A Moment With Ar. Hijjas Kasturi
ARCHIDEX shares a moment with pioneering Malaysian architect Ar. Hijjas Kasturi, 85, who is renowned for his work in defining modern Malaysian architecture for 50 years. The stalwart architect designed some of the most recognisable landmarks in Malaysia, including the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (2004), Menara Maybank (1987), and Telekom Tower.
His works have won the PAM gold Medal Award 2001 for outstanding works and invaluable contribution to architecture and the PAM 2000 Excellence Awards in Recognition of Design Excellence in Commercial Buildings, among others.
At 86, the veteran architect is still active in participating in conferences. He shares his thoughts with us at PAM DATUM: KL.
How do you find ARCHIDEX and the PAM Conference this year?
It is such a relief again to have the chance to meet people. But we also hear sad news such as old industry friends passing away. Without gatherings like this, we wouldn’t have had updates or to renew old friendships and acquaintances, meet new friends, hear fresh ideas from speakers, and so on.
It looks like ideas never die, and creativity still lives on, although you are getting old like me!
Forever, we must adapt and keep changing for the betterment of the future. Every nation has its problems. So how do we solve our problems? As architects, we contribute to nation-building to protect the environment. And to enhance it.
How have you kept yourself busy over the years when many businesses and practices have been affected?
My family has encouraged me to revive my art. And to my surprise, I produced a lot of work, and to my even greater surprise, I sold a lot of it. So, I am a painter too! Without Covid, I wouldn’t have regained my love for art nor returned to it.
So the period has allowed me to do something else with my time, focus, and energy. All of us have that capacity. Perhaps Covid is telling us in a way to re-examine life again. I know of friends who have changed occupations. Some found new pursuits in life. Some are enterprising and changed professions.
It is to re-examine my life and remember that it is never too late; one day, we will pass away and pass on too.
All of us lost projects during the pandemic. The period has taught us to level ourselves for work capacity. I think we are all resourceful in our ways.
So let us not take what has happened as a defeat but as something we can turn into usefulness and new purposes in life. Some of us have the capacity for new ideas or new ideas for architecture. Some contribute more than others with contemporary architecture and construction methods.
Forever, we must adapt and keep changing for the betterment of the future. Every nation has its problems. So how do we solve our problems? As architects, we contribute to nation-building to protect the environment. And to enhance it.
How can events like ARCHIDEX contribute to architecture?
It opens you to competition, such as new ideas for new cities. You may disagree, but it is an open forum and discussion. It also provides exposure to new technology and materials from all over the world. Forever you must learn. Architects must be inquisitive in learning new technology, things, and ways of living.
Do you have a word for young architects joining the profession in these challenging times?
Do not look at the architecture profession as glamourous. It is always about asking and answering the questions of what you can do to contribute, and forever you must be seeking solutions to improve life in the future. What do you want to leave for the next generation?
Do not look at the architecture profession as glamourous. It is always about asking and answering the questions of what you can do to contribute, and forever you must be seeking solutions to improve life in the future.
Any advice on maintaining longevity as an architect?
Have great interest in your work.
Even though you work late into the night, the work would bring you pleasure, not pain. And you feel you are contributing. Your work is of great interest to you. You must sustain it in terms of your health and finance because that is sustainability for the survival of your career, so you must guard it. And forever find that you can do not just something for yourself but to add value to society and the environment. I feel to be very blessed to have a profession as an architect.