A Teochew (architects’) love poem

I wrote this for fun, Mingi/Suchee used it as their design statement for an interior design awards entry; of their new flat at MJC in 2006.

TOGETHER-NEST
- a Teochew architects’ love poem
(inspired by actual events)

Two architects, a Mr. and Mrs.
Needed their own space(s)
With Not much cash, decided to renovate
Dad’s old flat.

In one of Kuching’s new “townships”
9 across and 9 metres deep.
Three storeys up,
And not much “meat”.

“There are no walls between us” he declared;
An open plan layout it is.
There shall be no walls between us, she agreed
A one room home is bliss.

So the living room is the bedroom
which is the study, and a place to read.
Except when time to eat,
Then the futon is rolled up before the sushi is.

One big space,
plus one more for the cook.
Materials used found, bought
Given or sought.

The ambience was of memories and dreams
Only yesterday it seemed;
on school benches they met
much like those recreated

The cement screed finish and the “curtain” wall
was a design choice,
though the banker
did make some noise….

Much like teochew porridge,
it’s not for the rich.
it’s an expanse of screed; with a touch of timber
where you sit your arse down for dinner.

Design does matter, to eradicate clutter
So the walls have pockets.
Much less of a mess; promoting
….to-get-her-ness

Architecture is serious business
if you are rich, the solutions are endless.
Much better if you are poor
because less IS more.


Min - 2006