Jury citation
The 2023 Leadership in Sustainability Prize is awarded to Iris Se Young Hwang, who has committed her career to thought leadership, research and education, including a dedication to allowing engineering to enhance design rather than to dictate it. Hwang’s contribution to sustainability in the built fabric of our megacities is undeniable, with her influence extending not only across international cities but also across environmental design disciplines.
Hwang has demonstrated innovation in multiple areas, including in the development of a waste-management strategy for Seoul, the design of a green building assessment tool currently being used in Hong Kong, and the implementation of incentives that attempt to effect mass change and inspire further research. She takes the knowledge and experience gained through her work into other professions and into the education of future generations, which speaks to her greater goal of giving back to society.
“Architects should have fundamental understandings of all aspects of building, including engineering and sustainability, in order to push the boundary and establish collaborative partnerships with engineers, rather than engineering being sidelined in the creative process of architecture,” said Alec Tzannes, one of Hwang’s early teachers and mentors. Clearly, Hwang has not only heard these words, but executed them with commendable success and impact.
Jury
Shannon Battisson FRAIA (Chair) – National President, Australian Institute of Architects | The Mill: Architecture and Design
Paul Memmott LFRAIA – The University of Queensland
Andrew Pickard – Powerhaus Engineering
Sarah Lebner RAIA – Cooee Architecture
Source
Award
Published online: 3 May 2023
Words:
ArchitectureAU Editorial
Images:
supplied
Issue
Architecture Australia, May 2023
