Asian Vernacular Architecture: Heritage and Conservation

David P.Y. Lung is an internationally renowned architect and educator who has made significant contributions to architectural conservation and heritage preservation in Asia. After earning his Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, and Master of Arts in Asian Studies from the University of Oregon, he established himself as a leading expert in vernacular architecture and cultural heritage conservation. At The University of Hong Kong (HKU), he served as Dean of the Faculty of Architecture from 2011-2013 and held the prestigious Lady Edith Kotewall Professorship in the Built Environment. His most notable achievement was founding the Architectural Conservation Programme in 2000, an innovative post-graduate degree course that has since expanded to include a bachelor's program covering building conservation and historic district preservation. Throughout his career, Professor Lung has been instrumental in securing UNESCO World Heritage status for three significant sites: the Historic City of Macao, the Kaiping Diaolou and Villages, and the Historic Cities in the Straits of Malacca. His dedication to heritage preservation was recognized when he was appointed chairman of Hong Kong's Antiquities Advisory Board, where he initiated numerous conservation initiatives including the landmark "Year of Heritage" program featuring 52 weekly events to promote cultural preservation. Currently serving as Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Chu Hai College, he continues to influence the fields of vernacular architecture, heritage conservation, and architectural education.

Howard Davis is a renowned professor of architecture at the University of Oregon whose work spans architectural theory, urban studies, and vernacular building traditions. After completing his education in physics at Cooper Union and Northwestern University, followed by a Master's in Architecture from UC Berkeley, he established himself as a leading voice in architectural education and research. His seminal work "The Culture of Building" earned prestigious recognition from the Association of American Publishers, examining how buildings emerge from complex systems involving architects, builders, developers, and other stakeholders. Throughout his career, Davis has held teaching positions at several prestigious institutions including UC Berkeley, Edinburgh University, and the School of Planning and Architecture in New Delhi. His research focuses on sustainable urban development, building typology, and the relationships between architecture and contemporary city life. His latest work explores how cities' physical forms can accommodate economic needs of low-income groups and sustainable businesses. Davis's excellence in teaching and research has been recognized with multiple honors, including the ACSA Distinguished Professor Award in 2009 and the University of Oregon's Thomas F. Herman Award for Distinguished Teaching in 2011. His collaborative work with Christopher Alexander and extensive international experience in Mexico, India, and other locations has shaped his holistic approach to understanding architecture's role in society.