The ISE Opening Keynote claims to have one the “world’s leading architects.” Ole Scheeren is currently working on a series of projects, including Guardian Art Center, the new exhibition space and headquarters for China’s oldest art auction house currently under construction in close proximity to the Forbidden City in Beijing; DUO, a contemporary twin-tower mixed-use development comprising residences, offices, Andaz Singapore hotel and retail gallery in Singapore; MahaNakhon, at 314-meter soon to be Bangkok’s tallest tower and housing the Ritz-Carlton Residences; Angkasa Raya, a 268-meter tall landmark building in the center of Kuala Lumpur; and a studio/gallery building for a Beijing-based artist.

In his Opening Address entitled ‘Connective Architecture(s) Reloaded,’ Scheeren will share his vision of contemporary architectural and urban development and explore how technology and architectural design combine to influence the creativity of one another.

Scheeren commented: “Through the lens of my practices’ architectural projects, buildings can be understood as tools for communication, tools for living and working together. Ultimately, architecture allows its users to connect through physical spaces. We have to ask ourselves: how do we script the interplay between digital space and physical space?”

The presentation will cover connectivity and architecture as a tool for communication. Specifically, it will look at the differences between connectivity through architecture and connectivity through technology and how to link the two. Scheeren will also explore how architectural and technological systems influence our lives. Finally, he will look at a selection of his high profile architectural projects.

Scheeren is the principal of Buro Ole Scheeren. With offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Berlin and Bangkok he is its chief designer and leads the company’s strategic development. His current projects include the Guardian Art Center, near the Forbidden City in Beijing, 1500 West Georgia in downtown Vancouver, DUO, a mixed-use twin tower in Singapore, and MahaNakhon, Bangkok’s tallest skyscraper.

He has been awarded numerous prizes, including the WAF 2015 World Building of the Year for The Interlace, Singapore, the CTBUH 2013 Best Tall Building award for CCTV and the 2014 inaugural Urban Habitat Award for The Interlace. Previously Scheeren worked with Rem Koolhaas at OMA as a Director and Partner to oversee the projects in Asia.

The Official Opening Reception and networking event will take place in the Forum Lounge and will immediately follow the completion of the Opening Address. Both are free to attend. Complementary drinks and hot food is available for all attendees. It’s an ideal opportunity to relax, network and plan out your time at ISE 2017.

You can register here.