HDS at IAWKL: It's a Wrap!

Indonesian Architects Week Kuala Lumpur 2024 Opens, Showcasing 70 Stunning Architectural Works

The Indonesian Architects Week Kuala Lumpur 2024 (IAWKL 2024) officially launched on November 14, 2024, at The Godown in Kuala Lumpur. The event, which brings Indonesian architecture to an international audience, was inaugurated by an esteemed panel of leaders and contributors, including Hendra P. Iskandar, Minister Counselor for Economic Affairs at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Malaysia; Ar. Georgius Budi Yulianto, Chairman of the Indonesian Architects Association (IAI); Prof. Ar. Adrianta Aziz, President of the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM); Emily Wee, co-founder of The Godown; Deddy Wahjudi, co-founder of IAWKL 2024; and curators Rizki Supratman and Trianzani Sulshi.

Highlighting Regional Identity through Architecture

The exhibition features 70 architectural firms from 11 provinces across Indonesia, presenting works inspired by the theme, “Equatorial Synaesthesia: An Exploration of Sensory Harmony and Spatial Perception, Revisiting the Tenets of Critical Regionalism.” This theme encourages architects to blend sensory experiences and spatial understanding with critical interpretations of regionalism in tropical, equatorial contexts.

Instead of traditional full-building designs, the exhibition emphasizes scaled architectural models and partial structures, offering visitors an in-depth exploration of spatial and sensory intricacies. The result is a vibrant tapestry of perspectives that underscore the rich diversity of Indonesian architectural expression.

A Collaborative Triumph of Community and Creativity

More than just an architectural showcase, IAWKL 2024 demonstrates the power of community and collaboration. The collective efforts of hundreds of Indonesian architects traveling to Kuala Lumpur and uniting to present their work have garnered admiration from local Malaysian architects and visitors alike. The event’s communal ethos has reinforced a sense of solidarity and pride within the Indonesian architectural community.

Hendra P. Iskandar expressed his delight in how the event fosters closer ties between Indonesia and Malaysia, celebrating shared cultural and artistic exchanges.

Participating Firms and Event Details

Some of the most prominent names in Indonesian architecture are part of the exhibition, including Andramatin, SimonPopo Danes Architect, Budi Pradono Architects, Indonesia, Studio Arsitektropis, and LABO. These firms, along with others, represent a cross-section of Indonesia’s architectural landscape, from traditional regional interpretations to contemporary innovations.

IAWKL 2024 is a collateral event of UIA 2024 Kuala Lumpur, marking the fourth Indonesian Architects Week after previous editions in Tokyo, Seoul, and Rio. The initiative was spearheaded by Deddy Wahjudi’s LABO. architecture firm to elevate Indonesian architects on the global stage.

The event runs daily from November 14 to November 23, 2024, between 11:00 AM and 8:00 PM, with free entry for all visitors. It is supported by the Ikatan Arsitek Indonesia (IAI) and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI).

Key Contributors and Advisory Board

The exhibition was made possible through the efforts of Program Director Rofianisa Nurdin, Art Director Andi Rahmat (NUSAE), and an advisory board comprising influential figures such as Andra Matin, Wendy Djuhara, Imelda Akmal, Nelly L. Daniel, and Deddy Wahjudi.

By merging artistry, culture, and community, IAWKL 2024 provides a platform for Indonesian architects to connect with an international audience and celebrates the country’s rich architectural heritage.

HDS's Lapangan Merdeka Joins the Spotlight at IAWKL 2024

The Lapangan Merdeka project by HDS (Hartono Design Syndicates) earned a distinguished place in the Indonesian Architects Week Kuala Lumpur 2024 (IAWKL 2024), a selection made by the curators to emphasize its architectural and cultural significance. This landmark project was showcased in the Adaptive Architecture category, represented with red color, symbolizing innovation and reactivation.

A Beacon of Adaptive Design

HDS’s revitalization of Lapangan Merdeka, a historically and culturally significant urban space, brought attention to the possibilities of adaptive reuse in architecture. Adaptive Architecture, as explored in this category, focuses on breathing new life into existing structures and spaces while preserving their heritage value. The Lapangan Merdeka project embodies these principles, transforming the iconic square into a vibrant and functional space that respects its historical roots while catering to contemporary urban needs.

Sparking Dialogue on Conservation and Reactivation

The project sparked lively discourse among visitors, architects, and cultural enthusiasts alike, revolving around two key themes:

1. Heritage Conservation:Attendees explored how the revitalization of Lapangan Merdeka preserves its historical essence, ensuring that the cultural and historical narratives tied to the space remain intact. This aspect resonated with many, as the preservation of identity in urban spaces is a pressing concern in the face of rapid modernization.

   
   

2. Reactivation of Urban Spaces:The project also highlighted how neglected or underutilized public spaces could be reimagined into thriving hubs of activity. By addressing the needs of modern users while honoring the site's heritage, the design becomes a template for reactivating similar spaces in cities worldwide.

   
   

An Intersection of Tradition and Modernity

The revitalization of Lapangan Merdeka seamlessly bridges the past and present, showcasing how thoughtful design can celebrate history while meeting future demands. Through its inclusion in the Adaptive Architecture category, it served as an inspiring example of how architects can balance conservation with innovation, addressing not just the physical aspects of a space but also its social and cultural dimensions.

By sparking meaningful discussions and providing a fresh lens through which to view heritage spaces, HDS's Lapangan Merdeka stood out as a highlight of the exhibition, underlining the transformative power of adaptive architecture.