Architects and students painting together at Galeri Serdang.
ARCHITECTURAL students from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) were given a chance to experience the vision of 15 senior architects as they painted together at an exhibition.
Architectural firm ATSA Architects Sdn Bhd commemorated its 30th anniversary with the exhibition at Galeri Serdang, Faculty of Design and Architecture, UPM.
Final-year architectural student Muhammad Hairul Mohd Razal, 22, said he was inspired by the “fantastic” paintings produced by the architects.
Azim painting his vision of Malaysian identity in architecture.
“It is amazing that they could start from scratch without any reference.
“They also have bold drawing styles. Their work expresses so much freedom,” he said.
Themed “perpetual identity”, the exhibition was aimed at reflecting contemporary architectural trends and practises.
Hajeedar favours balanced geometric designs to symbolise stability.
The students were required to paint based on the sub-theme “Malaysian identity in architecture”.
Creators of the five best works received prizes from ATSA Architects.
Its chief executive officer Azim A. Aziz said architects of different generations had different architectural perspectives.
(from left) Farisha, Aisyah and Muhammad Hairul with their sketches.
“Young architects nowadays prioritise sustainability, resilience, heritage, placemaking and liveability in their designs.
“It’s not so much about forms and shapes anymore.
“While we must preserve traditional architectural values, we should also welcome new and modern ideas.
“Therefore, we organised this exhibition to allow architects and artists from different generations to learn from each other. This could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said.
Senior architects and students seemed to view “Malaysian identity in architecture” differently.
Two of the paintings at the exhibition, which runs until Jan 16.
Credited with designing some of Malaysia’s most iconic buildings, renowned architect Hijjas Kasturi opted to create an abstract piece.
“Abstract art is the hardest form of art that doesn’t follow traditional conventions and rules.
“Sometimes, you should just draw whatever that is in your heart.
“Imagination and originality are very important,” Hijjas said.
Heritage expert Datuk Hajeedar Abdul Majid emphasised the importance of geometric knowledge to produce “balanced” designs in his piece.
“My painting is centred around a triangle and various other shapes such as a square and circle.
“The triangle symbolises stability. It signifies a firm Malaysian value of whatever we construct, we must start from the ground,” he said.
Final-year architectural student Farisha Zulkefli, 25, said retaining a Malaysian identity required the preservation of traditions, “therefore, we must keep traditional elements in modern designs”.
Another final-year architectural student Aisyah Mohd Anuar, 24, said Malaysian identity meant “commonality in diversity”.
“Most students’ work today are similar to each other.
Azim with prints of some of ATSA Architects’ projects. — Photos: SHAARI CHEMAT/The Star
“This shows how Malaysians share similar thoughts and values despite their differences,” she said.
As ATSA Architects enters its 30th year, Azim pledged to continue practising architecture for another 20 years.
He said he was currently looking for a successor who must be a passionate, determined and communicative individual.
Hijjas (left) says imagination and originality are very important.
“He or she should also be willing to give back to society.
“It is hoped that today’s event will inspire the students and the younger generation to reach greater heights.”
The exhibition will run until Jan 16, and entry is free.
