RDEF24 - UCL PEARL

RDEF24 is a forum for examining design, innovation, and sustainability across education, environment, technology, and leadership.

Welcome to RDEF24: Ramboll Design Excellence Forum 2024, an event dedicated to exploring the forefront of design, innovation, and sustainability. This year’s forum serves as a vital nexus where Design & Excellence converge with critical domains such as Education & Learning, Environment & Ecology, Technology & Innovation, and Leadership & Foresight.

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the need for innovative and sustainable design solutions has never been more pressing. RDEF24 provides a platform for thought leaders, innovators, educators, and practitioners to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaborative exploration. Together, we will examine how design excellence can address some of the most urgent challenges of our time and envision pathways toward a sustainable and prosperous future.

Learn more about the event

Programme Information

Session A: Design x Learning

The evolution of the education system over the past 200 years has primarily been driven by the demands of the Industrial Revolution.

How can the education system adapt to better support current and future needs? 

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Session introduction

Wan Sing Lai, Senior Environmental Engineer
Ramboll Buildings

Speakers

Vanessa Andreotti, Professor & Dean, Faculty of Education
University of Victoria

Jose Torero Cullen, Professor
University College London

Panel discussion joined by

Farshid Moussavi, Professor, Harvard GSD 
Founder, Farshid Moussavi Architecture

Raffaele Ardito, Professor
Polytechnic University of Milan

Panel discussion moderated by

Shira de Bourbon Parme, Principal Consultant
Ramboll Transport

 

 

Session B: Design x Environment

Our built environment has developed at a significant cost to the natural world, leading to unsustainable practices and environmental degradation.

How can we repair this damage and move towards regeneration?

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Session introduction

Rikke Bjerregaard Orry, Sustainability Director
Ramboll Buildings

Speakers

Chiara Luzzana, President & CEO 
Chiara Luzzana Soundscape S.r.l.

Paul Astle, Decarbonisation Lead 
Ramboll Buildings

Panel discussion joined by

Neel Strøbæk, Trustee and Vice-chair
Ramboll Foundation

Ana Mijic, Professor
Imperial College London

Panel discussion moderated by

Ollie Wildman, Design Director
Ramboll Buildings

Session C: Design x Technology

For millennia, technology has been a cornerstone of human advancement. However, the role of technological tools is continually evolving.

Has the role of technological tools changed? How can technology serve as a positive force for good now and in the future?

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Session introduction

Lars Ostenfeld Riemann, Executive Director
Ramboll Buildings

Speakers

Patricia Viel, CEO & Partner
ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel

Sara Sheikh Akbari, Associate Director
Zaha Hadid Architects

Panel discussion joined by

Viggo Haremst, Partner & Design Director
Henning Larsen

Panel discussion moderated by

Darren Gibson, Digitalisation Director
Ramboll Buildings

Session D: Design x Leadership

In an era characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), effective leadership is more crucial than ever. 

How do leaders navigate the complexities of natural and built systems to steer towards uncertain paths and potential flourishing futures? 

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Session introduction

Annina Peisa, Country Market Director
Ramboll Buildings

Speakers

Ivan Harbour, Senior Director
RSHP

Panel discussion joined by

Elina Kalliala, Head of Sustainability
Ramboll Transport

Lora Brill, Head of Sustainability
Ramboll Buildings

Panel discussion moderated by

Hossein Rezai, Global Design Director
Ramboll