Speaker Andrew Davies

Date 19.10.2022

Location Atrium, Lee Shau Kee Architecture Building, CUHK; and via Zoom

Difficult social problems that threaten the existence of humanity, such as Climate Change, require unconventional and innovative solutions to enact change. Climate change is an issue of values and lifestyle choices and the solution to building low-carbon communities requires public engagement, awareness, and education. To solve new social problems, we need to construct new definitions of the roles and responsibilities of professionals and the work that they do. We need to disrupt and augment existing systems by creating new examples and precedents so that change can occur. The unique multidisciplinary and rigorous aspects of the architectural education can prepare individuals to become change makers. The utilization of design thinking for problem-solving employed by Architects can apply to both physical and social issues. With vision, persistence, dedication, and optimism Architects can become change makers for a better world.

Andrew Daviesreceived a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Queen's University, a Masters in Architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture and a Masters of Science in Cities from the London School of Economics. Through his extensive career in the visual arts, first at MoMA and then as a public art consultant in Toronto, Davies has learned the power and influence that art and culture can have on our society. In 2006, he founded the charitable arts organization No.9: Contemporary Art & the Environment in support of artists and their quest to bring awareness to pressing environmental issues. Under Davies direction, No.9 has produced and commissioned more than 30 public art installations in Toronto and delivered hands-on sustainable design education to over 5,000 students across Canada.

In 2018, No.9 launched Canada’s first Sustainability and Reconciliation Centre called No.9 Gardens. This alternative educational facility empowers students through creative hands-on learning to lead a revolution in building sustainable communities.

Davies has taught at Eyebeam Atelier in New York and at George Brown College in Toronto, Canada. He has spoken at lectures, reviews and symposiums around the world including MIT Media Lab, Columbia University and MoMA. He served on the Educational Advisory Committee at the Art Gallery of Ontario and currently sits on the Environmental Advisory Committee for the Toronto District School Board. He resides in Canada with his wife, Elizabeth and their two children, Hanna and Rupert.

The lecture will be conducted in English. For non-CUHK participants, please register here.

Click here for details of the Public Lecture Series 2022-23.