Emily Yan: Places for People

Emily Yan, Studio Director Hong Kong at Snøhetta, is invited to give a lecture titled Places for People at Yonsei University in Seoul. The lecture will start at 7pm on November 14. It is free and open to the public.

The lecture will explore the vital connection between architecture, public space, and community well-being. With a focus on human-centered design, the sharing will delve into how a transdisciplinary approach leads to innovative design; creating environments that foster social interaction, inclusivity, and connection to nature.

Drawing from a diverse portfolio of projects around the globe, the lecture will highlight key case studies that exemplify Snøhetta’s commitment to creating places that resonate with the needs and aspirations of their users. Attendees can expect insights into the design process, the importance of sustainability, and the role of architecture in enhancing everyday experiences.

Emily played a crucial role in starting up Snøhetta in Asia after joining in 2018. She has been focusing on growing the firm's footprint in the Asia region. Emily has worked internationally, design-leading and managing the development of numerous public, institutional, and private building projects of varying scales. Her selected projects at Snøhetta include Sanya Resort Retail Development (Sanya), Banpo Ecological Playscape (Seoul), Cheongju New City Hall (Cheongju), AIRSIDE (Hong Kong), Whey (Hong Kong) and among others.

Besides her design practice, Emily is also actively involved in architecture and design education. She has lectured at various educational institutions and design festivals, such as Inje University, Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism 2023, Design Shenzhen 2023 and so on. She was Guest Critic at Hong Kong University in 2022. As a dedicated member of The Women’s Foundation, Emily advocates for diversity, equality, and inclusion, championing women’s leadership initiatives.

Emily received both her Bachelor and Master of Architecture at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London, UK. She is also registered at the ARB and a member of RIBA.