Monday February 5, 2007

Local architects making mark overseas

By ANGIE NG

Malaysian architects are taking their expertise overseas to gain international exposure and sharpen their competitive skills. Malaysian Institute of Architects president Dr Tan Loke Mun sees more of such cross border exchanges

MALAYSIAN architects are making waves overseas with a list of architectural masterpieces dotting various parts of the world.

From a simple clubhouse in Mozambique to luxurious condominiums in Dubai, entertainment outlets in Bali and a massive redevelopment in Shanghai, the local architecture profession has truly come of age.

The emergence of a new breed of architects - many of them overseas trained and well exposed to new international practices, and the onset of enabling digital technologies have given rise to a new paradigm shift and professionalism among industry practitioners.

Instead of resorting to foreign expertise as in the past, the stage is now set for the architects to export their talent to the world.

According to Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) president Dr Tan Loke Mun, Malaysia is not far behind the rest of the world. “In fact, our architects are well respected in many Asian and Middle East countries for the work that we do. There is also a new generation of architects and designers coming up who are highly innovative and creative and this augurs well for the local profession,” Tan told StarBiz.

Dr Tan Loke Mun

Currently PAM is promoting export of architectural talent to the various global hot spots, such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other Gulf States, China, Vietnam and India. It will also be exploring Russia, especially Moscow, later this year.

“We have come a long way since the country’s independence. There was an early heroic period in the early days and then again in the boom days of the 1990s where there were significant advances in architecture practices.

“Today, we are seeing a surge in innovation and creative ideas from a new generation of architects as we try to engage globalisation and projects overseas. So a major recent shift may be a change from local to global work and influences,” Tan said.

Dubai, which is experiencing a real estate boom and building frenzy with many mega city projects underway, has become a key export destination for Malaysian architects.

“This is now the age of the Spectacle, where countries are trying to outdo each other with the next most spectacular iconic structure. Being one of the world’s fastest growing cities with iconic skyscrapers and chic real estate landmarks, Dubai has become an architect’s paradise,” he said.

Among the spectacular and super tall buildings there are Burj Al-Arab, the world’s tallest hotel building, The Emirates Towers, and Burj Dubai, which when completed next year will be the tallest building in the Middle East.

The Palm Islands, which comprise the world’s three largest man-made islands off the coast of Dubai, is another great construction wonder of the world.

The first Palm Island Jumeirah is already offering real estate for sale.

Malaysian architectural firm Teo A Khing Design Consultants Sdn Bhd (TAK Group) is involved in the master planning for the second and third palm, Jebel Ali and Deira.

TAK Group is also involved in the design of Dubai’s tallest residential tower, Burj Al Alam.

Other players in the Middle East include GDP Architects, which have master planned the whole new island city of Al Reem in Abu Dhabi, and Hijjas Kasturi and DP Architects.

In Albania, Hin Tan Architect was involved in the creative collaboration with airport consultant Hochtief Airport GmbH to design the Mother Teresa International Airport.

There are 1,600 registered professional architects in the country and the growing competitive environment will continue to drive those more resourceful industry practitioners to look offshore.

News Poll

Latest Jobs from Star-Jobs

Latest from StarProperty