Challenging young architects

Young architects practising in Malaysia will have the chance to win the inaugural LYSAGHT® Malaysia Young Architect Award which aims to develop architectural talent in the country.

Organised by BlueScope Lysaght Sdn Bhd, a manufacturer and supplier of steel products for the building industry, the competition is aimed at promoting excellence in architectural design. It is open to all architects practising in Malaysia. Even non-members of the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) can participate.

The competition is open to participants, aged 35 years and below, and who are currently employed in an architectural firm or engaged by a property developer.

“BlueScope Lysaght has an unrivalled heritage promoting architectural design excellence in Malaysia for the past 45 years, and is committed to reaching out to young, up-and-coming architects,” said company president Heon Chee Syhong, when launching the competition recently.

The event encourages young architects to take the opportunity to gain exposure and share their best ideas and designs, and contribute to the field of architecture in Malaysia.

The objective of the competition is focused on cultivating creative minds and promoting industry excellence by recognising innovative works of young professionals in the architectural sphere.

Based on the project overview, participants will be judged on:

- a building’s relationship to its site and context (10%)
- expression of concept (15%)
- environmental performance (15%)
- creative application of steel material (20%)
- contribution to architectural development (15%)
- organisation of internal plus external space and functions (15%)
- the design statement (10%)

The grand prize winner will receive RM20,000 cash, the trophy and an opportunity to establish his or her name in the building industry.

Top Choice
In addition, the entry which gets the most votes will receive the Top Choice award and RM5,000 cash. Participation is based on the most number of public votes received by an entry through the award’s online channels such as website and Facebook page.

“While there are already a few architectural awards in Malaysia, the LYSAGHT® Malaysia Young Architect Award is the only award that is dedicated to develop young architectural talents in Malaysia. As architects in Malaysia aspire to compete for international assignments, the exposure gained from their participation will certainly boost any young architect’s profile and portfolio. And the award’s online channels will elevate the exposure to a global scale,” said Heon.

The judging panel include Ar. Tone Wheeler and Siritip Harntaweewongsa. Wheeler is an author, educator, consultant and active in sustainability policies. Harntaweewongsa, co-founder of a green design and consulting firm, specialises in green design strategies based on environmental analysis.

For details, visit http://www.myaa.com.my/ or search for “Lysaght Malaysia Young Architect Award” on Facebook. Entries should be submitted by Sept 30 and the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Oct.

By The Star