Results Ceremony
August 7, 2021, was our big day. The Langit awards ceremony was a hybrid event with about 80 people witnessing the occasion at HSL Tower and the rest over Facebook Live.
Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg was the guest of honour.
It is a delight to judge the competition and we are grateful for the commitment among our learned peers, to what is a demanding experience, which is impacted by the current Movement Control Orders that does not enable the jurors to engage physically.
Due consideration was given to all submissions received which were diverse in scale, usages and efficiency. Many of the design ideas challenges conventional expectation and demonstrated a refreshing and less conventional approach in place making in the context of Kuching. A majority of the submissions display a clear commitment to social and environmental sustainability.
Some have bold and progressive commercial programmes that will make one re-think on the idea of commercial development without the provision of a residential component. Some schemes are more cohesive, while others economic viability was more persuasive. Some of the story telling were provocative while others were captivating.
The shortlisted schemes pushed various aspects of design ideas thinking and the juries were impressed by the creativity, the approach and the thoughts demonstrated in the submissions.
The judging was based on certain criteria with marking weightages. While the diversity created much discourse among the jurors, the final shortlisted schemes have common qualities in design excellence while providing a climate action plan that not only addresses the sustainability issues on a materiality level but also on a social-economic level. The jurors also looked at the economic viability, it’s constructability in concept and the overall presented ideas.
Each scheme has different strength, carrying different messages, which brings out specific design objectives in their proposal.
Not all schemes address all of the criteria sought. The judging looked closely at the strength of the each of the design ideas that was presented.
Over the month long jury’s discourses and discussions online, the final schemes were closely debated. Some proved engaging and provocative, while others a delight.
Ar Avy Jong
Langit Jury Chair
Yii.K.E.Architect
1st Place
Impactful, accessible modularity form applied with added structural frame that gives it cohesiveness, makes this scheme engaging and refreshing. Providing high density, yet flexible and adaptable multi-generational living and working units, is a salient feature very relevant to future proofing in the new norm post Covid-19 pandemic. The design encapsulates the ideas of sustainable living featuring the concept of urban farming and promoting occupants self-sufficiency with opportunity for public and community engagements at multiple levels. This scheme showed the most well rounded solution to the criteria sought.
Ar. Jascinta Yii Kiu Eng
Alan Kueh
Paul Delacruz Umbalin
Surya Kusuma
Just Architecture
2nd Place
A bold climate action scheme. Beautifully crafted spaces with innovative sustainability ideas to address the current food security issues in Sarawak. A brilliant idea on urban farm island that engages and educates the public with museum-like spaces showcasing its unique products and processes. The design draws in the public at street level. Urban ‘farm to table’ concept with interesting spatial programme. The scheme will be greatly enhanced with more diverse community activities and mixture of retail, soho office spaces complementing the existing programme. Improved density will boost the scheme’s economic viability. A design idea that will be relevant in almost any urban areas with a bold outlook and concept direction towards accommodating the new norm post Covid-19 on sustainable self-sufficiency.
Ar. Justin Lee Shyan Luen
Ian Cheah Ying Hao
Victor Phoo Chan Chuan
Yap Kuan Loong
MOA Architects
3rd Place
A stunning neighbourhood landmark is created by sacrificing the typical commercial space at lower floors to become an accessible community space. The trade-off of standard setback for better public spaces in this scheme ignited conversations on the benefits to challenge and re-think existing planning guidelines and bring it abreast with today’s urban planning needs. The promotion of higher density to achieve greater economic viability, while providing much needed and accessible public spaces at ground level for the public can be a beneficial trade off in many potential developments. This possible inducement will benefit everyone.
Attic Studio - Ar. Hung Sing Ing
UT Moh Architect
Honourary Mentions
Efficient, elegant design with a composition of embracing forms and refined facade treatment inspired by the ikat and pua kumbu weavings. The scheme demonstrates high commercial viability and economic efficiency enhanced by vistas. The scheme appears to be designed from outside – in and an opportunity is missed to take advantage of the views outwardly within the units. The scheme would benefit from greater community and public engagement at ground and podium level spaces rather than having it as a stand-alone entity.
Moh Ung Tai
Collaborators
Studiogoto Singapore
Arkitek LH Wong
Honourary Mentions
Addressing inter-generational living with future proofing to adapt to the new norm post pandemic in a simple and clear manner, with the introduction of the inter-linking entrance courtyards within the units. A good transitional typology for those who have moved from their landed property to high-rise living. Creating a more accessible and robust public space at podium and street level will enhance the overall scheme.
Ar. Michael Wong Leong Hong
Lau Chee Kiong
Elaine Bong
Gan Bee Hui
Bong Yaw Shyan
