Ken Yeang: Veg.itect

Defining the concept of Vegetated Architecture led me to identify some of the key players in the field. Rather than continue the segregation of disciplines, Veg.itecture spans disciplines, further blurring the lines of established practice regimes. This does not demark territories where only the few architect/LA dual practicioners are allowed to have this mantle, but rather it is indicative of a unique approach - one where building and landscape are not discernable as individual elements.

Ken Yeang epitomizes the concept, perhaps stronger than any current architect. His concepts of bioclimatic high-rise design has been a signature of his designs - maxing aesthetic and technical principles.


:: image via Jetson Green

These include the following strategies (from daaq.net): "Bioclimatic skyscrapers are skyscrapers that use environmentally and climatically sensitive forms and means of construction. The points Yeang considers vital to bioclimatic skyscraper design are:

:: variability in facade and building performance in response to climate and location
:: alignment of building along the solar path
:: flexibility to adjust to different climatic needs throughout the year
:: use of entirely passive means of lighting and ventilation whenever possible
:: material selection based on ecologically sound principles"

This is a similar conceptual framework to a recent post on Defining Veg.itecture, which maybe is whay Yeang get's the top slot for Veg.itects. A recent project profile on Jetson Green - confirms this featuring his current firm of Llewelyn Davies Yeang and their plans for Turkey's Zorlu Ecocity.

:: images via Jetson Green

Some other projects of note (and keep an eye out the forms of vegetated facades).


:: Elephant and Castle Eco Towers London - image via MoMa


:: Editt Tower Malaysia - image via Index


:: Chongqing Tower, China - image via Jetson Green


:: Human Research Institute, Hong Kong - image via Jetson Green


:: Macau Master Plan - image via Jetson Green


:: BIDV Tower, Vietnam - image via Jetson Green

Relatedly, Yeang will be speaking in the Ecocity World Summit on April 22-26 in San Francisco, alongside pretty much anyone you can imagine, call it the Monsters of Ecocities Tour. My guess the Veg.itects will be out in force at this event - and most definitely more to come from Ken Yeang.