In the late 1970s, Malaysia had only three schools for architecture. Now, there are 25.
“Yet, we’re not getting enough architects,” laments Saifuddin Ahmad, president of the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM).
Part of the problem, he says, is because not all of the architectural schools here are recognised. “In fact, only some are recognised, including Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Malaya, Universiti Putra Malaysia and International Islamic University of Malaysia.”
Saifuddin is also concerned that architectural students today are not getting enough practical experience. “In the early days, lecturers were also practising architects. Now, the majority of the academics don’t have much practical experience,” he reveals.
He thinks lecturers should be given the choice to undertake practical work. “Likewise, students should also be given the option to have hands-on training.”
Saifuddin, who was previously with the Public Works Department, says he is also concerned about the quality of today’s graduates. “Our students don’t have a solid background in research. Design is universal, but they must know how to adapt to local situations.”
As head of the 4,177-strong PAM, he says the country should do more to promote local architects. “If we don’t support our local talent, who will?”
He says many of the design projects undertaken by foreign architects don’t take into account our social, cultural and environmental aspects. “Though PAM welcomes collaboration between foreign and local architects, local architects must be more involved in the design process.”
One way of promoting local talent is by having contests. PAM is organising the new PAM Centre Architectural Design Competition and the International Design Competition Signature Tower.
Another contest is the Tan Sri Ar Chan Sau Lai Architecture Award, which recognises the achievements of architecture students in design.
For this competition, seven students have made it to Stage 2. The winners will be announced at the Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival in July.
For an inaugural event, the response was good, says Saifuddin. “The judges were impressed with some of the designs. The winner will receive RM25,000 and a certificate.”
This will be an annual contest to be held for another four years.
Commenting on his vision for the award, Tan Sri Chan Sau Lai, executive chairman of Beneton Properties, says: “This collaborative effort with PAM will lay the foundation for training, internships, recognition and exposure. It is not only timely but also essential in building a new generation of homegrown architects.
“I hope the award will impart a sense of prestige to the architectural profession by recognising outstanding students and drawing attention to the industry. This idea is to celebrate originality and to promote the brightest talent.”
Saifuddin is also a strong proponent of green buildings. His firm, SNO Architects, designed the Ministry of Green Energy, Water and Communication building. Also known as LEO (Low Energy Office), it won the 2006 Asean Energy Awards in the New/Existing Energy Efficient Buildings category.
Though there’s an emergence of green architects, Saifuddin says they have yet to reach the level demonstrated by eco-architect Datuk Ken Yeang, who pioneered energy efficiency in building design in the 1970s.
Yeang is credited for more than 200 projects, including Menara Mesiniaga Tower in Selangor, which won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1992. Last year, his Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Extension in London was rated “excellent” by the US Green Building Council in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certification.
Saifuddin cites Hijjas Kasturi as another example of a leading green architect, who converted 15 pre-war shoplots in George Town into a boutique hotel which is Green Building Index rated.
He says one should consider green buildings instead of green-rated buildings. “Any building can be green-rated as long as it satisfies six main criteria — energy efficiency, indoor environment quality, sustainable site planning and management, materials and resources, water efficiency and innovation.”
Some local universities such as Universiti Putra Malaysia are already teaching green buildings. Saifuddin hopes to come up with a publication on green buildings soon.
Green tips
Contrary to popular belief, building a green design does not necessarily have to be expensive.
In fact, one could look at old houses, specifically those built in the 1950s and 1960s, for inspiration, suggests architect Saifuddin Ahmad.
“Our forefathers were already living in homes with green elements such as courtyards for ventilation, high ceilings and cross-air ventilation, screens and louvre doors and windows.”
Saifuddin, who is also president of the Malaysian Institute of Architects, says while there’s a growing trend of house owners incorporating green elements in their homes, going green goes beyond that.
“Our lifestyle and mentality must also change. It’s pointless to want a green home but have air-conditioned units in every room. If you plan properly, you don’t really need air-conditioning,” he says, pointing to environmentalist Gurmit Singh’s house which is comfortably cool.
He has a few tips for house owners who want to be kind to the environment and to their pockets. For a start, ensure that the home does not absorb too much heat.
“The orientation of a building is important. The best is the North-South orientation. But if this is not possible, try the East-West orientation.
“Also, use roof overhangs to reduce heat exposure and to cut off direct sunlight.”
He advises that windows be recessed and to opt for shading devices such as curtains and blinds.
Double roofings or double insulation can also reduce the temperature in a home, says Saifuddin. But ensure that there is good circulation between the insulations.
Whenever possible, use recycled materials, for example, engineered timber.
Colour also plays an important role in heat absorption. “Don’t paint the roof or the walls black. Instead, use light colours to reflect heat,” suggests Saifuddin.
