lines on paper

Kuching - Singapore - Taipei

2012-02-28T07:01:00.001-08:00

Twenty of us travelled to Taipei with an overnight layover in Singapore - architects, two chefs, a surveyor and some of their spouses.

An afternoon in Tiong Baru

2012-02-15T03:21:00.000-08:00

Each time I am in Singapore, I am drawn to Tiong Bahru - not for the hawker food that everyone assume is my goal. I am drawn to the public housing in the area. Or more precisely, I am drawn to the period that these buildings were built and what that era represented - a new beginning and the hope that came with it. Perhaps that is why the corners of the buildings have such heraldic detailing.

The Council flats of Tiong Bahru - I like the staircase with its slightly nautical theme.

For the same reason, I like watching movies from that era when men wore hats and women wore gloves; and they spoke proper English. Over the Chinese New Year break our Astro (cable TV) broke down and I resorted to watching my Alfred Hitchcock collection - from 'Rebecca' to 'The Rear Window'.

Some of the architecture and interiors in these movies are worth a second look - at times the second look made me realise I was looking at a stage set. Nonetheless, I have fallen in love with Joan Fontaine - who is still around apparently. Perhaps I ll drop her a line.

The ground floor of this block are shops; the white walls are accented with face brickwork and Hokkien spoken enthusiastically by the local kopi-drinkers

A wander through the back lanes in between the housing blocks is my way of returning to the past; the smell of laundry drying in the mid morning sun. Even the smell of lunch cooking seem to come from the past.

Hero Drawings

2012-02-11T06:07:00.000-08:00

These are Kok Ming's recent ink drawings; done with a Hero drawing pen.

He says these sketches remind him of wood cuts. I used to do wood cuts in high school; I wonder if I still have the tools (and skills) to do them again. Have to find some lino; they are an easier and more accessible material - meanwhile, here is my favourite woodcut, Escher's self portrait.

Water, water everywhere

2012-02-09T16:30:00.001-08:00

For the Chinese, water is a symbol of Life and Wealth - as such - money is sometimes referred to as 'water' in casual conversation. So when it rained continuously at the beginning of this year; it was thought to be a good sign as this is also the year of the Water Dragon.

We knew that our office was in a flood prone area; that's why we raised the new floor level by a foot. However, we were still unprepared for the flash flood that took place that morning; 6 inches of water came into the studio in half an hour - CPUs died, books drowned and ink-lines washed away.

There are always good things that come out of 'bad' - in this case, we discovered that we have several strong leaders in the office; efficiently and calmly coordinating the clean up, re-instating a sense of order and purpose.

Sofia with her head in her hands

The spring cleaning was premature but it forced us to take stock and part with 'precious' things collected over the years. I had to throw out a thick stack of butter paper sketches, actually I had someone discard them for me. I did not have the heart to do it.

New beginnings are better with an uncluttered desk.

Bicycle Adventures in Hoi An

2012-01-15T17:40:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

We just returned from Hoi An, which explains the late start to the first post of the year - but there are many sketches to share, recording our cycling, culinary and cultural experiences there.

Stayed tuned.

It was a ten-minute walk from the hotel to the ancient town centre where we had our first meal in Hoi An - we were strolling by when we heard a familiar name. 'Tau-fu-fa' which is bean-curd jelly served warm with palm sugar syrup laced with crystallized ginger.

Most things in the ancient town is at a leisure pace; your lunch took time to arrive - this is good as it allows time to talk and sketch and peel open the hand printed chopstick wrapper. The words mean "welcome"

Painting trees

2011-12-31T18:54:00.000-08:00

This last post of 2011 does not attempt to sum up the year, that would take too long and may proof to be tedious reading for many. Instead I chose to highlight (or perhaps confirm) an important realisation on my part - which is my increasing enjoyment of working with young people.

So here is one of the little projects carried out with several of my young friends. They painted a mural at the Home of Peace; an elderly citizens' home in Landeh about twelve miles out of Kuching. The idea was 'planted' by Ivy who thought that the dining room at the Home of Peace looked rather institutional and needed colour.

Sara and Joel designed the 'forest of trees' to be stenciled onto the wall for the younger kids to fill in; colours were selected to imply depth of perception.

I enjoyed the experience of completing the mural with the students (Wen Jin from Ipoh, Shearer and Jay from St Joe, Sean, Sara, Nick and Kieran) despite not drawing a line myself. I felt rewarded by their generosity in donating their time.

We will return to add birds to the forest as requested by one of the Sisters who run the place.

ADDING BIRDS

Nick and his Dad adding birds and flowers

with some of the residents of the Home of Peace

Little Black Book

2011-12-23T16:34:00.000-08:00

I keep a small sketch book (4x6 inches) for quick sketches during stolen moments of the day; usually during traveling to and from meetings out of town. I tried to keep it updated like a visual journal but it is not always successful; recently I took stock of the entries and posted them here.

The Lasalle College of the Arts - near the Bugis MRT

I have always liked this building; how it addresses the corner with its curve form; did a quick 5 minute sketch when waiting for my lunch to be cooked in a cafe across the street.

Another quick one done in ball point pen near the Floating Stadium at the Marina; after viewing the Dali exhibition at the new Arts and Science Museum.

The 'wings' hovering over the Marina Sands

Inside - we watched the Lion King and ate pizza at the Mozza - culinary and cultural (?) highlights

A familiar place during our stay at Micheal's apartment; sketched from the McDonald's across the street.

Events of the day - some days are just packed with activity and ideas.

Last run at the gym before heading off to Penang for the Run (Nov 2011)

My life at the confluence of books and food at DNA's office.

Drawing From Memory

2011-12-14T17:56:00.001-08:00

Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok

Steward Lane, Penang

2011-12-08T14:50:00.000-08:00

More from the stolen afternoon of sketching in Penang, my attention was caught by the many textures of this elevation. I drew in ink 'on-site' and colored in after I returned to Kuching.

Wan Hai Hotel on Steward Lane

I didn't have my camera with me and forgot to write down the street name but fortunately I was able to find a photo taken by Calvin Kwok to accompany this post.

S(catch) of the Day

2011-12-05T06:04:00.000-08:00

I have been busy catching up with work leftover due to my trips away from the office; so I have not had much time to sketch on-site or to finish the sketches from Penang. The only sketching that I have been doing for the past few weeks have been the money making type; sketches to show clients initial ideas, to explain design ideas to students in the office and show a trace of the hand in my drawings These sketches are for a small house in Kuching - and they perform each of the roles listed above.

Pencil floor plan rendered with coloured pencil; total area 168 sq. metres.

A couple of quick sketches drawn up in an A5 cartridge sketchbook - with water colours quickly added in.

Album covers

2011-11-27T23:04:00.000-08:00

Sara must have enjoyed the bonding session with me in Penang; as she is still in the office everyday - seated next to me, humoring her old man by typing out my documents, scanning magazines and making coffee. Recently, she took up my suggestion to do one sketch every day in one of my old journals - the result of which startled and impressed me. With the encouraging comments from her peers and myself, she is continuing this habit of 'doing a sketch a day' - coincidentally I was listening to some per-recorded CDs from years ago which I painted some 'album covers'. So, here's a father and daughter exhibition...

book cover "roseanna' by Maj Sjowall & Per Wahloo

sarah brightman by sara

Work, Run and Family

2011-11-23T06:13:00.000-08:00

Sara and I went to Penang for the Bridge Half Marathon; I decided to work in a bit of work and met with a client about a house and gave a talk at the local Architecture school (USM). I also brought my parents along since my Mom has not been since I was in Secondary school.
At 3 a.m. Sunday, I ran my third half marathon (3:39) - didn't make my target of 2:27. It was a busy few days but I managed to steal away for some sketching on the last afternoon when Sara went shopping with Pris, and Eng Hooi played tour guide for my parents.

Campbell Street Market

You can have the afternoon off!

2011-11-18T05:49:00.000-08:00

Song Kheng Hai Hawker Centre

A Fire Look-out tower used to mark one end of Jalan Padungan; now a garish Chinese arch mars the spot

Today is my birthday and I am traveling to Penang with Sara and a bunch of friends to participate in the Penang Bridge Half-Marathon. After we landed in Penang at 11:30 a.m. - birthday messages started coming in from one or two office friends. To which I replied by telling them that for wishing me 'happy birthday' they can have the afternoon off! And what do you know...more birthday messages came in and I continued telling each of them to have the afternoon off; I guess I ll find out if they did take the afternoon off when I return on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, I recently gave myself the afternoon off and sketched in Padungan; enjoyed the guilty pleasure of a stolen afternoon and re-discovery of the 0.4 Artline pen.

Time on my hands

2011-11-03T18:20:00.000-07:00

Our flight was cancelled. I was not bothered, happy even. Happy to be held captive with a good book "The Laughing Policeman" (Maj Sjowall & Per Wahloo) and my sketchbook. 4 hours till the next plane home, and the only victim was dinner with friends at home.
I tried my hand (again) at drawing people. I need to practice more, I am more at home with buildings and spaces.

Sunday

2011-10-25T03:35:00.000-07:00

These are some sketches from my visual diary recording Sunday's main activities. The day started at 4:30 with a run out to Eng Hooi's house to meet up for the long run towards town centre. As usual, we got our messages mixed up and he and I did not meet up but ran our own long runs.
It was day light when I reached the Rock Road showroom

I stopped for the light to change at Saberkas - the big round building on the left and did this quick sketch.
(kidding...)

Our Sunday run usually ends at the Hakka coffee shop at the corner of Carpenter and Bishopsgate street for noodles and local coffee.

That afternoon, Sam, Sara, Eng Hooi and I went to Arlene and Mag's new house to help them paint Eggshell, Brilliant White and Moondust on their walls.

The Sketchbook Project 2012

2011-10-20T00:22:00.000-07:00

Peggy and I together with a group of friends have decided to participate in the Sketchbook Project :
"its like a concert tour, but with sketchbooks" Here's an excerpt.

Thousands of sketchbooks will be exhibited at galleries and museums as they make their way on tour across the world.

After the tour, all sketchbooks will enter into the permanent collection of The Brooklyn Art Library, where they will be barcoded and available for the public to view.

Anyone - from anywhere in the world - can be a part of the project.To participate and have us send you a sketchbook that will go on tour, start by choosing a theme to the right.

The 2012 Tour

Brooklyn, NY

Boston, MA

Chicago, IL

San Francisco, CA

Atlanta, GA

Austin, TX

Los Angeles, CA

Philadelphia, PA

Portland, OR

Portland, ME

London, England*

Melbourne, Australia*

Vancouver, Canada

Toronto, Canada

More info on the tour...

Project dates

Oct 31st, 2011

Jan 31st, 2012

POSTMARK YOUR BOOK BY

April, 2012

TOUR STARTS

Losing yourself

2011-10-12T21:44:00.000-07:00

I love the company of people; but sometimes it is necessary to be alone. To fill in the gaps in the day's thoughts. Much like the colouring in of sketches and the adding of shadows and textures that add depth. It is also time to think and lose yourself for a short spell.
These sketches describe a departure from the day's tasks - as architect, father, husband, tutor. In those spare hours, I can lose myself and be anonymous. A small format sketch book is helpful so that I can always have it with me. And these stolen moments are short so the sketches have to be concise.

Guangzhou sketches

2011-10-09T04:32:00.000-07:00


The Guangdong museum

This is part of Saturday's drawing class - Yasmin showed us photos of her recent trip to Guangzhou, we selected a few and sketched them in class. We played music while sketching; 3 songs per sketch (about ten minutes) I water coloured in later.

Guangxiao Xi (Filial Piety) Temple and the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees

Next Week: Cambodia Sketches (1:30pm onwards at DNA)

...today started great

2011-10-06T04:24:00.000-07:00

It rained..

but I got out for a run anyway

short one

from home to popiah

started at six

got there in 30 minutes

faster than I imagined

which was great

since I been feeling slow of late.

Popiah and Kopi O

with Sam for an hour

then to the office for a shower.

and as I walked in -

I heard guitar music

Doreen came in earlier to practice

'don't stop' I told her

'play louder,

so I can hear you in the shower'

World Architecture Day

2011-10-04T05:16:00.000-07:00

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

Angela's Ashes

2011-09-24T22:55:00.000-07:00

Cathedral of Good Shepherd

Many years ago, I had the good fortune to listen to Angela's Ashes read by the author, Frank McCourt - I was in the car with young Sean and Sara who enjoyed the story telling (and the gentle humour) very much. Recently, I decided to re-read the book and bought a second hand copy from a Bras Basah bookstore. Here's an excerpt:

"From October to March the walls of Limerick glistened with the damp. Clothes never dried; tweed and woolen coats housed living things, sometimes sprouted mysterious vegetation. In pubs, steam rose from damp bodies and garments to be inhaled with cigarette and pipe smoke laced with the stale fumes of spilled stout and whiskey and tinged with the odour of piss wafting in from the outdoor jakes where many a man puked up his week’s wages

The rain drove us into the church – our refuge, our strength, our only dry place. At Mass, Benediction, novenas, we huddled in great damp clumps, dozing through priest drone, while steam rose from our clothes to mingle with the sweetness of incense, flowers and candles.

Limerick gained a reputation for piety, but we knew it was only the rain."

courtesy of the Banana-man

Waiting

2011-09-17T23:56:00.000-07:00

Recently while waiting in a hotel lobby, I drew this mom and child waiting for dad to check out - mom was tying up the toddler's hair while the child played with an I-phone. The following sketches are collected over the years and they show us waiting (almost always with a book)

Sam falls asleep amongst the laundry while waiting for dinner to be cooked

We were on the way to KL via KTM train from JB.

Drawing Out Your Day

2011-09-10T22:33:00.000-07:00

Breakfast at the Ibis Hotel where I stayed for 8 nights was the same everyday, which helped reinforce my daily routine of squeezing in a quick run in the early morning before going to 'work' at the third year studio.

I ate alone - but had my novels and sketch book to keep me accompany.These are some of the people in the breakfast crowd.

This impatient man was waiting for his wife to check out - full of anxious energy and frowns.

The Workshop consist of 150 students from NUS whom I saw daily for a week; they helped me with my daily commute, which involved taking the SMRT Bus 806 from the Dept. of Design and Environment to Clementi MRT which takes to Bugis MRT. From there, I walk a short distance to Ibis Hotel on Bencoolen Road.

On some days, I take a detour and visit museums or shops; I saw the terracotta warriors at the Asian Civilisation Museum with Tao and friend.

Some days, my friends would take me to look at new buildings such as the University Town across the road from NUS. Most of the building there are bland American copies with the exception of Mok Wei Wei's building.

Mostly, I was happy to explore and sketch, I did two quick sketches (5-10 minutes) of the old Mandarin Oriental Hotel which is now wearing a new 'skirt' of sweeping glass and steel curves that is Mandarin Square.

The Singapore Management Universtiy

Kindred Spirits

2011-09-05T05:14:00.000-07:00

by Kok Ming

The Hunting Lodge by Jules Boag

We meet people in the course of our lives; some become friends after the third or fourth meeting while others are destined to stay at the fringe as acquaintances. Then there are the times when we meet people for the first time and the mutual feeling is one of renewed friendship. Like an old school friend whose bond was cultivated over hours of homework (or detention); or favourite cousin Freddie whom despite being a relative (and therefore not strictly a friend) always shared a laugh or a cigarette after Grandma’s obligatory Sunday lunch.

This year, I had the privilege of meeting two such people – one of them is a runner (editor) and the other is a sketcher (architect). For someone who does not make friends easily - this is indeed a bonus. The bonus of having someone share the hard miles with me in the early morning runs and tell stories (during the run - she's fit this one) about our other shared interests; dogs, traveling, art, warm people and cool films.
To have someone who share discoveries about architecture; a recent favourite speaker or building, an invite to conduct a workshop, ideas about teaching architecture and striking a balance between work and family.
Their warmth and openness makes me want to try harder to be approachable and generous when I deal with others - it's a work in progress.

Back to Uni

2011-08-26T18:42:00.000-07:00

Last month, I was invited to lead the Tropical Architecture Workshop at NUS (National University of Singapore)

This annual event is the first project for 150 third year students. My theme is based on the idea of a tropical ‘village’ where students have to analyze the simple activities of eating/cooking, sleeping/resting and washing. The brief called for usage of passive cooling devices and consideration of interspatial relationship and the possible development of prototypes.

I prepared this pictorial documentary of the 7-day workshop, choosing to focus on the activities that took place and relationships made rather than the products of the workshop. For me, the real lessons learnt during the 7 days do not always show themselves in the final panels. These are lessons in teamwork, discourse and disagreements followed by decision and delegation of work, ending in an articulate presentation of their ideas. Much of which was done in a seriousness and skill that belie their mere two years in Architecture School; resulting in a body of work that explored social issues, urban planning, ecology, industrial design and energy renewal. The most enjoyable (and impressive) aspect of this workshop was the students’ ability to explain (and argue) their ideas at a moment’s notice, and without much sleep one might add.

For me, these are the rewards: to work with smart motivated young people that point towards the future of our profession.

These are some samples of the students' work

The view from Traders Hotel

2011-08-25T17:30:00.000-07:00

This is a belated continuation of the previous blog entry - a happy outing to KL; staying at the Traders, pampered at the executive lounge and receiving two gold medals at the PAM Awards. I enjoyed most the quiet morning at the breakfast lounge 35 floors up - finishing my sketches in watercolor.
These are two of them - I used watercolors from a Sakura Paintbox.

PAM Awards

2011-08-10T14:17:00.000-07:00

Traders Hotel lobby on Level 5

For this year's PAM Awards outing, Arlene, Leong and I decided to lash out and stay at the Traders Hotel - we planned to have a extra bed in the room for me. All was well until Leong and I tried to check in at 2 p.m.- we were told by the nice and apologetic Mr Lucas Chin at front desk that our room was not ready. I frowned and looked at my watch; prompting an exchange between the two of us.

L: ah, erm..may I offer you lunch?

me: (looking uninterested) We've had lunch (quelling a little burp of sushi)

L: ooh..haha..ah how about a drink?

me: We are a little pushed for time; we are attending an event next door..

L: Oh, I see. The Industrial Robotics Convention?

me: No. (trying to look mildly offended) - the Architect's Design Awards.

L: Oh. Did you win something?

me: I believe we did, yes..

L: Mr. Wee. Let me check again..back in a moment (he dashes off and returns in two minutes). Ah...Mr.Wee, I am very sorry but I can only offer you a room on the executive floor with views of the Twin Towers, ah..would that be acceptable?

me: (Yay!..executive floor!) well, it'll have to do

L: And Mr. Wee can have cocktails at the executive on the 38th floor at 5 p.m. - they are complimentary.

me: (wooohooo!) ..yes, yes, we'll see if we have the time.

L: ah...one more thing; the room has two single beds, not a double...

me: Hmm. that's ok (turning to Leong who's sitting down amongst the cushions and gesturing with my hands that the beds are apart and not together; he nods. And as I turn back to young Lucas, I catch the eye of the Indian receptionist standing nearby; she cocks her head and smile sympathetically at me)

PAM Awards Ceremony 2011

Such a nice view that I slept on the couch by the window

In Memoriam

2011-08-03T07:31:00.000-07:00

Kok Ming took us on an 'Architecture of Death' tour - my favourite was the Kranji War Memorial. Set on a hill with manicured lawns - the Memorial is dedicated to the Commonwealth soldiers who died defending Singapore and Malaya against the invading Japanese forces during WOrld War II.
The two sweeping wings represent the Air Force, sheltering the "Army" columns engraved with names of the fallen, while the submarine's sail stands for the Navy.

Headstones at the Kranji War Memorial

While there - I was reminded of Kemal Ataturk's tribute to the ANZACs in Gallipoli,
"......You the mothers who sent their sons from far away countries, wipe away your tears. Your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. Having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well." It moves me every time I read it.

Home for some

2011-07-18T21:32:00.000-07:00

Our studio at work

Toffee the dog is two timing us - Sam and I rescued him from a short life on the streets and gave him a home at DNA. One day, he escaped. We thought that we had lost him for good, because we looked everywhere. Then Rosalind from down the street rang up and said "I think I have your dog; I am now his mummy, he has been with us for several weeks and we call him Mr. Brown".
So, we agreed to have a time-share dog who would benefit from twice the loving.

Toffee rolls in mid morning like a CEO; checks in with Leong and I before having a nap. He stays for lunch with Arlene. In the afternoon, he wanders around taking part in our group discussions. At 4 pm, Mr. Brown leaves to return home to mommy and dinner.

Sometimes, Life should be simple like that.

me, toffee and iPod (2009)

Toffee a.k.a.Mr. Brown (Aug 2011)

KL Half Marathon

2011-07-08T17:36:00.000-07:00

2:33 - numbers sometimes speak louder than words; so there you have it in a nutshell. I was unable to break the two and a half hour mark for the half marathon. Weight loss would help; improved mental strength would too - I realised this as I ran towards this landmark near the end of the race. It looked near but was kilometres away.

Nonetheless, this has been a fulfilling experience for me as Sean and Sara also ran the Half with me; and I ran with negligible knee pain. Thanks to Tatiana. And as long as I continue to improve my times (my KL Half in 2009 was 2:43) - I will be giving her my finisher medals.

Work beckons

2011-07-05T03:55:00.000-07:00

Each time I appear to work especially hard at the office, my colleagues ask me if I am going away for a trip soon - and usually the answer is 'yes'. I am especially focused and productive days before a trip - my ideas are clear and my lines are decisive. If only I am like this for the rest of the year; I would get all my work done in 6 months. But then that mightn't work so well - as much of my work is collaborative and one must for time to review and consideration. Like Louis Khan's spaces - I am sometimes the servant and often times the served. But in any case, I am in a favourable position in the office - geographically that is; at the confluence of books and food, within easy reach of the library and smell of coffee.

I keep a work journal for sketches related to office work and several others for travel and thoughts - often there is cross-pollination amongst them. But I have learnt not to be so anal as life is often untidy. These sketches give body to my design ideas; they have become easier as I practice sketching during my travels - so the hobby helps with work. I think that's rather cool.

Bangkok Study Trip

2011-06-21T20:08:00.000-07:00

My contribution to the July 2011 issue of the INTERSECTION newsletter; I see it as my role to provide an irreverent aspect to this publication. (when Ivy lets me get away with it.)

sketches from the Navalia River Resort

Siam Cement Group showroom

Recently, members of the local Architects' Institute went on a study tour of Bangkok; this is a usual item on the PAM calendar - last year it was Shanghai and Beijing the year before. I went along for the promise of good eats, sights and a chance to sketch outside my usual boundaries. It is also an 5-day exercise in camaraderie and good-will (something that my wife tells me I need to work on) as 25 people share food and a small bus. Indeed, there were times when we shared food IN a small bus.

Bangkok University - School of Arts

Aside form enjoying the daily architectural and culinary tidbits; I took time to record some interesting 'discoveries' which I made whilst in Bangkok.

1. There are 6-foot long monitor lizards at the Lumphini Park;
runners stop to let them pass.
2. Thai runners also stop mid-stride when the National Anthem
played in the Park at 8 a.m.
3. If you behave and sit quietly in the Public Library; the librarian
will fetch you a cup of coffee.
4. Thai mall security patrol on locally-made Segways.
5. In her campaign poster, Ying Shinawatra reminds me of
Catherine Zeta-Jones.
6. Adding a ‘kup’ or ‘ka’ at the end of a word makes it sound more
polite…try it.

Ahh...Kikkoman

2011-06-16T03:27:00.000-07:00

UMNO HQ - while waiting for cha kuih tiau - I coloured in with soy sauce

Architects are not to be trusted (totally) when it comes to food reviews and recommendation - because more likely than not we are influenced by many factors other than the food. Just as pleasant company adds to the dining experience, I feel that the right architectural environment does the same. It is the notion of eating lunch in a decades old shop house that someone has breathed new life into - as in SOUL CAFE ( I had pasta here)on Lebuh Muntri off Penang Road. It appears that the young cook and his wife live on the cafe premises as well - I spied childrens' toys on the timber staircase leading up to the first floor. Or eating lunch at someone's sea front verandah at the Clan Jetties - the "LAN SEI LEE" (Thai Laksa) at the TAN KEO (bridge). Take note of how the piers of the houses are ingeniously built with paint-containers.

To rub shoulders with the locals, the CHULIA STREET Cantonese Tim Sum (a bit of the heart - my translation) is good for ambience. Cool down with KENG KWEE LANE Teochew Chendol off Penang Road opposite the Police Station. For attitude, the lady who cooks the CHA KUIH TIAU at LORONG SELAMAT has plenty - go before twelve to beat long queues and while waiting have the oyster omelette.

On my next trip, I plan to try The NYONYA BREEZE at Abu Siti Lane and the BEACH CORNER (Hainanese cooking) at Batu Ferringi.

Ahh...Penang

2011-06-08T06:21:00.000-07:00

Perhaps people who live on islands are kindred spirits; because I have met so many nice people from Penang - even ones who have been long removed from the island home. So it is a happy coincidence that a client should visit our website and decide to appoint us for his new house in Penang - legitimising my wish to visit Penang for food and sketching. (and generally walking around and looking)

China Street, Georgetown

Stopping for a drink and air-cond rest at a health food restaurant and sketching the streetscape through the shop window; Little India runs perpendicular to China Street. The vista down China Street ends with an old Chinese temple.

Padang next to Penang Town Hall

Thai Lunch

2011-06-03T21:01:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Bangkok at 4 pm (3 pm local time) - too late for lunch and too early for dinner; undaunted we led our tour guide to a hole in the wall restaurant called "Chotechitr" for our first taste of home cooked Thai food. There were 6 tables inside the shop and one outside by the street; run by a well-spoken (in English) lady who spent her childhood in Italy. The solitary cook meant that our meals took some time to arrive; which was fine as the neighbourhood was charming and people friendly.
We ate banana flower salad and crispy vermicelli in a tangy spicy dressing, followed by fried fish with mango salad, red curry prawns and chicken in yellow curry - all in the guise of a pre-dinner snack. Which ended up being dinner for all of us.

Map courtesy of Yaowalak

more work sketches

2011-05-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

Rushing to finish work in the office so that I can go to Bangkok with the PAM Committee; so here are more work related sketches. This building used to be the Sibu Municipal Council; recently re-adapted to become Sibu's Heritage Centre displaying artifacts relocated from the Dewan Suarah where they were half heartedly displayed in the undercroft of Sibu Town Hall.

The 'funnel' directs visitors into the building.

As part of the conservation, we refurbished the adjacent park as well - making it into the Centre's entrance forecourt as well as pedestrian thoroughfare between two major roads. We added several sculptural outdoor elements such as the 'terrain' on the left of the pictures - a shaded timber platform that gives the park some (man-made) topography. It is designed to give the site an urban edge; a subtle demarcation of the Centre's boundaries.

Man made topography

Work takes over

2011-05-19T15:37:00.000-07:00

This long stretch between entries can be explained as follows - there was an interruption in the blogspot service and also extra work load in the office due to a number of people on leave. This coupled with the datline for the PAM AWARDS submission meant limited time to post new entries.

This is one of the projects occupying my time; this sketch was drawn from the window of our site office - the different shaded 'panels' are actually cement render divided by groovelines and painted in different shades of grey.

The 4-storey block in the background is completely new; the two double storey buildings in the foreground were part of the original office that are conserved and re-furbished to form part of the new. This is part of our on-going interest in finding new usage for exisitng structures in our projects; to find new exciting usage woven from the old and new.

Partial Front Elevation

I'd rather be sketching

2011-05-03T03:36:00.000-07:00

After the hectic weekend, it is good to get back to doing what I enjoy as much as running; sketching.

The Fata Hotel is located in one of my favourite parts of Kuching. A rich confluence of childhood memories defined by my school, St. Thomas's Primary School and our sister school St Mary's Girls School to the right of the sketch. My grandmother's house is just a short walk up the hill to the right of the sketch; along Jalan Tabuan.
I remember a chendol stall just outside the St. Mary's school gate - doing a brisk business through the steel bars of the school fence during recess. An old man helped by his daughter. Then years later, only the daughter whom I still saw when I returned to Kuching. Now there is just a bus stop where the stall used to stand.

The temple on Wayang street has its counterpart across the street - a Chinese theatre on an elevated plinth which served as a stage. The audience brought their own seats and were entertained with old Chinese plays and drama pieces which (in the old days) were equivalent to news snippets from the home country. It was a versatile civic space; built, maintained and accessible to the local community.

Across town, the modern version of a Civic Centre; a pompous structure that is a far cry from its predecesors.

2:20

2011-04-28T03:25:00.000-07:00

My Target for the KK Half marathon this Sunday 1 May 2011.

I will keep you posted.
A time of 2:35 (argghhh!) means back to more training and watching what I eat.

from left, Sam, me, Sara, Sean, Pris and Eng Hooi

Nonetheless, the company was good and the girls did well; Sara and Pris did 2:40+ in their first Half marathon and Sam improved her PB without any training whatsoever.

Ain't that nice....

2011-04-26T01:42:00.000-07:00

I came across this link when visiting Lucy Bullivant's website; someone from ThinkLab wrote a nice review about our presentation at DATUM 2010. I know it's almost been a year but when someone says something positive about your work; it's worth taking note.

here's the clickable link.
http://make-condition.com/thinklab/?p=550

Sou Fujimoto

Building Details

2011-04-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

These are details for a current project; usually a colleague and I draw them up on butter paper or on the back of old tender documents. Other times, I try to record my ideas in my sketch book.

I enjoy the discipline and the solitude of this task; in the office I put my headphones on to do this without interruption. Flying times are handy for this too; 3-4 details between Kuching and Bintulu while Kuching - KL gets you 6. Mostly these ideas are already sorted out in my mind, only needing to drawn up for discussion, pricing, etc.

The more troublesome ones have a way of working themselves out once they are set free on paper. I show the built items in a month's time.

Religious Freedom

2011-04-20T18:41:00.000-07:00

These are sketches of the St.Thomas Cathedral in Kuching; during several visits (re-visits) to this school-day landmark. I took some students there for a sketching exercise, and while there I thought about some recent discussions concerning freedom of choice. Specifically within the practice of architecture. We constantly use our projects to express ourselves and to test our ideas, and ultimately make our own mistakes. For the firm that wants to grow creatively, this is a practice to be encouraged, especially amongst their young architects.

They must have the freedom to make the important decisions for the projects that they run; the design approach, the datelines, even the fees to be charged and the technical support required to complete the project.

view from the front entrance steps


cross section through the church showing the saw-tooth configuration of the side aisle

partial elevation showing the articulated wall line


from the inside, this translates into seating niches for 3-4 people.

plan

Time out in Kenyalang Park

2011-04-18T17:32:00.000-07:00

Kenyalang Park is one of the oldest housing estates in Kuching and today still bears the hallmarks of its modern planning such the creation of pedestrain links and a self sustaining communal centre. The architecural langauage is similarly Modernist with its blade-walls as fire-breaks in between the terrace (row) houses and the terrazzo sun-shades in the neighbouring shophouses.

Since its inception in the 1970s, it has created its own identity and even its own sub-culture. This is been surpassed by the recent influx of shopping arcades but once every so often the local Kuchingite still venture to Kenyalang Park especially during Chinese festivals. Paper lanterns during the Mooncake festival; fire-crackers, banners and flowers for the Chinese New Year.

It is the underbelly of Kenyalang Park that I enjoy; the selling of privated DVDs, the seedy kopi-tiams (coffee-shops) selling cheap kopi-O to the horse-racing bookies and their clientele. The smell of desperation mingled with cigarette smoke is a powerful narcotic to many - judging from the number people clustered around the heavily tatooed gentlemen with handfuls of money.

I spent a little time and even less money (on cheap coffee and a Stabilo Point 188 pen) and sketched the shops with their terrazzo fins and glass (and aluminium) louvres in between for ventilation. The face brickwork adds colour and texture to the simple concrete framed structures. Later I wandered towards the traffic gardens and sketched the terrace houses flanking the park; there were children playing badminton in the streets, some flying kites.It was 6 pm; someone is frying fish for dinner and the smell reminded me that I was hungry.

Time to go home.

Old Friends

2011-04-10T21:43:00.000-07:00

There were two speakers from the Deakin University Alumni at the PAM Design Forum; Dr.Tan Loke Mun and myself - we discovered that we shared more common experiences while in Geelong than we had originally imagined - including working for a local builder-architect, Peter Lockyer and many anecdotes involving mutual friends. In the midst of our conversation, 'Doc' mentioned that he has copies of our ID photos when we registered as students in the Architectural faculty, and knowing my interest in photography promised to send me the copies.

Here are an excerpt from them; I was in third year in 1987 - in the same class as Brendan Mooney, Chong Lee Siong, Brenda Mckenzie and Chris Yip (I wonder what happened to him?).

I emailed them to fellow class mates and others in Australia, and quite suddenly a reunion was suggested and organised for our 25th year reunion to be held in Melbourne. In the process, I got in contact again with Dianne (of the 3 Girls on Bikes fame), Simon Tiller and Sam Penfold (who kindly sent me a recent photo of themselves). Memories unfold and forgotten stories are remembered when I look at these black and whites. I plan to collect recent photos of themselves and complete an updated version of this list, perhaps in time for the reunion.

Simon and Sam

Dinner for One

2011-04-04T13:45:00.000-07:00

Dining room at the Everly Hotel Bintulu

A glass of wine and a good book is sometimes better company than a table full of business colleagues; especially after a long few days of meetings. I find that when dining alone the other diners tend to not notice you are there (as do the waiters) and as a result, they speak more openly. You can then eavesdrop in between the chapters of your book; for instance the three Indian gentlemen seated in front of me are treating their friend who is a new arrival from the home country; buying frozen chapattis for the chef to cook; the newbie has brought a jar of homemade chutney to share. He is the only one eating with his fingers; sucking them clean and running the flat of his knuckles on the plate and licking them to pick up gravy.
To my left, the wife has probably just flown in with 'bubs' to see daddy - Bintulu is full of people working 'on-site' away from their families - and they are having a quiet chat (too quiet to hear) while 'bubs' entertains the dinner crowd. The toddler walks from table to table 'talking' to the patrons. I sent him on his way with the 'medium rare' flag and a sprig of shallot garnish from my plate.

English Books

2011-03-19T22:37:00.000-07:00

An entry about books which I have read recently. One wouldn't think that books written about the English language can be so readable and entertaining; Bill Bryson's book is informative and funny at the same time (without really trying) - as he quotes samples from real life.

Ben MacIntyre's The Last Word is a compilation of articles from his column in The Times - covering topics about the English language, books, authors and others. My favourite is 'the letter to my widow' - Robert Falcon Scott's last word to his wife. Scott and five others died on the return journey from the South Pole - they arrived on the 7th January 1912 and to discovered that they have been preceded by Roald Amundsen's Norwegian expedition companion. Scott's frien, Lawrence Oates famously said ' I am just going outside and may be a while before walking out into a blizzard' - knowing that his ill health will slow down the expedition.

Speed Sketching Exercise #1

2011-03-16T15:03:00.000-07:00

I brought 6 items to class today; and asked the students to sketch them one after another in quick succession. I used the songs in my phone to pace the time used for each sketch; using the time taken for two songs to play out (approximately 7 minutes) as the time limit to complete each sketch. Although the students initially grumbled about the shortness of the time - they were pleasantly surprised when they could finish the task quite easily.

Dykes on Bikes

2011-03-14T02:59:00.000-07:00

This would have been a great name for Dianne's home-brew - but the actual name is "three girls on bikes beer". She made packs of three; pilsner, lager and one other; as Christmas presents one summer long ago - the label showed three girls free-wheeling down a hill. She brewed the beer using a DIY home pack with an electric blanket around the tank to keep the mixture warm in winter. Dianne and I spent a year finishing our final year projects, in a portacabin outside the Archi studio. .During that time, she taught me to see things from different points of views and showed me her parents' farm in ~~Wagga Wagga~~ Wangaratta (sorry Di). Through her, I met a vast and different circle of people, who became firm friends through the final years in University. My only regret about our friendship was not knowing her earlier.

Eeng Hooi's bike

National Service in Serian

2011-03-08T12:15:00.000-08:00

National Service camp near Serian

One Sunday last month, we tagged along to meet Sarah who is serving her National Service duties in a camp near Serian. The great thing about young people is that they carry their bright spark of life with them. It does not matter that the camp is the typical government jerry-built rubbish that will fall apart in 3 years. I saw the interns taking time out, singing, playing the guitar and meeting with family members. For a moment, we were family too sharing in their moment of freedom; we got hugs 6 feet high from Sarah.

We visited Serian after the camp; the place holds certain fond memories for me - as a child and later when we travelled here with Ivy. Back then we visited Ivy's school with Sean and Sara; picking up 'buah saga' from the compound (I must find those photos and share them). Several months later, we travelled up to Serian with Johnson with flowers from our gardens for Ivy and Sia's wedding. We were the florist and photographer for the event.

Rachang Pool - looking towards the cable bridge, the rock pool is below

Stone steps leading up to a picnic gazebo

In the old days, a trip to Serian is not complete without visiting Rachang Pool. More memories - childhood ones this time and as expected, everything looks and feels smaller than I remembered. Still, our visit was made memorable by Eng Hooi's stories about his and Belinda's stint here as school teachers.

Lunch At The Zoo

2011-02-24T15:23:00.000-08:00

In our garden stands Sara's kitchen;

a tall shed for breaking bread.

Come lunchtime, pussycats nine

come unbidden into Sara's kitchen.

followed by Ellie and Josie, without

so much as an "s'cuse me" or "how d'you do"

comes Sweetie, Honey and Lulu.

If you include my family too,

it's like having lunch at the zoo.

Sketch(es) of the Day

2011-02-11T05:57:00.000-08:00

I must apologise for the lull during Chinese New Year; very little time was spent sketching on-site. Instead I spent quite a bit of time reading during the break. Now that I am back at work; doing the pleasant task of putting my ideas on paper while listening to "Emma Ayres on Classic Breakfast" ABC National Radio. With a hot cup of coffee nearby, life is good (and productive). These are some of the sketches done during the work day. I promise to have some on-site sketches in my next entry - probably of Penang or Malacca.

I work on projects of varying scales and at different stages - the drawings above are design development sketches to illustrate some of my ideas. These sketches are copied to the engineers as well so that they can better understand our intent.

Sometimes the sketches describe an initial design idea; such as this one for a long connected series of spaces organised around a courtyard. The main circulation is a ramp that rises and fall with the 'contours' of the building whose curvilinear form alludes to a river nearby. The sketches are accompanied with notes so that they become more informative and less 'precious' to reader. After all, these are initial ideas and therefore works in progress - and are meant to be remarked upon.

The above are quick ideas drawn on a roll of butter paper ( at a pinch, I sometimes draw on GladBake which is readily available at supermarkets) - it is good to put ideas down quickly while they are fresh. These were scanned and emailed to the client while I was away from the office; this gives him a chance to review them before I get back. I like headstarts in almost everything I do.

I have been invited to teach Architectural Drawing to Second Year Architecture students in a local college. I am really looking forward to it as I enjoy the energy of young people; the money paid is not much but it will put new books in our DNA library.

Sean's Contribution #1

2011-01-25T01:31:00.000-08:00

Sean fell asleep while waiting to collect a prize for good exams results..

Medieval Joke

King Arthur has many Knights; the roundest of which was Sir Cumference who became that way because he had too much pi.

A Trace of the Hand

2011-01-18T02:51:00.000-08:00

"Don't you use the computer to draw?"

I was asked while trying to finish a drawing on my coffee table; 2B pencil on butter paper - folded into a sketch pad. "Yes, sometimes..." was the short answer.

This is slightly longer answer - I use the pencil or pen on paper because the lines drawn have the ability to reflect my personality and at times, my mood. Hand drawn have character that is absent in the computer generated drawings with their annonymous lines. Of course, there is a place for the CAD drawing and we have benefited from them. But ultimately, in our line of work - the thinking almost always starts with the hand-drawn line; the hand obediently tracing the mind's vision.

I place value on the trace of hand, as I draw over CAD drawings prepared for me. I feel that I do this not only to leave my 'mark' on those sterile pages, but also to reinforce an idea, to check and maybe correct a wayward line.

Arlene drawing on-site on concrete

It is the most effective means of communication; to argue a point, to explain a design idea or to clarify a detail - a pencil works equally well on paper as on concrete.

Time travels

2011-01-11T02:51:00.000-08:00

I feel that people who complain excessively about delays at the airport are unable to enjoy their own company. A good book or a sketch pad usually takes care of the situation for me. We are all prisoners and rich sketching fodder for me.

this guy is probably texting his wife to inform her about the flight delay

People tend to fall asleep once the plane takes off so it is easier to observe them without distraction. The one hour or so of flying can be spent catching up with my reading or sketching my travel companions while they sleep.

Shanghai Airport

Lost in my 'space' capsule that spans from left arm rest to right - time travels quickly and a few sketches later - we have landed. If I am fortunate enough to not fly budget, the only interuption is a coffee and sandwiches. Life is good...

Sara with panda hat

Sometimes, I have travel companions of my own choosing such as Sara here in a panda hat from Shanghai. When she saw that I had over-accentuated her luscious lips in this sketch; she gave me a look and twitched her nose. Her unspoken sign of disapproval. I have not done her justice.

The real Sara

The Art of Disappearing

2011-01-06T16:34:00.000-08:00

by Naomi Shihab Nye

I came across this poem while browsing in a book store; not having enough to buy the book - I copied the poem instead. I like this poem because it reminds us of the fleeting nature of our lives. And cautions us about wasting our time on seemingly trivial matters.
But I am especially fond of its slightly anti-social tone.

Charting your Morning

2011-01-03T16:06:00.000-08:00

I feel that there is no need to venture far to indulge in a bit of observing and recording; be it in photography or sketching. Paris or London would be good sketching destinations to aspire to but with time and money on a tight leash; your own 'backyard' often springs a few nice surprises.
I put this to the test recently when in KL. After a morning run with my 'unit' at KLCC Park, I bought a thin sketch pad and decided to chart the morning in sketches. Simply recording whatever catches my eye with the simple objective of filling the entire sketch pad. I took the LRT to Masjid Jamek; got out with a vague idea of heading towards Petaling Street. I like buildings which are a little aged and falling down - the trace of time adds character to their neighbourhood. This was to be a spartan exercise in sketching; cheap pad, 2B pencil and a sharpener - a departure from the usual pen sketches - I realized immediately that the pencil gave me more freedom, speed and varying line weights.

coffee at O'Briens

At noon, I happened upon this new steel roof structure next to the Pasar Seni (Art Market) - it is obviously based on the frame of the 'wau' or moon kite (from the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia). They should stop making such literal translations from local traditional forms - this design would not pass a second year crit.

Finally at 2 p.m., the morning of sketching ended when I completed this last sketch as I took the MRT home to PJ.

Heong Peng from Kampar

2010-12-20T17:52:00.001-08:00

Luxury 'heong peng' from Kampar

On Sunday, a package of 'heong peng' was delivered to my front gate, from Kampar; a gift from a former trainee and now friend.

Singapore Adventures

2010-11-28T22:01:00.000-08:00

Singapore Polytechnic (SP) invited me to give a talk at their campus and prepared this nice publicity poster for circulation - only thing is, I feel that I should change my photo - look at how seroius the others are. They look as though they can change the world! And me? - I look like I ll be happy just sitting and drawing cartoons. (which is essentially what it amounts to when your design sketches don't take shape)

What do you think? Change photo?

Original sketch done on site while Michael was taking photos.

During the 4-day trip, we met many interesting people and visited inspiring offices and job sites - our hosts really made the effort.

Streetscene from the Tiong Bahru wet market

Sketch of Tiong Bahru shops after being introduced to them by Kok Ming

H House

2010-11-07T20:54:00.000-08:00

This is one of our recent houses in Kuching; I am showing a chronology of sketches and (sketch) models which resulted in the final house. It was completed late last year.

So...you want to be an Architect ?

2010-11-03T21:57:00.000-07:00

Last month, we attended a series of career guidance talks at the HIP cafe at the Spring - we went after I was earlier invited to give a similar lecture to students in Architecture as a career. Not many of them turned up. Apparently, it coincided with their tuition classes.

Perhaps Architecture is not something that folks are interested in anymore - perhaps it is too long a course; too expensive, maybe they feel that there isn't enough money in it (is there ever enough money in their world?). Or perhaps they feel that it is simply too hard; too much work. Especially when disgruntled architects complain about bad clients and even worse contractors; too much work for too little return. The problem is that these architects are thinking of the returns as purely financial, and also looking at a glass as half empty rather than half full most (if not all) of the time.

The HIP cafe at Spring, Kuching

The meagre fruits of our labour?

2010-10-25T23:21:00.000-07:00

Newspaper Article on our recent success at the PAM Awards 2010.

People often ask if there are any financial rewards in winning the annual PAM Awards; we tell them 'no'.

So...., what do you win? - they are curious. We tell them - a trophy and a certificate.(visit www.designnetworkarchitects.com to see the trophy). 'That's it ?' - they are incredulous - sure that there must be more to gain than a trophy and a pat on the back by the National Institute of Architects. Well, of course there are rewards and most times, we reap them even before the winners are announced. For the past 4 years, the process of compiling project material for shortlisting is an excellent team-building exercise and an avenue for design discourse and even a little friendly competition amongst colleagues.

Of course, the awards themselves are a form of recognition from our peers; important for a young architectural firm like ours from a 'remote' part of the country.

Sketching outside Adrian's office window

2010-10-20T18:33:00.000-07:00

Jalan Chew Geok Lin
When I travel, walking around town early in the morning is a pleasurable adventure; it is as though you catch the locals off guard and see them in real life. Perhaps they do not expect an outsider to trepass into their world at this hour. Food stalls that disappear after 7 a.m. - they serve local fare to the locals - the tourists are expected to eat something else. People washing on the pavement; laundry, vegetables, small children, grownups too. A man bathed with a water hose piped down from the floor above - humming blissfully to himself with a cigarette in his mouth the whole time.

Vignettes of city life such as this are hard to come by nowadays. But if you wake up early enough - even my hometown of Kuching has the ability to surprise me at times. Re-introducing me to local characters (and food) not seen since Primary school days. The rewards of waking up earlier and going for a walk in your town.

Market Road, Sibu\

Jalan Bengkel, Sibu

Romance in Fuxing GongYuan

2010-10-18T15:56:00.000-07:00

We came across this park on one of our walking tours; Sara said it reminded her of the Paris parks she had seen in movies - and it is clear why - the tree-lined avenues with lawns in between them, vistas guided towards fountains and statues, further enhanced by the crunchy gravel underfoot and couples cuddling on park benches. Clear signs of the French influence in Shanghai's past - so it seemed appropriate that we would meet this spritely couple; not young in years but still youthful in their step.Sara took this series of shots; as they practiced - coaching and encouraging each other - quite oblivious to the crowd which gathered to watch them; envious of their dancing skills and obvious enjoyment of each other's company.

I will take a break from Shanghai entries after this one and come back to them later in the month.

Views from my breakfast window, Shanghai

2010-10-14T18:58:00.000-07:00

As Malaysians, we are often spoiled for choice when it comes to food; especially with Chinese food, most of which is influenced by Cantonese cuisine epitomised by high fire stir-fry and brothy soups. Therefore it is not surprising that while the local food in Shanghai is always fresh and clean; it pales significantly in comparison to the food 'back home'.
But ...I am not here to critique local food (being insufficiently qualified). this is simply a starting point for the next few sketches conducted from my breakfast window.

Looking across the river from our favourite breakfast table

Breakfast is a buffet of twenty odd dishes (emphasis on 'odd' ) - two types of porridge, three types of pickles, peanuts, fried pancakes, you-tiau, tomatoes, sliced corguettes, two types of pau, bread, fried rice and noodles, steamed sweet potato and pumpkin, hard boiled eggs, local corn on the cob accompanied by warm orange cordial and soy milk. (19 items) - SO there is plenty of time to sit and linger and draw.

Suzhou Road, Shanghai

2010-10-12T22:44:00.000-07:00

I am a terrible blogger; I do not update my blog on a regular basis, this is a result of not sketching regularly and since this is a sketch blog - one must generate enough sketches to upload on a regular basis. Surprising - considering that I spend my work day drawing.

More on Shanghai; this entry concentrates on the area near our hotel on Suzhou Nan Lu which runs along Wusong River. It is ten-minutes walk from the Bund due east and ten minutes walk to Nanjing Dong Lu due south - so quite handily located although the surroundings are less than picturesque.
Our neighbours are hardware stores and welding shops; but the river is a nice guide to stroll along and if you presevere (30 minutes walk) it will lead to Suzhou Xi Lu and ultimately the MoganShan Lu where the Shanghai Art Precinct is located. This Art Precinct is similar to Beijing 798 - and was formerly a light industrial area now restored to house art galleries, eateries, studios and design offices.

Despite the "blue-collar" neighbourhood, there is plenty to sketch - this is a block of apartments across the river, its windows and balconies are a mosaic of people's lives.

Trip to Shanghai

2010-09-12T08:09:00.000-07:00

At the Bund

Went to Shanghai for 7 days to visit the Expo, amongst others things - to visit the renowned Shanghai Bund and other historic parts of this lovely city such as the (former) French Concession Area and the Old Quarter. There were plenty of sketching opportunities, and I will be sharing the results in the next few days. I will also share travel tips so that my friends who are about to visit Shanghai may enjoy this multi-faceted, vibrant and highly accessible city.

One of the landmarks of Shanghai is the Bund; along the Huangpu River lined with one mile of historical buildings that house government bodies such as the Customs House (pictured), hotels and banks. The side streets are lined with high-end boutiques (photo) and restaurants. The waterfront along the Huangpu teems with people throughout the day; and more at night - taking in the sights and photographing themselves against the buildings along the Bund as well as the high-rises in Pudong.

work load

2010-08-20T19:09:00.000-07:00

The lapse in posting is due to additional workload - the shortlisting of 4 of our projects for this year's PAM (Malaysian Architects' Institute) awards is one of the reasons; there are two invitations to speak at local universities and then there is plain old WORK to be done. Not to grumble - work is good, it results in more things built, which is a good way to test yourself and your ideas. Invitations to speak is a good vehicle to put your thoughts on paper, as oftentimes architects and designers are able to do things intuitively BUT when asked about the idea behind a particular scheme - they are at a loss for words.
So, in the meantime - these are the four shortlisted projects.

singapore sketches

2010-07-29T23:16:00.000-07:00

chjimes

cafe by the river

2010-07-26T03:41:00.000-07:00

This concept sketch is for a small cafe by the Rejang river in Sibu; the focus of which are two decades-old rain trees. The building was designed as a series of structures, seemingly suspended from the branches of the trees; transient and impermanent. And yet with enough presence to address the street and the river. Last year, this little building was awarded a Prize by the National Architect's Institute - we felt like the proud father of a child protege playing his first piano recital. But in reality, architects cannot be real parents for long; we hand over our 'children' to their foster parents - the clients - and wish for the best.

This year, the client has completed the total destruction of the building's original intent through a series of additions; apparently to improve the business of this little cafe. The most damaging is the roofing over of the open-to-sky terrace on the first floor; shutting off the view of the sky and the trees' canopy - this was the only part of the buiulding where one could truly sit under the trees and listen to the wind conversing.

The owner chose to open several other doors along the street front to induce customers to walk in - thus compromising the building's mystique and privacy. Of course architecture is not the cause of poor business, the source of which lies in the kitchen; but our product is physical and visual thus making it an easy choice for a scapegoat.

NOTE: These photos show the building before the client's renovation

DATUM KL 2010

2010-07-14T13:06:00.000-07:00

I was invited to speak at DATUM this year; I accepted of course - it is a great honour especially for a Sarawakian firm to present at the biggest PAM event on the calendar. Look at all the famous faces next to mine on the poster.

Morning walks in Sibu

2010-06-23T21:17:00.000-07:00

Recently I spent a night in Sibu; the next morning I decided to walk through the town at six in the morning and sketch what I see.

This is a view of the rear of shophouses are near the Tua Pek Kong temple; there are some interesting shops in them. Th Cafe Cafe is a good place for lunch with reasonably priced dishes in a cool inner courtyard space accompanied by nice music. The Transit bookshop is worth a visit as well with its off-the-beaten track selection of books.

I like these old shop houses because the proportions are correct, with the pitched roofs and the verandahs running down the sides of the shops - they have a high degree of articulation. Sibu town at 6 is already busy with people shopping for produce and having breakfast.

This vista of the SMC would look even better lit up at night and framed by the two row of dark shops.

These two buildings flank the Central Padang which is Sibu's version of the village green; people take their morning walks here, some ladies were practicing their folk dancing while children walk to school. My favourite part of the morning as a school boy - the anticipation of the day ahead. So different the things I looked forward to then - an interesting story from a friend or a teacher, getting marks back, going to the Park to sketch for art class. (I was a bit of nerd, as you can tell)
The nicest touch on the Sibu morning was the swiftlets circling around overhead as life went on below them.

Sarawak Museum

2010-06-14T13:27:00.000-07:00

I have always preferred the small white buildings along the road leading up to the museum; their scale and their intricate detailing is a good contrast to the main building.

An tribal totem is a nice counterpoint to the low sweeping arc of single storey buildings. The main Museum building is a local landmark, and although its exhibits have not changed much in years - it is still a much better place to visit than the new wing. It is open on Sundays and admission is free, for many of us it represents a nostalgic reminder to our school days.

atmospheric sketches

2010-05-25T06:32:00.000-07:00

The following are sketches done quite quickly and off the top of my head to describe a design concept to a client; I tried to do it as a series of serial vision vignettes. I do not feel that I have completely succeeded here as the sketches should be simpler and there should be more of them.

Singapore marathon

2010-04-15T12:32:00.000-07:00

Casinos being built across the Esplanade; there are two major casinos under construction in Singapore at the moment. This one is more ordered in its design and may be interesting to visit - the one in Sentosa is quite gaudy and looks like a theme park, which befits its location.

This is Sara Wee running in Singapore; she is 14 and has recently developed an interest in middle distance running. She runs for her school; SMK Batu Lintang and would like to win a State-level medal soon.

While in Singapore for the marathon; we stayed near the Esplanade and spent quite some time walking around the area; sketching the new buildings and even had time to catch a show in the Esplanade Theatre.

Gramma s house

2010-04-08T04:12:00.000-07:00

This is a childhood memory; from my grandmother's house - the image of my grandfather going through his morning ritual of brushing his teeth (cleaning his dentures), shaving and combing his hair at the basin upstairs. He then puts on a clean shirt and trousers, drinks his morning Horlicks before walking the 2 kilometres to his shop along the Main Bazaar.

It's an old Chinese family home; brick structure with timber weatherboard; with a shuttered corridor which wraps around the entire first floor. Unfortunately, I do not have any photos of the house (it burned down in the 80s) so all these images are drawn from memory. It is not hard as I spent the first ten years of my life here.

Chendol Adventures in Penang 2009

2010-03-29T05:35:00.000-07:00

When in Penang, we like to stay at the friendly, value-for-money Mingood Hotel on Argyll Street (off Penang Road) - there are many favourite eating spots nearby. For breakfast, the bus stop roti place is good for roti-bakar with soft-boiled eggs or Indian roti topped with curry.

We took part in the Penang International Bridge Marathon - Eng Hooi, Sam, Sarah, Joyce and I ran the half marathon while Sean and Sara did the 10K. Our run started at 430 a.m.and finished around 7 a.m.. - my time to improve for next year - 2hr 31mins

In the smoky afternoon light, some people sat in the shade of a covered market enjoying coffee and conversation while others like the old Malay man sit momentarily lost in their thoughts.

Working with students

2010-03-26T18:47:00.001-07:00

These happy shiny people are interns from UPM (a local University)- with their boundless energy; they were involved in formulation of the brief, gathering information from the client....
....initial concept drawings, model-making and presentation of the design solution to the client.
Quick sketches to help the students with model making.
The model demonstrates the design solution in a clear manner; the provision of maximum floor space within a dramatic sweeping form.
We decided that the roof should be pleated with slits in between the folds to allow natural light to enter the building.
...and the slits continue down the side of building; visually the folds emphasise the building's radiating form.

Although this project has not proceeded beyond this point, it is still a success - as the students have gone through an important architectural process...and added to their project portfolio.

an afternoon along Padungan Road

2010-03-25T04:29:00.000-07:00

On Azy's invite, we spent part of Saturday afternoon drawing Chinese shop houses along Padungan Road; one of the older streets al Kuching. It is a precinct of the 'shop-house' - a double storey combination of the 'shop' on the ground floor with the 'house' on the upper floor. All the shop fronts are linked by '5-foot-way' or a street corridor, ideal for keeping up the tropical sun and shelter from afternoon rain-storms. This is a common feature on colonial South East Asia.
More interestingly, (as Victor pointed out) are the near extinct concrete spiral stairs at the rear of the shops - they serve as fire escapes, the spiral configuration is presumably to save space. Adopted at a time when the Fire Department accepted them. This particular one leads to an illegal roof top extension - from the looks of it, it is someone's roof top nursery or kitchen garden as some of the kitchens are on the top floor.

The funnel

2010-03-22T03:51:00.000-07:00

The sketches prepared over the weekend are used to discuss design ideas and work load with colleagues on Monday. The design sometimes change when better solutions are brought forward; the idea then get developed into a technical drawing, 3D sketch or model.
These framing diagrams were prepared by my colleague, Tao for discussion and coordination with the contractor on site. As you can see, it does not always have to be a CAD drawing nor a hard-line section - so long as it is clear and to scale, it can be understood.
The hardwood frame will later be lined with plywood of differing thickness; laid at a slant to reflect the rakish angle of the entrance porch or 'the trumpet' as it is refered to on site by the workers.
I prefer to call it the 'funnel' because its purpose is to suck people into the building.

sketching out your week

2010-03-16T04:30:00.000-07:00

Sometimes during the weekends, to put in order the tasks for the weeks ahead - I sketch them out, starting with the most immediate and working my way through them. The sketches are done in minutes; quickly and simple capturing the particular aspect of the project or design task.
The sketches are accompanied by notes jotted down to remind myself of things to do or follow up with colleagues, contractors or clients. When it is all down in pen on paper, the week ahead becomes clearer and I feel more prepared to achieve something substantial.

kuching sketchcrawl

2010-03-01T17:20:00.000-08:00

the sketchbooks of the people who took part; architecture students, their tutor, a practcising architect (me) and his children. ... the sketches contained inside; the different styles are as distinct as the different choice of sketchbooks.
The Kuching Sketchcrawlers at the Waterfront; sitting together yet momentarily lost in their own world.
Azie organised a sketch crawl over the long weekend; and we spent a few happy hours in the centre of Kuching, along the Main Bazzar. Judging from the response from those who joined, there will be more sketching expeditions in the future.

sara's kitchen

2010-02-22T23:09:00.001-08:00

JL House

2010-02-13T17:17:00.001-08:00

A series of pencil sketches aimed at describing the 'journey' into the house; as one approaches the house from the foot of the hill.
From the drop off, there is little revealed in relation to the interior of the house.

Crossing the threshold, an open seating area and hall way - a semi-open space for informal gatherings and a quick chat.
The tropical lobby - a courtyard of existing trees with the rooms arranged to frame the space.

Ar Arl meets iPod in the middle

2010-02-10T14:42:00.001-08:00

Arlene the architect and iPod the dog share a moment in the middle of the work day; iPod has only three legs. Her full name is tripod, but we felt the iPod is more 'current' and rolls off the tongue more easily. iPod shares her i-pad at DNAhouse with Toffee
Toffee attempting to blur the boundary between inside and outside.

architectural models

2010-02-05T13:14:00.001-08:00

Architectural models are an important tool for the design process, it is a form of prototyping. This is especially true for sketch models, such as the ones shown here - they are made from simple materials, to scale and very quickly done.
Usually made using initial schematic drawings, as seen here - the house plans are glued onto the model board to create a base from which the plans are given a third dimension.
Sketch models should be easy to modify - because they are made at a stage when the design is still fluid.
This tiny model of a showroom in Kuching was made using manila card, cartridge paper and transparency film.

After several modifications, these models are not looking so pristine - but they serve their function well. Due to their three dimensional nature, they encourage discussion in the studio more readily than design drawings. People are always picking them up and looking at them; offering suggestions or asking questions which the designer has to provide in defence of the scheme.
This is a model for a garden structure, made using recycled mounting board and dress making pins - it is rudimentary yet not crude. It serves an important purpose when explaining the steel framing to the contractor
And the model makers do not have to be sophisticated either - anyone with a steady pair of hands will do well.

drive 2007

2010-02-03T04:18:00.001-08:00

As a young boy, I spent a number of years at my grandma's place - an old colonial bungalow with a forest of trees around it. The feature which I remember most is the gravel driveway leading to the house, flanked by tall lalang with two rutted tracks worn down by car tyres.
And in between the ruts, grass grew....
With a nod to this childhood memory and also in jest, I decided to use this as a model for the driveway to my brother's new house - which DNA designed in 2007. The design enabled me to introduce greenery into this narrow strip of land, two concrete strips were laid with grass in between them, interspersed with timber sleepers as construction joints.
The timber sleepers were bought at 12-foot lengths, the driveway was 10 feet wide; the remaining 2 feet became stumps for mounting garden lights. I like the design for its economy, environmental sensitivity and pleasing visual rhythm.

tree house in Kuching - 2008

2010-01-31T13:27:00.000-08:00

We helped this couple with their house renovation about 8 years ago; when they needed extra space for their young family. Now the children want their own space - since there is no more space in the house, the only option left is a garden structure.
We developed a solution along the lines of a tree house; steel construction and off the shelf products enable the project to be completed in several weeks.

A grove of mature tree forms a backdrop for the tree house.
The tree house is located in the bottom of the garden; far enough for privacy and escape and near enough for the children to get wi-fi from the house.

urban planning sketches

2010-01-29T05:04:00.001-08:00

sometimes, to amuse our clients and myself with a different type of graphics - I use watercolour to provide quick 5 minute vignettes of our ideas.
the loose and fluid lines are conducive to concept sketches; it feels transient and impermanent.
which is appropriate for brainstorming, discussion and the sharing of ideas in the early stages of a project.

ONE TREE HOUSE - completed early 2008

2010-01-27T04:10:00.001-08:00

An aerial view of the one tree house; so named because there was a solitary tree in the middle of the site. We then decided that the house should planned around the tree.

Other than the tree, other site forces came into play - sun orientation and the qiblat for this Malay family.
The 'soft' centre of the house; the tree which is the catalyst for the design survived the construction process and thrives happily as the focal point for the garden.

sketch of the entry hall - contrasting high volumes with the seating area next to the stairs. A bridge connects the parents zone with the childrens' rooms.

This simple sketch was used to explain the concept of planning the house around the existing tree to the clients. The shallow pool and planted courtyard is a calming prelude to entering the house
The one tree house as seen from the street; its silhouette fits in with the neighbouring kampong dwellings.

bali re-visited

2009-10-17T22:17:00.000-07:00

Having experienced Bali before with Sam; we wanted the kids to share the same - we decided to go rural and found a small hotel near to some padi fields in Ubud.
It is called the Bali T-house and was developed by architects using a timber construction module. This is the view from our first floor bedroom - which is essentially an open platform with bamboo blinds when privacy is required or to stop the rain from coming in.There are only 12 or so villas; we share views of the 'sawah' as well as a lap pool which is only 15 feet from our dining terrace. Our villa is named 'Jahe' (ginger in Bahasa Indonesia) - and while we laze in silken hammocks, Sean and Sara explore the pool and the surroundings.
Perhaps it is the romance of being in Bali once again; the green of the padi fields is one I have not seen before; changing in hue and form as it catches the sun and the breeze. The buildings beyond are for resting and worship; we see the workers having their lunch there.