International conference explores boundaries of architecture

The second International Conference on Architecture Across Boundaries, held at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) in China earlier this month, discussed key challenges and opportunities brought by new technologies to research and practices of the built environment from multiple perspectives. With participants from 12 countries, the event aimed to bridge the gaps between the physical environment and virtual world, and between technology and human activity. The broad spectrum of topics included architectural studies, civil engineering, computational design, design education, urban studies, and sociology. Among the speakers was Farrokh Derakhshani, Director of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA), which recognises inclusive architectural projects that improve quality of life. He spoke on how some architects are striving beyond their limits to create meaningful work. “An architect’s main goal is to intelligently use all available information and tools, while considering the social, environmental, cultural realities of a place as well as the material and economic resources available, to create a project that has an added value to society,” he said, adding that bridging boundaries was about bringing together people and ideas.