City School of Architecture
 

CSA & National University of Singapore Exchange Program ‘25

A collaborative initiative between the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the City School of Architecture (CSA), successfully concluded a three-day workshop and exchange program from February 6 to 8, 2025. Held at the City School of Architecture, this immersive program provided a platform for students, academics, and industry professionals to engage in meaningful discussions on sustainable architecture, regenerative urbanism, and innovative design strategies.

The program featured a series of lectures, interactive discussions, and hands-on workshops led by esteemed experts from NUS. A highlight of the event was the guest lecture series held on February 7, where two distinguished speakers from NUS shared their expertise on sustainable design.

On the second day, Associate Professor Dr. Nirmal Tulsidas Kishnani presented a compelling session on "Systems Thinking as a Design Approach," emphasizing the importance of holistic and regenerative design principles. His discussion on Net Zero Energy Building SDE4 provided valuable insights into creating environmentally responsible and energy-efficient structures.

Following this, Professor of Practice Archt. Wong Mun Summ, co-founder of the renowned architectural firm WOHA, delivered an inspiring lecture on "Form Intelligence by WOHA." His presentation explored how architecture can seamlessly integrate with nature to create resilient, community-driven, and sustainable spaces. Attendees were captivated by his case studies, including The Met, Bangkok, Oasia Hotel Downtown, and Kampung Admiralty, which showcased how urban environments can function as interconnected ecosystems.

The three-day program also included design workshops, interactive discussions, and collaborative exercises, where participants had the opportunity to apply concepts learned from the lectures. These sessions encouraged innovative thinking and fostered cross-cultural exchanges between CSA students and NUS experts.

The event concluded with a reflection session on February 8, where participants shared their learnings and discussed the future of sustainable design in Sri Lanka and beyond. The collaboration between NUS and CSA has paved the way for future knowledge-sharing initiatives, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing sustainable and intelligent architectural practices.