HONG KONG, April 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- French architect Thomas Coldefy, of Coldefy & Associes Architectes Urbanistes (CAAU), announces the establishment of his first Asia Pacific office, in Hong Kong. This will enable Coldefy to build on his local experience -- notably designing and constructing the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) -- in order to promote ecological design concepts that enhance low-carbon living in mainland China, Hong Kong and the region.
"I see lots of potentials in the Greater China market. The China's 12th Five Year Plan has a clear focus on low carbon energy and energy efficiency which will have a significant impact on the urban planning and architectural design of the country. Furthermore, the increasing construction area in China currently attains approximately 20 millions sq meters, ranking first in the world. I am sure there are plenty opportunities there for a green architect to demonstrate his capabilities and turn his ecological design concepts into reality, "said Coldefy.
The Hong Kong Design Institute is a good showcase by Coldefy of low-carbon design concept. This prominent ecological building located in Tiu Keng Leng in Hong Kong applies peripheral steel trellis structural system that has reduced the number of columns and walls required, thus reducing usage of construction materials, whilst channelling natural breezes to the interior, to regulate temperature. The comprehensive glass walls of the aerial platform promote utilisation of natural light, which further reduces energy consumption. In addition, the substantial area of indoor greenery partly offsets carbon emissions resulting from the construction. The design won the Prix Tour Eiffel - 2007, and had Coldefy awarded with the Europe 40 Under 40 prize by the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies and The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design in 2010.
"The Chinese government is committed to promoting green design and raising the energy-efficiency standard of the buildings. I am expecting that more and more low-carbon and environmental-friendly buildings will appear in mainland China and Hong Kong and I look forward to contributing to the sustainable development of this region," said Coldefy.
About Thomas Coldefy
In 2006, Thomas Coldefy won the International Architectural Design Competition for the Hong Kong Design Institute; the design subsequently won the Prix Tour Eiffel - 2007. He was awarded the Europe 40 Under 40 prize by the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies and The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design in 2010. This annual award recognizes the most promising and emerging European design talent who will impact on future living and working environments, cities, and rural areas in Europe and around the world. Engaging in the industry for nearly 10 years, he has worked for several renowned architecture and urban planning agencies, including SCAU, Franck Hammoutene, SOM and Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates. He joined COLDEFY & ASSOCIES ARCHITECTES URBANISTES (CAAU) in 2006, and graduated from the Ecole Speciale d'Architecture in 2002.
