Eric Cassar keynotes in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Éric Cassar – Visionary Architect of the Digital Age
Éric Cassar is a French architect, urban planner, and engineer known for pioneering a visionary approach that bridges architecture and digital innovation. As the founder of ARKHENSPACES, he has spent the past two decades designing forward-thinking environments that combine physical space with virtual layers to redefine urban living.
Trained at both the École d’Architecture Paris-Val de Seine and the École Spéciale des Travaux Publics, Éric brings a unique dual perspective to his work. His concept of “nspaces” proposes a subtle and interactive architecture, where digital technologies enhance rather than overpower our cities.
He is the creator of “Habiter l’infini”, an award-winning housing model adapted to the digital era, and “Interstice Space”, an innovative public installation exhibited in Taiwan. His design proposals for the Guggenheim Helsinki, the “Dubai Cloud,” and the monumental “Instrumentower” have earned international acclaim.
Éric speaks internationally on smart cities, sustainable design, and “the sensitive city”—a future where architecture is more adaptive, emotional, and aligned with human values.
Notable Achievements
- Habiter l’infini: Developed a groundbreaking housing model tailored for the digital era, earning the Grand Prix Européen de l’Innovation Le Monde-Smart Cities in 2017.
- Interstice Spaces: Created a novel form of urban furniture designed for the digital age, showcased at the Museum of Fine Arts in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, in 2013. Instrumentower: Conceived a monumental urban organ that redefines the auditory experience within cityscapes, merging sound and architecture.
- International Competitions: Recognized for innovative proposals in competitions such as the Guggenheim Helsinki Museum and the Dubai Cloud project.
- Publications: Authored Pour une ar(t)chitecture subtile, a theoretical essay outlining a forward-thinking approach to architecture in the digital context.
Language spoken by the keynote speaker:
- English
- French
Key Themes & Topics
- Sustainable Cities and Smart-City Transitions: Exploring how digital technologies can foster environmentally responsible urban development.
- The Emergence of the « Sensitive City »: Advocating for urban environments that are responsive and attuned to the needs of their inhabitants.
- New Modes of Living in the Digital Era: Investigating how digital advancements reshape residential spaces and lifestyles.
- Architecture as Environmental Intelligence: Designing buildings that interact intelligently with their surroundings and users.
- Rethinking Housing and Urban Design in the 21st Century: Challenging traditional concepts to accommodate evolving societal and technological landscapes.
Éric Cassar’s insights are crucial for stakeholders aiming to navigate the complexities of modern urban development. His emphasis on integrating digital technologies with architectural practice offers a roadmap for creating cities that are not only smart but also empathetic and human-centric. Audiences will gain a deeper understanding of how to design spaces that are adaptable, interactive, and aligned with the evolving needs of society.
