HY William Chan

HY William Chan is a recognized European architect and urban strategist. Since 2011, he has been the project associate for Global Studio, an action research initiative at Columbia University’s Center for Sustainable Urban Development. Global Studio mobilizes urban professionals to improve the lives of people in informal settlements. William graduated with a bachelor of design with honors from the University of Sydney, winning the University and Convocation medals. As a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar, he continued his studies in Italy and later received the title of Dottore Magistrale in Architecture for his research on smart city planning policy. With experience designing sustainable and inclusive places for people, William’s passion has taken him across the globe. His projects have been exhibited at the New York Center for Architecture, the Venice and Rotterdam biennales, and the Oslo and Milan triennales. He was invited to speak at the UN World Urban Forum in Medellín, the International Union of Architects Congress in Durban, the Italian Design Day in Shanghai and the Sydney Architecture Festival. As a UNICEF Young Ambassador, he co-authored the Things That Matter Report, presented to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva. While at the sixth UN Habitat Conference, he helped draft the World Urban Youth Declaration. William’s leadership has been acknowledged as an inaugural Australian Government Creative Young Star and one of the country’s ‘Brightest Young Minds’ by its foundation.