Dr. Ruffina Thilakaratne, Professor in the Department of Architecture, and Dr. Jason Tse, Associate Director at Buro Happold International (Hong Kong) Limited, received the ‘Best Paper Award’ for their joint scholarly submission titled “Verticality, Density, and Porosity Equilibrium for Yielding Desirable Microclimatic Conditions”. This research investigates the potential of vertical residential developments to maintain user comfort across various vertical zones and open podium areas, using Taikoo Shing Estate as the experimental site. Reviewers praised the submission for its robust methodology and significant contributions to the field.

Lucas Chau from Buro Happold International (Hong Kong) Limited and Cheng Chun Ming Kicki, a Master of Architecture student, contributed through digital model building and environmental simulation studies.

The 57th International Conference of the Architectural Science Association (ANZAScA) took place from November 26 to 29, 2024, in Gold Coast, Australia. Under the theme "Harmony in Architectural Science and Design: Sustaining the Future," the conference attracted over 100 scholarly submissions from around the world that underwent a double-blind review process.

Dr. Thilakaratne is grateful to the college for the conference grant to support research dissemination.