Doing Laundry

A yellow highlighter, a ball point pen and some correction fluid are adequate tools when inspiration strikes. This steel structure is for drying laundry with a translucent roof to protect against afternoon thunderstorms. It was long overdue, the builder's phone call reminders have become more terse. So it was a relief to issue these sketches for construction, and good therapy for a rainy afternoon.

Favourite place, favourite people

I shared this with Sher-lin who visited from Japan (her Spring Break). I told her that she has a legacy here; two foster children she brought to life here in Sarawak, and have left here for others to bring up.
This was one of her final projects with us; left for Sean to bring up with builder, Liew.

When I showed her this page (the back page of our local architect's newsletter is dedicated to the importance of details) - she told me that she liked the photo on the top left. I wonder if it is because her Japanese experience has left in impression, one that reminds me of the "engawa" or the open side verandah of a traditional Japanese house.

The nursery under construction

Weak Ties

Qilin, Sia, Michelle.

The strength of your weak ties - I heard this phrase online today.

It refers to a study which showed that people got their first jobs not through their 'strong' links such as their parents, spouse, friends, but via 'weaker' links. It suggests that there is greater potential for growth, by exploring the not-so-comfortable paths, rather than the habitual and predictable networks.

Coincidentally, we were talking about this phenomenon over breakfast with Michelle Vaz and Xie Qilin. They were (re) visiting Kuching from ChongQing - they talked about conducting workshops which put Bartlett students with local graduates. Using the unfamiliarity, language and cultural barriers to create stimulus and hopefully, fertile ground for ideas to cross-pollinate and friendships to form.

so, you don't want to be an architect?

In the past few days, I have heard several architect friends discouraging their children from studying architecture. I was quite surprised as these friends are successful practitioners - making good money (judging from the cars that they drive), and have had their projects published.

I am surprised and also a little disappointed. Architecture has been good to me (and my family). 

It hasn't been always easy, I still struggle to do a good job, and when I do - it is very rewarding. Perhaps, I am easier to please. (not comparing helps)

Tawangmangu

Feet

This photo was taken in March last year. I recently realised that my achilles tendon does not hurt anymore when I run. It gradually went away, I think because of the stretching and self massage after runs.

Collaboration in practice