Songdo International City came to fruition. Songdo International City was originally conceived and developed with the vision of becoming an“Intelligent City.

Keynote Forum

Lee Jung Hoon

Prof. Jung Hoon LEE, Graduate School of Information, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea

Professor Jung Hoon LEE is a professor at the Graduate School of Information at Yonsei University and Director of the Center for Digital Transformation and Technology Management. He currently serves as President of the Korea Society of IT Services and has held various key roles, including the Sixth Honorary Mayor of Seoul Metro Government, Chair of the Seoul Smart City Committee, and Member of the National Smart City Committee for the Republic of Korea. Professor LEE is an active member of the Data Disclosure and Utilization Subcommittee under the Public Data Strategy Committee and the Working Group on Production and Sharing within the National Data Policy Committee. Since 2023, he has been serving as the Korean representative in the expert group for the UN-Habitat’s “International Guidelines on People-Centered Smart Cities”.

Special Lecture1

David-Pierre Jalicon

France

David-Pierre Jalicon is a renowned French architect who has made significant contributions to architecture in Korea. Some of his iconic works include the Aqua-Art Bridge near the Seoul Arts Center, the French School in Sorae Maeul, the Maison Cartier, and the RSM Tower. He has also designed flagship stores for luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Omega2.

Jalicon arrived in Korea in 1996 and established his architectural firm, DPJ & Partners, which operates in both Seoul and Paris. His firm specializes in architecture, interior design, and engineering, with a focus on integrating traditional values like geomancy and Confucianism into contemporary designs. Jalicon has received prestigious awards such as the Grand Prix d’Architecture from the Beaux-Arts Academy and the Pierre Cardin Architectural Prize. He was also honored as an honorary citizen of Seoul in 2006 and received the French Order of Arts and Letters. In addition to his architectural work, Jalicon serves as the chairman of the French-Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), promoting cultural and business exchanges between France and Korea

Special Lecture2

Kim Hong Shin

novelist of Korea

Kim Hongshin is a celebrated South Korean novelist, known for his impactful storytelling and exploration of social issues. Kim's writing often delves into political oppression, social injustice, and the human condition, resonating deeply with readers and critics alike. His most famous work, ‘Human Market’, was serialized from 1981 to 1989. This novel gained widespread popularity for its honest depiction of the struggles of the petit bourgeois and the contradictions of modern society. His works have been celebrated for their cultural and literary significance, making him a prominent figure in Korean literature. Born in 1947, Kim Hongshin made his literary debut in 1976 with the publication of ‘Bonjeondaek’ in a influential Literary magazine - Hyundae Munhak.

Special Lecture3

Kim Sei Yong

Ph.D. in Architecture / professor of Korea

Professor Sei-Yong Kim is a leading expert in urban design and planning at Korea University. He holds degrees from Korea University and Columbia University, and has held visiting positions at Columbia and Harvard. Professor Kim has collaborated internationally with top universities and has advised on major urban development projects in Korea and abroad, including the new administrative capital and Dongtan.

His research focuses on smart cities, sustainable urban development, and urban regeneration. Professor Kim has published extensively and served on various national and international committees. He was President of SH Seoul Housing Corporation from 2018, bridging academia and public service.

Special Lecture4

Angela Lee

FAIA from Singapore

Angela Lee is a distinguished architect and a key figure at HKS, one of the largest architectural design firms in the United States. Based in Singapore, she serves as the Managing Director for the Asia Pacific, Europe, and Middle East regions. As a Partner at HKS, Angela has been instrumental in leading healthcare design projects globally. She established HKS Singapore in 2016 and oversees the firm's operations across the Asia Pacific region.

Angela graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1994. Angela's portfolio includes award-winning healthcare facilities and innovative designs. Some of her projects include the Rabat Ibn Sina Hospital and ParkwayHealth Gleneagles Chengdu Hospital. Angela has been recognized as a thought leader in healthcare design. She was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows in 2022. Angela is a LEED Accredited Professional and holds qualifications in Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification. She is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, and served on the Urban Land Institute’s Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) Steering Committee. Additionally, she serves on the board of Global Health Charity based in Detroit, Michigan and Mosaic Family Services based in Dallas, Texas.

Special Lecture5

Andra Matin

Indonesia

Andra Matin, (AKA Isandra Matin), is a prominent Indonesian architect celebrated for his modern and clean architectural style. Andra Matin has received numerous accolades, including multiple IAI (Indonesian Architects Association) Awards. His work has been showcased in international exhibitions such as the Venice Architecture Biennale and GA Gallery in Tokyo.

Born in Bandung, Indonesia, in 1962, Andra Matin graduated from Parahyangan Catholic University in 1988 with a degree in architecture. In 1998, he founded his own firm, Andramatin, based in Jakarta. His work spans residential projects, large-scale buildings, furniture design, and urban planning. Some of his iconic works include the Potato Head Beach Club in Bali, Banyuwangi Airport, Gelora Bung Karno Aquatic Center, and the Museum Lokananta in Solo. His designs are known for their modernist approach and sensitivity to tropical climates. His projects have been featured in various architectural publications, and he has authored books like Haikk! and Obrigado. He is also the founder of "Rabu(n) Senja," a monthly discussion series on architecture and related fields.

Special Session 1

Kim Jae Kyung

architect/ professor of Korea

Kim Jaekyung is a distinguished architect, researcher, and educator, currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture at Hanyang University. He is the founder and design director of JK-AR, an architectural research and design studio based in Seoul. His work focuses on reimagining East Asian timber architecture, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. Some of his acclaimed works include the "House of Three Trees" (2019), "Pavilion of Floating Lights" (2022), and "House for Rejuvenation" (2025). These projects showcase his innovative approach to timber architecture and sustainable design.

Kim Jaekyung graduated from Hanyang University with a degree in Architectural Engineering. He later pursued a Master of Architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he received the prestigious Imre Halasz Thesis Prize for his outstanding master's thesis. Kim has received numerous accolades, including the Honor Award from the Canadian Wood Council's Wood Design & Building Awards (2023), the Grand Prize at the Korean Wood Design Awards (2019 and 2022), and the Eom Deok-Mun Prize from the Korean Institute of Architects (2019).

Forum_Emerging Voices of Asia

Suttahathai Niyomwas

Thailand / Architect and Urban Designer / ASA

Suttahathai Niyomwas (Jan) is an architect and urban designer from Thailand, and a Fulbright Scholar. Her work focuses on community-centric design, urban data, and placemaking, with a strong emphasis on translating local voices into spatial strategies and revitalization plans.

Jan holds a Master’s in Advanced Architecture from Cornell University and is a licensed architect in Thailand. She has practiced internationally, including in New York City, where she worked on both architectural and urban design projects. Now based in Thailand, she is a co-founder of City Connext, leading projects that integrate architecture, urban design, and civic engagement. Her work spans public space reimagination, urban vision planning, co-created learning tools, and initiatives that empower youth to take part in shaping their cities.

With a background in research-based and participatory design, Jan has won several national and international design competitions. She is also a frequent speaker and guest lecturer, actively advocating for youth involvement in urban development through exhibitions, cultural exchanges, and community-based research.

Forum_Emerging Voices of Asia

Lee Chang kyu, Kang Jung Yoon

Korea / a root architecture / KIRA

Lee Changkyu was born in Jeju and graduated from Jeju National University with a degree in architecture and Kang Jung Yoon was born in Seoul and graduated from Ewha Womans University with a degree in architectural engineering. They learned practical work at the ‘guga Urban Architecture’ and later established the ‘a root architecture’.

‘a root architecture’ is an architecture design studio founded by Lee Changkyu and Kang Jung yoon. They explore the fundamentals of architecture and seek to the basics, just like "a root" that is the basis of music. In addition, they work with interest in old times and places, thinking about an unique space suitable for us living in the present. Their main works are Gosan-jip(2017), Slowboat atelier(2018), Mokwoljae(2022), Woljeong-ri Doojip(2024) and Veke(2024). They won a special prize at the Jeju Architecture Awards as ‘Gosan-jip’ and ‘Woljeong-ri Doojip’ in 2020, 2024 and the Grand Prize at the Korea Wooden Architecture Competition as ‘Mokwoljae’ in 2023.  

Forum_Emerging Voices of Asia

Hyun seung hun

Korea / Sunlab / KIRA

Hyun seunghun is the founder of Sunlab Architects, which he established in 2013 after working at TED ARCHITECTS and 2105 Architects. He holds a degree in Architectural Engineering from Sungkyunkwan University, where he also teaches as an adjunct professor.

His work explores the social role of architecture, utilizing the framework of a social enterprise to develop alternative and community-centered approaches to design and practice.

In recognition of these efforts, he was awarded the Korea Young Architect Award in 2024 for his commitment to socially engaged architecture.

He also serves as a public architect for both Seoul and Jeju, leading initiatives in social housing, urban regeneration, and community space renovation.

His design philosophy focuses on creating spaces rooted in local context—practical, inclusive, and connected to daily life.

Forum_Emerging Voices of Asia

Chung Isak , Hong Jin pyo

Korea / A.CO.LAB/ KIRA

A.CO.LAB stands for “architecture collaboratory”. Since 2013, we have maintained practice in architectural design, regional planning, exhibition curation and public research. A.CO.LAB has participated in various exhibitions, public installations such as <Seoul Is Museum>, <Hangang Art Park>, <Gyeonggi Art Festa>, and <MMCA Art Bus Shelter>. A.CO.LAB’s work has been exhibited at the MMCA, Arko Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Busan, Suwon Museum of Art, Doosan Art Center, and Culture Station Seoul 284.

A.CO.LAB believes that architecture is not just a building or design, architecture is an idea and an attitude. A.CO.LAB explores the perimeter of architecture and ponders the ever-changing role of contemporary architecture. Since its establishment, A.CO.LAB has been thinking of ‘Rest-ism’, and continued to explore the identity of the Korean Peninsula architecture, believing that the edge of life, the residual’s shape and skill that we encounter in daily lives, so do not pay attention, contains the most important unconscious collective everyone can sympathize with.

Forum_Emerging Voices of Asia

Lee Eui jung

Korea / Architectural Regeneration Studio / KIRA

Lee Euijung understands architecture not merely as spatial design but as a cultural medium that records time and collective memory. As the founding director of Architectural Regeneration Studio(建築再生工房) in Incheon, South Korea, he documents and renews modern architectural heritage and endangered buildings, concentrating on the city’s historic core.

He was educated at Kobe Design University in Japan, where he specialised in architectural heritage and traditional villages. In the historic district of Kurashiki he helped restore vernacular houses and took part in community-led regeneration programmes—experience that continues to inform his practice.

Since establishing his studio in 2015, Lee has completed numerous site-specific projects that reinterpret disused structures through an “architecture of reuse.” His signature work, Archive Café Bingo, transformed a 1920s ice warehouse into a community cultural hub. Subsequent projects have adaptively reused former inns, Japanese-style dwellings, schools and office buildings.

Respecting the memory embedded in everyday spaces, he seeks to renew their meaning through thoughtful regeneration. He also broadens public engagement with the built environment by leading citizen initiatives such as Dongincheon Explorer, Gyeongin Collective and Juckso.