SYNOPSIS

Public pedestrian space is the essence of a city; allocating and managing it is a matter of deliberate policy. Similarly, there is not a “natural” level of car use; it is a political decision how much space will be allotted to cars and how much cars will be used, as well as how infrastructure for other modes of transport, such as trains, buses, and bicycles are developed. Getting transport planning priorities right, along with other investment in quality public space, is key to a city’s sustainable development, quality of life, competitiveness and social justice, all of which are complementary goals. With the right policies and leadership, Chinese cities can become the world’s best; different and better than any existing cities.

Bogota, the capital of Colombia, is a young city, with 7 million inhabitants, and its experiments are relevant to many Chinese cities. Hong Kong is already a world city and a leader in many areas, but lessons learned worldwide regarding quality of life, public space, pedestrian facilities, and vehicle restrictions all have strong local relevance, especially as regards the translation of vision and priorities into policies and concrete actions.

At the conclusion of 10 days in China, Enrique Peñalosa, former mayor of Bogota, will describe how leaders in Hong Kong and Mainland China can profit from failures and successes elsewhere, and challenge them to invent a new and different model of urban development; more propitious to health, happiness, more sustainable, more equitable and more competitive.

BIO OUTLINE

Enrique Penalosa is an innovative contemporary urban thinker, capable of understanding different urban contexts and proposing imaginative projects and solutions to improve quality of life and mobility.

In the space of just three years as mayor of Bogota, from 1998-2001, Dr. Peñalosa transformed his city from a dangerous and congested mess into a leading example of sustainable urban development. Today, Dr. Peñalosa is called the world over to present his experience, analysis and proposals to create better human habitats. He has spoken at forums in all continents and his views have been featured in many of the world's most important media.

Rescheduled to 7 Jul 08 (Mon) - Postponed from 25 Jun 08 due to Tropical Storm Fengshen

“An International Region of the AIA”
A Presentation by Dean Ralph Lerner FAIA, AIA International Director, and Glenn Wing AIA, President AIA Hong Kong

For the first time in its 150 year history, the governing structure of the American Institute of Architects is taking a comprehensive look at the global nature of today’s architectural profession, and of the practice of its members living and working outside of the United States.

With the support and encouragement of the International Committee, the International Director, and the leadership of the four existing chapters representing members outside of the US (AIA Hong Kong, AIA Japan, AIA UK, and AIA Continental Europe), a movement is in progress to petition the Institute Board of Directors to create a new International Region, which will specifically exist to represent the issues and concerns of AIA members working outside of the US to the Institute as a whole, and to create a truly global platform on which the growth and expansion of the Institute as a professional organization can take place.

Dean Ralph Lerner FAIA, AIA International Director (2008-2010) and Glenn Wing AIA, 2008 President of AIA Hong Kong shall present the current status of the AIA Hong Kong Chapter, how our members are currently represented within the AIA as a whole, and how the proposed International Region may enhance and expand the potential benefits of membership in the AIA for members and potential members working in our region and globally.

Members will be asked to consider adoption by the Hong Kong Chapter of a resolution in support of the proposal. The presentation will seek to obtain feedback and discussion amongst our members on the pros and cons of the proposed International Region, issues which will be instrumental in the larger Institute-wide consideration of the proposal.

Please come to participate in this important presentation and discussion about the future of the AIA in our region !!!

Dean Ralph Lerner FAIA, HKIA, B.Arch. (The Cooper Union); M.Arch. (Harvard University), became Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Chair Professor of Architecture at the University of Hong Kong on 1 February 2006. Prior to joining the University he was George Dutton ‘27 Professor of Architecture and Dean of the School of Architecture at Princeton University (1989-2002).