Authenticity and Curiosity: In Conversation with Neri&Hu’s Lyndon Neri

Hello Lyndon! Thank you for making time for Kanto! Let’s begin with a question on identity. In today’s globalized architectural landscape, how do you ensure that your designs maintain a unique cultural identity and authenticity, especially when working across diverse regions and cultures?

Lyndon Neri, co-principal, Neri&Hu Design Research Office: That’s a very good question. I think it’s crucial to understand the importance of heritage and history in everything we do. Without valuing these elements, our designs risk becoming mere inventions or abstract concepts. Creative work should be rooted in the context of what has been done in the past—not by copying it but by deeply understanding and learning from it. Absorbing the richness of history teaches us humility and helps us create something genuinely new.

Wholeheartedly agree. Now, let’s talk about the present and near future. As AI and digital tools become integral to the design process, what do you believe are the most significant threats to creative freedom and architectural integrity, and how can the industry safeguard against these risks?

Lyndon Neri: Okay, I think what technology should achieve is to enable and empower us in our exploration of the universe. Throughout history, technology has been pivotal. For instance, the discovery of fire was a major technological advancement.

Right.

Lyndon Neri: First, you rub a bunch of wooden sticks, and lo and behold, there is fire, right? The printing press, when it came out, astounded many with its possibilities. People often fear new things or inventions due to their sheer lack of knowledge or because they believe that they will risk being replaced someday.

But there’s no way we can replace human beings. It’s essential to control technology as a tool rather than seeing it as a threat to human creativity. Modernity brings innovation. I’m not speaking of modernity as an age but rather as something that is of our time.

We shouldn’t fear the advances that modernity brings but maximize them to truly bring out the human spirit and creativity in our creations.

Moving beyond the subject of new technologies, let’s discuss another pressing issue for design and, well, the world at large: the climate emergency. With the escalating climate crisis, what radical changes do you believe architects must adopt in their practice to truly make a difference?

Well, I’m glad to say that our practice has always been sensitive to adaptive reuse.

Yes, from the beginning.

Yeah, from the very beginning, we were really fighting against the rapid and often unconsidered demolition of buildings in cities like Shanghai. We were deeply concerned about the loss of heritage and voiced our opinions. To our surprise, the government eventually supported our position. The key is continuously advocating for and implementing sustainable practices that protect and repurpose existing structures, making a tangible difference in addressing the climate crisis.

Now, Lyndon, here’s a question that calls to mind the Manila Interior Design Summit’s theme of collaboration: can you share a specific instance where collaboration with non-architectural disciplines led to an unexpected and groundbreaking design solution, and what did this teach you about the future of interdisciplinary work?

Lyndon Neri: I think from the get-go, it’s having the humility to say that we, as architects or interior designers, do not have all the answers.

Yes.

Lyndon Neri: Collaborating with experts from fields like film, art, or the culinary arts can reveal new perspectives and abstractions that might not be apparent within our own professional spheres. For example, working with chefs or artists can lead to innovative design ideas that push creative boundaries. This kind of interdisciplinary work broadens our horizons and often leads to groundbreaking solutions.

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