Dato' Dr. Kenneth Yeang

Recipient of Outstanding Contribution to Environment and Planetary Health 2011

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A Pioneer of Green Design

Dato' Yeang received his first qualifications in architecture from the Architectural Association School ('AA') in London. His work on the green agenda started in the 1970s with his doctoral dissertation at the University of Cambridge on ecological design and planning.

Adopting an ecology based approach, he successfully applied those principles to architecture and urban design, a pursuit that spanned over nearly 4 decades of his professional life and delivered over 200 built projects. His contribution to architectural design is also acknowledged internationally through numerous awards for his built work.

The birth of a ‘longhaired hippie’

Back in the days, Dato’ Yeang was regarded as a ‘longhaired hippie’, a term given to anybody who was interested in green technology and ecology.

Nevertheless, he persisted and completed his doctorate in the topics which became his life’s agenda.

Dato’ Yeang says, “I have an agenda of the things I want to do in my life – essentially wanting to make the world green through design innovation. This is my mission in life. Once I decided that this is what my life is all about then everything else fell in place in fulfilling the agenda and achieving this to the best that I can and doing it better than anybody else. This is what drives me – serendipity, discovery and invention.”

His dedication to sustainable design and innovation has made significant contributions to environmental conservation and sustainable development. His unwavering passion and determination have driven him to achieve remarkable success in his field, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.

Spearheading bioclimatic design

After facing resistance to green design from clients in the early days, Dato’ Yeang began privately adopting an approach known as 'bioclimatic design.'

This involves crafting buildings as passive low-energy structures responsive to local climatic conditions. Applying this bioclimatic approach, he constructed his residence, the 'Roof-Roof' House in Ampang, back in 1984.

His early built works, adopting climate responsive bioclimatic principles as passive-mode low-energy design, became a useful armature for his later ecologically sustainable design work. He successfully extended the application of these principles to the high-rise building type which led to his being widely regarded as the 'father' or inventor of the 'bioclimatic skyscraper'.

Building impactful architecture

Dato’ Yeang is a principal in T. R. Hamzah and Yeang Sdn Bhd. and has played a pivotal role in the firm’s recognition as the ‘8th Most Innovative Architectural Firm’ globally.

His contributions to architectural design are globally acknowledged through prestigious awards, including the Aga Khan Award for the Menara Mesiniaga tower. His designs, exemplifying low-energy principles, received international acclaim, reinforcing the shift toward environmentally conscious architecture.

Driven by a mission to make the world greener through design innovation, Dato' Yeang envisions achieving his goals before passing away. He emphasises the importance of innovation, benefiting humankind, and making a positive impact on people's lives.

Disclaimer:
The information in this award recipient's profile is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the time the award was presented. Any subsequent changes, updates, or developments in the individual's life or achievements may not be reflected in this profile.

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