World Architecture Day

The first Monday of every October is World Architecture Day as sanctioned by the International Union of Architects (UIA) to promote good architecture and to raise public awareness about  architects. The United Nations recently designated the same day as World Habitat Day. This year's theme is 'Architecture and Human Rights"  - the local architect's institute (PAM) decided to build an architectural installation to commemorate the day. 

initial ideas

The result is “Cardboard City” – inspired by the resourcefulness of the homeless and forgotten (discarded humanity) in crafting a shelter for themselves using cardboard, plastic sheeting and other refuse (discarded material) with the aim of prompting questions and discussions about every humans’s right to decent shelter.

'building' material

the job-site at the Spring shopping mall - 10 p.m. 2nd Oct

peggy and melvin with recycled soy milk bottle lights

construction starts at 1 a.m. 3rd Oct

Nearing completion (and exhaustion)

some members of the construction team at 6 a.m. 3rd Oct

the cardboard city lights up!

3 p.m. the Mayor visits with members of the Architect's Institute

The shopping trolley completes the picture

I enjoyed working on the project - the message is one reason but the main reason is the young people whom I worked with; I enjoyed their energy and enthusiasm which kept us going until the completion of the project. As seen in the group photo, they are still able to smile and joke at 6 a.m. after a solid 8 hours of constructing the 'Cardboard City' - these guys are definitely architect material! 

As we speak, more pieces of cardboard architecture are being built and added to the 'City' - Peggy and Joseph's furniture will go on display on Wednesday.

Sasha in the spotlight on designer furniture at a prime shopping mall in Kuching