Worldbex ’03 speakers to include experts from US, UK

Worldbex Services International (WSI), organizer of the 8th Philippine World Building and Construction Exposition, has released the roster of topics which will be discussed in the upcoming 5th Worldbex Seminars 2003 slated March 20 to 22 at the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) in Pasay City.

Nine experts in the building and construction industry in the Asia Pacific will tackle vital topics that will keep the country’s architects, engineers and construction professionals up to date about changes and current trends in the international arena of their respective fields.

Among the participating speakers in the seminars in Britain’s Andrew Miller who will discuss Mega Projects Design Evolution. Through his own firm Foster and Partners, Miller will show how he handles the progress of design on projects, like a door handle or light switch to international airports or the world’s tallest buildings. He will illustrate how lessons learned on smaller projects are developed and integrated into larger projects during his 35 years in the business.

Foster and Partners is the company behind some of the prestigious projects in the Asia Pacific region including the Chep Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong, and the world’s tallest Millenium Tower in Tokyo Bay. They have also participated in New York’s World Trade Center Competition.

Lorenz Pe Benito of the United States will present a paper on Facade as Photosynthetic Metabolic Machine. An Integration of Agriculture and Architecture in Exterior Design. Focusing on the challenge of present-day cities to support growing populations, in his presentation, Benito will propose a type of city where buildings of various occupanices are integrated and support a food growing mechanical system on their exterior structures. He will also expound on the principles of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system and Building for Energy and Economic Sustainability (BEES) software.

Singapore’s top architect Carl Ettensperger explores the hospitality industry wherein he will share his expertise in The Planning and Design of Hotels and Resorts in which the principle of "knowing thy market" will help developers, interior designers, hotel/resort owners and operators survive and prosper in today’s competitive environment. On the other hand, former national president of United Architects of the Philippines Nestor Manglo will delve into The Making of A Model Community Under Environmental Design where he will look into "New Urbanism" as an urban design movement. As the guiding principle for model communities, Mangle will also expound on the key elements of new urbanism such as transit oriented, pedestrian friendly sidewalks and mix land use.

Other speakers who are expected to present their studies are Joseph Francis Wong (Thailand), on Standardization for Flexibility of Multi-Level Design; Prof. Soontorn Boonyatikarn (Thailand), on Green Architecture Incorporating Energy and Ecology; Martin Klaasen (Australia), on Lighting Design and Architectural Harmony; Tay Hao Giang (Malaysia), on Practical Approach for Active and Passive Fire Protection Design for High-Rise Buildings and Emmanuel Cruz (Philippines), Basics of Crime Prevention Thru Environmental Design.

Participants to the 5th Worldbex Seminars 2003 are enjoined to book slots to avail of the early bird rate. Interested parties may call WSI at telephone nos. 531-6350 or 531-6374; fax at 533-2026; email [email protected]. or log on to its official website www.worldbex.com.