Think outside the box, mayor advises architects

by Marylin Ten, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on October 8, 2013, Tuesday

KUCHING: Architects are urged to think outside the box on how their architectural designs can be merged into the city landscape.

Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Datuk James Chan said with the state constantly developing, architects also ought to change by taking on the challenge to create architectural designs relevant to the state.

I believe that practical and pragmatic Sarawakians want friendly architecture and this includes creating architecture that is friendly to senior citizens and people with disabilities (OKU).

Buildings must meet the needs of the elderly and OKU who are more physically limited and this must be taken into consideration, he said when launching World Architecture Day (WAD) 3.0 at Tun Jugah Shopping Mall here yesterday. In addition, Chan also advised architects to develop and promote ideas on buildings that are friendly to the environment.

Air-conditioning in buildings are major consumers of energy and if architects design buildings that are energy efficient so that the same degree of air-conditioned comfort can be provided with less energy consumption, this can make a difference to our environment, he said.

Meanwhile, Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia Sarawak Chapter (PAMSC) deputy chairman Mike Boon said this years WAD organised by PAMSC comprised three events namely the WAD

T-Shirt Design Competition, WAD Urban Installation Competition and an exhibition showcasing architecture installations from shortlisted participants.

The events are planned to promote good architecture, raise public awareness about architecture and to create a platform for discourse amongst architects and students of architecture, he remarked.

Boon and Chan later presented prizes to winners of WAD T-Shirt Design Competition and WAD Urban Installation Competition Sara Wee and Cika Ai respectively.

Read more:
Think outside the box, mayor advises architects