Radical Regeneration: Architecture Between Culture and Carbon

You are cordially invited to attend the research seminar by Razvan Ghilic-Micu:

Date: 8 Oct 2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Venue: SDE3 Level 4, LT424

Radical Regeneration: Architecture Between Culture and Carbon

Abstract
Radical Regeneration is a call to rethink the discipline of architecture at a moment of profound transition. As the built environment faces the twin pressures of rapid decarbonisation and cultural realignment, architects can no longer rely on inherited models of practice and pedagogy. Architecture shapes society, yet it is also constrained by material and planetary limits, and must now reconcile its cultural ambitions with its carbon responsibilities.

This talk will present research and projects that test regeneration as both environmental repair and cultural renewal: transforming existing buildings into low-carbon assets while re-embedding them with social and civic meaning. It will also consider the changing conditions of practice, from the design studio to global businesses, where artificial intelligence is beginning to act as a methodological accelerator, expanding the possibilities for scenario modelling, storytelling, and design exploration.

At its core, Radical Regeneration proposes architecture as a bridge between people and planet, culture and carbon, human and artificial intelligence. It is an argument for a discipline that measures success not by novelty, but by its capacity to renew, culturally, socially, and ecologically, in an age where regeneration must become the default condition of architectural production.

With two decades of global experience informed by regional insight, Razvan leads Architecture at Hassell, as a passionate champion of regenerative design and radical redevelopment. His award-winning portfolio spans North America and Australasia, encompassing diverse typologies from commercial mixed-use towers to education and culture.

His work has been recognised with awards including Canada’s Governor General’s Medal, The American Architecture Award, and multiple SIA Architectural Design Awards, including the prestigious URA 20under45 award in 2025. Beyond practice, Razvan has served in the Singapore Institute of Architects as Chief Editor of The Singapore Architect magazine and Festival Director of Archifest 2021. He is deeply committed to architectural education, leading Design Units and serving on M.Arch thesis juries at the National University of Singapore, and SUTD.