Regional associations of architects launch a book highlighting admirable works from each country

Singapore, 14 September 2021 – Four architect associations from four countries—Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM); Ikatan Arsitek Indonesia (IAI); The Association of Siamese Architects (ASA); and Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA)—launched a book entitled CONTIGUOUS ARCHIPELAGO. The launching was held virtually on Friday, 10 September 2021, opened by the associations’ presidents, followed by presentations from the featured projects’ architects.

The book is an inaugural effort aiming to collate admirable architecture works from each country. The works compiled highlight the regional similarities and common roots while delving into the themes of ecology, density, heritage and faith.

Singapore

• Khong Guan Building by Meta Architecture with Lua Architects, Associates Pte Ltd
• Amanyangyun by Kerry Hill Architects
• Oasia Hotel Downtown by WOHA Architects Pte Ltd
• Sparkletots Preschool by LAUD Architects Pte Ltd
• Kampung Admiralty by WOHA Architects Pte Ltd

Malaysia

• Stripes Hotel by A. Mariadass Architect in collaboration with YTL Design Group
• UAB Building George Town by Arkitek LLA Sdn Bhd
• Masjid Cyber Jaya 10 by Saionn Architect; Juteras Design Workshop; Yellil Architect
• Masjid Diraja Sultan Suleiman Klang by Linea Architect Sdn Bhd in collaboration with Badan Warisan Malaysia Heritage Services Sdn Bhd
• Tamarind Square by Garis Architect Sdn Bhd

Thailand

• Novice Living Quarters by Skam Chaiyawat in collaboration with Rina Shindo and Witee Wisuthumporn
• Ahsa Farmstay by Creative Crews Ltd
• Artistic Park by Arsomsilp Community and Environmental Architect Co Ltd
• Asa Lanna Center by Somdoon Architects
• Chulalongkorn University Centenary (CUCP) by N7A Architect in collaboration with Landprocess

Indonesia

• Mandiri Heritage Building by Simon+Dhoni Studio
• Al Irsyad Mosque by PT. Urbane
• Padusan Ablution Facility by Eko Prawoto
• Studio Air Putih Batu Bata by Studio Air Putih
• Gran Rubina by PT Pandega Design Weharima

Some of these are also award-winning projects that promote social inclusion and sustainable development. For example, Kampung Admiralty is designed as a ‘vertical kampung’ to promote active living and encourage social interaction among the community. The development is a first-of-its-kind in Singapore—integrating housing for seniors with a wide range of social, healthcare, communal, commercial and retail facilities.

Read: Kampung Admiralty and Punggol Town win Global Awards for Excellence in land use

Meanwhile, Ahsa Farmstay also received BCI Asia Interior Design Awards (IDA) in 2019. The project was designed to be a generator for change for the local Northern Thai community, allowing them to share their culture and traditional ways of living while generating a steady source of income through sustainable tourism.

Read: Ahsa Farmstay: Winner of BCI IDA 2019 in Socialising Category

The associations believe that the selected projects could help us explore the interrelated cultures among Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. The book is expected to not only promote regional architecture excellence, but also attract global success to the featured studios.

Yee Chin, the Chief Editor, said, “This book allows our architects to be more aware of great buildings being made in our neighbouring countries. It affirms that the richness and quality of the regions architectural productions deserve as much attention as those from Europe, the US, as well as North Asia. I have really enjoyed getting to know my counterparts in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand in the process of making this book. I would say the collaboration and the friendship formed are as important as the final product itself.”

– Construction+ Online