# Richard Hassell - Rethinking Architecture

> In an era defined by rapid urbanization, climate challenges, and growing populations, architecture must do more than provide shelter. It has the responsibility to reconnect cities with nature, improve environmental performance, and create healthier places for people to live and…

## At a glance

- Format: On-demand course
- Price: Free
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Duration: 1 Hour
- Schedule: Sep 25, 2026
- Instructors: Richard Hassell, Hamid Hassanzadeh
- Categories: Lectures
- Students: 406
- Rating: 4.9 / 5
- Canonical: https://paacademy.com/course/richard-hassell-rethinking-architecture
- Enroll: https://paacademy.com/course/richard-hassell-rethinking-architecture

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## About this course

Richard Hassell - Rethinking Architecture is a free lecture in which Richard Hassell, co-founder of WOHA Architects, explores climate-responsive architecture and the future of sustainable urban living. The one-hour session includes a 45-minute talk followed by a 15-minute live Q&A, covering biophilic design principles, passive strategies for dense urban settings, and lessons from WOHA's landmark sustainable projects. The lecture is free to attend and open to all levels.

## What you'll learn

- Core design principles behind climate-responsive and biophilic architecture.
- Methods for embedding nature and passive design strategies into dense urban settings.
- Key insights and lessons learned from landmark sustainable design projects.
- Future-focused frameworks for building resilient, human-centered communities.

## Methodology

Richard Hassell, co-founder of WOHA Architects, has established one of the world's leading architectural practices dedicated to sustainable, climate-responsive, and biophilic design. His work explores how architecture can integrate nature, technology, and urban density to create buildings that improve environmental performance while enriching the everyday lives of their occupants.

From award-winning residential towers and mixed-use developments to cultural and civic projects, WOHA's portfolio demonstrates a pioneering approach to designing vertical communities where greenery, natural ventilation, and public space become essential architectural elements. Through decades of innovation, Richard Hassell has helped redefine the future of tropical urbanism and sustainable city-making.

Join us on **Friday, September 25th at 10:00 GMT** as PAACADEMY hosts **Richard Hassell** for an exclusive **45-minute open talk**, followed by a **15-minute live Q&A**. During the session, he will present key projects and share insights into WOHA's design philosophy, innovative approach to biophilic architecture, and the strategies shaping the future of resilient, sustainable cities.

## Curriculum

### Section 1
- Opening Session (09:03)
- Richard Hassell's Lecture (57:54)
- Q&A Session (31:58)

## FAQ

### What is this lecture about?
The lecture explores climate-responsive and biophilic architecture, covering how buildings can embed nature, passive design strategies, and environmental performance to support resilient, sustainable urban living.

### Who is speaking?
Richard Hassell, co-founder of WOHA Architects, whose portfolio includes award-winning residential towers, mixed-use developments, and civic projects recognized with honors including the Aga Khan Award and CTBUH Best Tall Building Worldwide. The session is hosted by Hamid Hassanzadeh.

### Is this lecture free, and do I need prior architecture knowledge?
Yes, the lecture is free to attend and set at Beginner level, so no prior architecture background is required.