September 4–November 16, 2023
Department of Architecture
3/F, Knowles Building, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road
Hong Kong
T +852 3917 2133
architecture@hku.hk
The Good Life lecture series
In the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle suggests that eudaimonia—a good life is about living in pursuit of pleasure, wittiness, fulfillment, connections and, friendships. How can we live in pursuit of a Good Life today?
We live at a pivotal time. Geopolitical shifts, global volatility, unprecedented migrations, diasporas, fast-paced technology, climate crises, health crises, and looming recessions are colliding.
Increasingly scarce resources—from the biosphere to the economy—and extreme unbalances in their distribution, call for action. The global model as we knew it requires some reconsideration if we are to prevent continuous meltdowns. If crises are opportunities to discern and, examine, what is The Good Life today?
Under the current fast-changing conditions, one question is how architecture and territorial strategies may be able to evolve and gain relevance in a global arena to provide better living environments, preserve nature and, provide more livable and inclusive cities. Technological innovation is seen as a key infrastructure to alleviate urban complexities and imbalances and to resolve a crucial problem: if cities are a laboratory to test future lifestyles, they are also, to a great extent, unsustainable places.
The provocative question is, how can we create environments where people are happier, healthier and more creative? Can technologies smoother inequalities when it comes to access to more sustainable and desirable lifestyles?
These issues will be discussed and teased out from our speakers which include Wang Shu (China), David Neustein/Other Architects (Australia), Rafi Segal (United States/Israel), Sofia Pia Belenky/Space Caviar (United States/Italy), Nahyun Hwang/NHDM (United States/Korea) and, Philip Ursprung (Denmark).
The series has been conceived and organized by Alessandra Cianchetta, Architect & Associate Professor, assisted by Jojo Chan.
Lecture schedule (GMT +8)
Monday, September 4, 2023, 6:30–8pm
2023 Andrew K F Lee Lectureship in Architecture Design / Restoring Nature: a “natural” way of making architecture by Wang Shu. Raysan Huang Theatre, the University of Hong Kong.
Tuesday, October 3, 2023, 6:30–8pm
“Less is Less” by David Neustein. KB419, 4/F, Knowles Building, The University of Hong Kong. Zoom available here.
Friday, October 27, 2023, 6:30–8pm
“Architecture as Collective Form” by Rafi Segal. KB419, 4/F, Knowles Building, The University of Hong Kong. Zoom available here.
Friday, November 3, 2023, 6:30–8pm
“Non-Extractive Architecture” by Sofia Pia Belenky/SPACE CAVIAR. KB419, 4/F, Knowles Building, The University of Hong Kong. Zoom available here.
Tuesday, November 7, 2023, 6:30–8pm
“Migrating Commons” by Nahyun Hwang/NHDM. KB419, 4/F, Knowles Building, The University of Hong Kong. Zoom available here.
Thursday, November 16, 2023, 6:30–8pm
“Neighbours: The Swiss Pavilion at the Architecture Biennale” by Philip Ursprung/ KB419, 4/F, Knowles Building, The University of Hong Kong. Zoom available here.
Enquiry: jojohl [at] hku.hk. All lectures are open to the general public. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis and no prior reservation is needed.
If you wish to add the lecture series to your Google calendar, please select the following link: here. Remark: By default, shared calendars won’t show up on smartphones. In order to change these settings, you must visit following link and turn on the “HKU Lecture Series” calendar: here.
