Architecture through the eyes of the young

ARCHITECTURE and design students of University of Malaya (UM) had the chance to showcase their works at the youth and student segment of the recent Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival (KLAF 2018).

Called KLAF DIS-POSITIONS, the showcase featured the graduating projects of the Master of Architecture students highlighting the concerns, preoccupations, explorations and goals of the next generation of architects.

The occasion also created a networking opportunity for the architecture and design students, said KLAF2018 director Ang Chee Cheong.

“DIS-POSITIONS consists of two major parts. One is the prizewinners of our recentlyconcluded PAM (Malaysian Institute of Architects) Malaysia Student Awards 2018, which is the highest award for Malaysian architecture students. The four prizewinners demonstrate a very high quality of research and enquiry, confidence, technical skills and quality.

“The other section of the show is the UM Master of Architecture showcase, exhibiting studio design works of the graduating class. There is a wide range of interests and approaches here, and it’s refreshing to see what the concerns of these young architects are.”

Ang said with minimal guidance, students had their say in organising the event, and designing and installing the exhibitions, arranging the forums and setting up public interface studios.

“This gives them the opportunity to be representatives with responsibilities for their school, and the platform to articulate their interests and positions in architecture.”

“Architecture today is confronted with all kinds of changes and challenges, from shifting urban conditions to social-political structures and technology. We need to understand what these changes are for architecture to play a more relevant role.

“We need perhaps for architecture to be less ‘iconic’, and more representative and attuned to the needs of society, towards providing real solutions. In Malaysia, we have undergone major changes recently and perhaps a new Malaysia will need a new architecture. The answers are not immediate, but architects need to ask better questions.”

He said KLAF focused on youth empowerment and representation. “They can bring forth new skillsets and attitudes to ring in the changes towards better architecture and better cities.”