The ceremony was graced by tech industry heavyweights, including Quanta Chairman Barry Lam (second from right), Quanta Vice Chairman C. C. Leung, Fubon Group Chairman Daniel Tsai (far right), and Pegatron Chairman Tzu-Hsien Tung, all of whom attended to congratulate their longtime friend. (Photo credit: KRIS YAO ARTECH)

Kris Yao’s Architectural Philosophy: Balancing Utility, Creativity, and Spiritual Reflection through Three Paradoxes

Kris Yao, a graduate of Tunghai University in 1975, earned his Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley in 1978. As the founder of “KRIS YAO ARTECH,” his designs span across Greater China, the U.S., Europe, and South Asia, earning him numerous national and international awards. These include the 2007 National Award for Arts in Architecture and the 2014 Honorary Fellowship from the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Yao’s works have also been showcased at prestigious events such as the Venice Biennale, Rotterdam International Architecture Biennale, and Beijing International Architecture Biennale, demonstrating his unique design vision and profound cultural insights.

During his acceptance speech, Yao expressed gratitude, stating that the honorary doctorate not only affirmed his work but also underscored NYCU’s commitment to the intersection of architecture and the arts. Reflecting on his career, he remarked, “I’ve been very fortunate. From the moment I entered university, I’ve been passionate about architecture, often working to the point of forgetting to eat or sleep. People often ask what hobbies I have outside of work, and the truth is, my work is my entertainment.”


Honorary Doctor Kris Yao sharedthat the allure of architecture lies in its ability to bridge “technology and art,” “rationality and emotion”—two seemingly opposing worlds. This tension, he said, and the paradoxes it generates, have enriched his life. (Photo credit: KRIS YAO ARTECH)​

Yao shared his philosophy centered around three key paradoxes that shape his architectural approach. The first paradox is the tension between “utility” and “non-utility.” While architecture must meet functional demands, it also needs to evoke emotional and spiritual responses. For instance, his design of the Water-Moon Monastery in Fagushan uses light, wind, water, and reflections to convey the ineffable essence of “water in the moon, flowers in the sky,” a balance that evokes both criticism and admiration.

The second paradox is between “having a goal” and “having no goal.” While architects work towards clear objectives, Yao believes embracing unexpected detours is crucial to fostering creativity. He cites Paul McCartney’s “Magical Mystery Tour” as inspiration, emphasizing the value of setting aside goals to experience the world in its raw beauty.

The third paradox involves “action” and “non-action.” Yao compares the creative process to a spiritual practice—bringing something out of nothing can be thrilling but is also fraught with risk. Architects must balance active creation with introspective self-dialogue to find their true source of creativity.

Kris Yao’s Masterpieces: Merging Humanity and Technology in Landmark Designs Across the Globe

Many are already familiar with Yao’s architectural masterpieces. His notable projects include the Lanyang Museum, Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum, TSMC Nanjing Campus, NTU Cosmology Hall, and the Foxconn Shanghai Headquarters. Notably, Yao was also responsible for the design of Quanta’s R&D and Design Center, a sprawling 2.8-hectare site located within the Hwa Ya Technology Park in Taoyuan. For Yao, architecture represents a balance between humanity and technology, an ongoing effort to merge human values with rapidly advancing tools and techniques.

Quanta Chairman Barry Lam, in his speech, described Yao’s work as “Taiwan’s most beautiful scenery,” praising his long-time friend’s mastery of the craft. “I’ve known Yao for 28 years, and his work has become so sophisticated and effortless,” Lam said. He shared three insights he gained from studying Yao’s design philosophy: “formlessness, selflessness, and effortlessness.” He explained that “formlessness” allows beauty to be perceived in different ways, “selflessness” means designing based on the essence of people, places, and things, and “effortlessness” reflects how Yao’s designs naturally adapt to diverse environments.

Lam added humorously, “I guarantee AI won’t be able to achieve these three states, so Yao can rest easy—the world will always need him.”


Guest speaker, Quanta Computer Chairman Barry Lam.  (Photo credit: KRIS YAO ARTECH)

NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin hailed Yao as one of Taiwan’s top architects and an expert in designing corporate headquarters, with projects spanning the globe. Lin noted that Yao’s work is familiar to NYCU students as well, citing the current construction of the Chu- Ming Hospital on NYCU’s Boai campus, a project designed by Yao.

After the ceremony, Yao engaged in a discussion with three architecture students, addressing how technology can be integrated into architecture. He explained that while technology advances rapidly, architecture is a fusion of humanity and technology that requires time for cultural depth to develop. “Tools may speed up the process, but the essence of humanity must be preserved in architecture, allowing the human spirit to merge with fast-evolving tools,” Yao said.

This honorary doctorate ceremony not only celebrates Kris Yao’s remarkable contributions to architecture but also marks an important milestone for NYCU in advancing the integration of architecture and academic excellence. It reflects both the academic and architectural worlds’ commitment to future collaboration and innovation.