Yeo Siew Haip talks about regenerative futures in architecture at BOA seminar

The world’s demand and consumption of ecological resources are increasingly surpassing Earth’s ability to regenerate. Additionally, the built environment sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Given the global climate crises, aiming to "do less harm" is insufficient, and net-zero approaches are no longer adequate. In light of these problems, there is a need for cities to be designed to be sustainable, resilient, and future-proof. 

Yeo Siew Haip, Chief Executive of SAA Architects and SJ, Buildings + Cities, was invited to speak at the annual Board of Architects (BOA) Presentation Ceremony and Seminar, alongside other thought leaders to contribute to the discussion of this year’s theme: 'Blueprint and Beyond: Navigating the Future of Architecture in a Changing World'.

Siew Haip spoke about the need to move beyond traditional sustainable design practices, and towards adopting a regenerative approach; the latter aims to be nature-positive and propels our environment towards net-positive outcomes.

With this approach, architecture works synchronously with nature, rather than against it, involving the act of restoring, renewing, and revitalising the ecosystems that have been harmed by humans.

Using examples from the work across the SJ businesses, Siew Haip remarked that there is much to learn and adopt from nature. Ideas and principles of biophilia and biomimicry can be emulated and applied in architecture and the broader ecological service, and embedded at various scales and stages of the design process. 

Designing for resilience should go beyond environmentally resilient built and urban landscapes, and also be embedded in social and health aspects. He urged architects to strive to create spaces that not only minimise harm but actively restore our planet and nurture a symbiotic co-existence between man, environment and nature. Thus, redefining architecture for thriving, regenerative futures. 

The annual BOA event is where the architectural fraternity comes together to witness the conferment of registration certificates to newly registered architects. The event also brings together insights and expertise on various relevant topics surrounding the profession and industry.