Interactive architecture is the future of design in China and around the world, said James Law, the only Chinese nominee for the 2004 Asia Innovation Award.

Law, chief "cybertect" of a global consultancy based in Hong Kong specializing in the design and strategy formation of cybertecture projects, was nominated for his excellent design of the world's first artificial intelligence media laboratory in Hong Kong.

He created the new concept of Cybertecture in January 2001, and was invited to be design consultant for the futuristic, Cannes-nominated film 2046 directed by Wong Kar Wai, which is on show across the country.

Cybertecture environments are hybrids designed from the inside out and using technology to give the space intelligence needed to interact with its users. Cybertecture is aimed to enhance and improve the quality of life by harnessing the power of technology, according to Law, who has designed some of the world's most innovative cybertecture projects including the world's first "morphable" house in cooperation with IBM in Denmark.

Due to China's rapid economic growth, Law believes that cybertecture has enormous potential for commercial, retail and residential design in the country.

Law's latest cybertecture project in China, Cybertecture Center of China Telecom located in Santou City of Guangdong Province, features cutting-edge technology including human presence detection devices, cyber character control and host, infra-red location devices and ear sets, fiber optic projections, home automation devices and animatronics presentations.

"Cybertecture is very powerful and can help people live a better, stronger and more creative life," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency October 15, 2004)