Giving the thumbs up to KLAF 2023 are (from left) Sarly, Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia president Datin Yong Razidah Rashid, Akmal Nasrullah and Norzaini.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival (KLAF) 2023 kicked off to a roaring start at its launch ceremony on Saturday, Jan 7, signalling the start of its NEXT100 theme.
Officiated by Local Government Development (KPKT) Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir at the Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) headquarters, the KLAF’s diverse programmes were designed to appeal to different segments of the public.
More than 100 programmes are slated to take place throughout the year under the overarching NEXT100 theme, an ode to PAM’s centenary anniversary which falls in 2023.
PAM president Sarly Adre Sarkum said KLAF 2023 seeks to be a platform for discourse, an exchange for ideas, and a catalyst for collaboration between architects, industry professionals, and the greater society.
“Architecture is pervasive in daily life – we interact with it where we live, work, and play. Greater public engagement is necessary for architects to better realise future cities that will meet the challenges we face and at the same time, more accurately project the hopes and dreams of all Malaysians,” he said.
KLAF director Norzaini Mufti said the programming of KLAF has been divided into five key thrusts, namely engage, educate, evolve, extend and evoke.
“The thrusts are broken down into bite-sized topics or activities that represent different aspects of architecture. These include home builds and renovations, design and conceptualisation, new technologies or materials, and education and training.”
The main feature programme DATUM: We as 1 is slated to happen from Jan 26 to July 29, 2023. Members of the public can pick and choose from a calendar of different activities throughout the year.
Some of the highlights include ArCreate, Express Transition (X-Tran), Future Practice Competition, Discover Sketching Expedition and Heritage Tour.
With ArCreate which is conducted in collaboration with various local governments, selected architecture firms will showcase how homeowners can improve their properties spatially and aesthetically. Talks on the legal requirements of building plans approval and procedures will also be organised to help owners with their projects.
Express Transition (X-Tran) is designed for graduates and fresh graduates who want guidance to expedite their learning and readiness in becoming proficient members of the industry and to improve their employability.
The Future Practice Competition is to demonstrate how the architecture practice will evolve for the next decade with consideration of various factors including, but not limited to technology, economics, and cultural factors.
The Discover Sketching Expedition is to preserve the skill of sketching as an effective visualisation tool that can better interpret new concepts and ideas.
Last but not least, the Heritage Tour is a guided tour of historical landmarks around Kuala Lumpur focusing on the architectural, historical, and sociological importance of each area. For more information, visit www.pam.org.my.
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