KUCHING: The Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) and Hock Seng Lee (HSL) yesterday announced an extension for the registration deadline of the AIR master plan design competition here.
The new deadline is July 12, allowing participants an additional two weeks to register.
Since the competition opened nationwide on June 10, there have been 107 sign-ups and this extension comes in response to industry requests for more time to thoroughly review competition details before registering.
The AIR competition presents unique challenges, notably, the 13-acre site is near Kuching International Airport, and with a stream running through it.
HSL’s managing director Datuk Paul Yu said as the competition promoter and AIR landowner, HSL was pleased with the current sign-up rate.
“Given the importance of this project, we discussed with PAM and decided to extend the registration period by two weeks.
“We aim to maximise participation and PAM has received initial feedback from architects who appreciate the complexity of this competition. They requested more time to study the site before signing up, and we are happy to accommodate this,” he said.
HSL is renowned for prioritising public spaces in its private developments.
All registered participants will receive the full competition brief and documents like a topography plan with major trees marked. In the info pack are also bird’s eye view of the land, and 360 vista videos.
Co-convenor representing PAM Sarawak, Ar Chiew Chung Yee, stated that it was a rare opportunity for a national competition to take place in Kuching.
“This is a great platform for architects to showcase their best ideas. Competitions encourage innovative thinking, and I am confident we will see many outstanding masterplans from the brightest minds.
“I encourage young architects to participate. The shortlisting process is entirely anonymous, ensuring a merit-based selection,” added Ar Chiew.
Following the new registration deadline on July 12, there will be a three-week enquiries period.
“I expect queries to focus on height limitations due to the proximity to the airport, and Sarawak guidelines such as new drainage requirements for flood prevention.
“I urge all participants to submit their questions during the enquiries period, and we will publish a comprehensive FAQ. Architects need to understand all parameters to design effectively,” he said.
For the record, the name AIR was chosen, as it represents “the air above us”, and also, in Malay, ‘air’ means water, representing the river through the site.
The competition is called “AIR – Building With Nature” and is for a 13acre piece of land between Kuching International Airport and Saradise.
