Perspective — 40 Under 40 Awards 2017 — 香港

Perspective, Asia’s leading architecture and design magazine, recently presented the 11th edition of its annual 40 Under 40 Awards, with a presentation ceremony. Recognising young design talents from across Asia, there were a record number of nominations for the 2017 edition in four design fields — art, architecture, interior design and product design. The final 40 were chosen based on professional achievements, contributions to the industry, and potential for future development and growth. Consideration was also given to any awards won, participation in industry events as a speaker, panelist, or judge level and contributions to society.

A thought leadership forum and Q&A themed “2020 vision: Creating a better urban environment — How architects and designers can rise to the unique challenges facing Hong Kong?” was hosted prior to the celebrations. Are we doing enough? This was especially topical in light of recent statistics: the average apartment size in Hong Kong is now 470 square feet, the smallest amongst the world’s major developed cities; the Hong Kong Government sets aside only 7% of land for residential use; demographic shifts with Hong Kong’s women and men now enjoying the longest life expectancy in the world at 87.3 and 81.2 years respectively, according to data released by Japan’s health and welfare ministry and generational low birth rates of 1.23 births per woman, making it one of the lowest in the world.