Architecture of Purpose with James Law | AG 54

Architecture of Purpose

In this episode we have with us the founder of Cybertecture, James Law.

Cybertecture is the design of all things for a more intelligent world through new pieces of architecture, interior space, artwork, technology, and strategy. He established James Law Cybertecture in 2001 and they’ve gone on to complete projects of various scales, some of them being OPod Housing No. 1 which is an experimental, low cost, micro living housing unit to ease Hong Kong’s affordable housing problems. The Capital in Mumbai, Cybertecture egg, Technosphere, Tower of India and many more awesome projects. The firm specializes in architecture, interior design, master planning, consulting, technology & industrial design.  They believe their work can alleviate the suffering for all segments of society. He has also launched the Cybertecture Academy that nurtures a new generation of designers from a young age.

James is a graduate from Bartlett School of Architecture, London, where he did his B.Arch . He has 19+ years of professional experience in the field of Architecture and Design. James was recognized by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader, and by the Hong Kong SAR Government as a Justice of Peace for his efforts to improve the world through design.


In this episode, he takes us on his journey in Architecture right from his time at Bartlett, to being mentored by Peter Cook & later Itsuko Hasegawa in Tokyo, how he started his own firm James Law Cybertecture, how he landed big projects in India, solving Hong kong’s housing problem through design, his design philosophy & approach to design, leveraging technology, smart city planning, the architecture of purpose & a whole lot more!


This podcast is sponsored by Archgyan Courses, head to courses.archgyan.com to check out some of our new courses on Sketchup & Vray.

Podcast Shownotes

00:00 – Introduction 
03:38 – How he got into Architecture 
04:34 – Studying at Bartlett 
10:03 – Transition from University to starting his own firm 
18:00 – Transition of Technology 
21:31 – What is Cybertecture 
24:29 – Architecture of Purpose 
29:34 – Remote working, influencing the future of Architecture 
39:35 – Architecture as an entire Product 
49:25 – How he landed big projects in India
56:10 – Projects that were unbuilt 
01:01:44 – His take on Architectural Education
01:05:35 – Influence of Online Education on Architecture 
01:07:14 – Future Goals 
01:10:05 – Mentor in your life 
01:10:53 – Favorite Cities 
01:11:19 – Daily routine in James Life 
01:12:22 – Favorite Movies 
01:13:35 – Recommended Books 
01:15:23 – How he gets Inspired
01:16:51 – Advice for young architects

01:18:32 – Thank you

Notable Mentions

Recommended Books

Fountainhead by Ayn Rand 

Dreams from my Father by Barack Obama

Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

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