Urban Solutions from Tomorrow’s Architects
And the winners for the 2022 ARCHITALENT competition are in!
Check out the full winner list here
The ASEAN finalists of ARCHITALENT 2022 took to the stage at the Plenary Theatre of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Saturday before a panel of judges with a broadcast streaming live on YouTube.
ARCHITALENT is the Architectural Students Design Competition initiative of ARCHIDEX. It aims to inspire architecture students to create innovative architectural and urbanistic ideas to solve the challenges of future cities.
The competition challenged the students to propose a sustainable design solution, ranging from urban to architectural scale. The ideal proposals shall address and challenge key concepts regarding air pollution, environmental sustainability, and technical challenges.
The competition was opened to architecture students’ works from Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam, Singapore, Brunei, Laos, and Indonesia for the first time.
Here’s what some of the judges have to say:
Their ideas were very mature and relevant, primarily related to the Sustainable Development Goals. Even though the theme was Future Cities, there was value to everyone about the idea and awareness of what architecture can do for society.
Ar. Adrianta Aziz
ARCHITALENT 2022 Chief Judge
I’m so happy and satisfied with the spectacular presentation from the top 10 finalists.
There’s so much maturity in the way the students present their work. I can see the value they all bring on the stage—this is the moment we can say that the future architects presented the future minds of tomorrow.
Their ideas were very mature and relevant, primarily related to the Sustainable Development Goals. Even though the theme was Future Cities, there was value to everyone about the idea and awareness of what architecture can do for society.
We’re looking for people who can handle the pressure of a presentation in under five minutes, and we selected the winner based on how their abilities fit all our criteria.”
We’re so glad for the opportunity to have hosted the competition again this year and opened the competition to international students. I hope ARCHITALENT 2023 can expand globally to have a mixture of international and local students.”
It was an extremely strong top 10, so I was impressed with their presentations and videos.
Ar. Mohammed Faizullah bin Mohamed Najib
ARCHITALENT 2022 Judge
I’m pleased with the high-quality entries we saw this year at ARCHITALENT. It was an extremely strong top 10, so I was impressed with their presentations and videos.
The first prize winner, Pirdaus’ presentation was the most suited for the theme in terms of his delivery, presentation, and communication was very clear.
I am excited to see the manifestation of our future cities.
Ar. Carrol Lee
ARCHITALENT 2022 Judge
The winning presentation was very mature, holistic, and mindful of social and environmental aspects.
Therefore, he comes forth as outstanding from the rest.
After viewing the finalists ‘ visions, I am excited to see the manifestation of our future cities. Furthermore, it is lovely witnessing their minds at work and manifesting their visions into beautiful illustrations.
ARCHITALENT is a promising project between PAM and ARCHIDEX. The competition brings the best future architects who will be designing the environment and communities of the future.
Ar. Joey Manalad
ARCHITALENT 2022 Judge
ARCHITALENT is a promising project between PAM and ARCHIDEX. The competition brings the best future architects who will be designing the environment and communities of the future.
I discovered that the presentations are very promising, buildable, and highly commendable because everything fits the future cities of tomorrow.
When picking a winner, we try to balance the viability of each project and how well the finalists sell their ideas to the audience. I think everyone did very well in this competition.
ARCHITALENT Winners
Loop Linear Autogenic City
First Prize
Mohd Pirdaus Beddu
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Mohd Pirdaus proposed a solution to utilise water to construct cities by building modular pod structures. This design does away with the constant need to build roads, as water is used for connectivity instead.
“I’m delighted to win the competition, and I never expected it because the other entries are so good. I’m glad my hard work and sleepless nights with endless coffee while preparing my presentation for ARCHITALENT finally paid off.”
Aquascraper
Second Prize
Ooi Ee Ling
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Ooi’s solution is to use the possibilities of oceans being the alternative homeland for human habitat by considering ocean architecture.
Aquascraper opens a new dimension to city development by resolving issues of rising sea levels, flash floods, scarcity of land, and worsening traffic conditions. The structures include floating solar farms with green energy harvesting, sea surface transportation, residential hubs, vertical agriculture, and space transportation.
“My project is about a floating vertical city that operates independently offshore. Every city has a scarcity of land because 70% of planet earth is covered with water while just 30% comprises land. So, by exploring ocean architecture, we undoubtedly provide tremendous spaces for architecture.
“I am so grateful to have won the first-runner-up prize in ARCHITALENT! It’s such an honour to be recognised and awarded for my work. I never expected to win, but I’m thrilled I did.”
The Matriach
Third Prize
Mohd Aiman Yusuf
Universiti Teknologi Mara
Mohd Aiman’s proposed solution is named The Matriach – a moving skyscraper that transports itself to different locations and constructs new residential or office skyscrapers. The structure is equipped with an automated 3D printing construction system that will build ready-to-use capsules, and place them onto desired sites, which can be occupied immediately. The Matriarch will then detach itself from the newly completed skyscraper and continues to construct other buildings at other designated locations.
“My idea is that a building can use its instincts—the matriarch instinct—to decide what’s best for its inhabitants.”
“I want to solve the problem of wastage and hard labour by using AI technology to make better decisions, as data will help reduce errors and increase precision.
“I decided to enter this competition because I have a lot of ideas. ARCHITALENT allowed me to share my ideas and hopefully, to inspire others.”