Cover Lucas Loo and Shin Chang are interested in engaging in projects that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and sustainable (Photo: Chong Jinn Xiung)
Lucas Loo and Shin Chang are interested in engaging in projects that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and sustainable (Photo: Chong Jinn Xiung)
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Discover how Shin Chang and Lucas Loo are reshaping the field and creating dynamic spaces through their diverse perspectives and innovative projects
Our world is currently witnessing a remarkable era of architectural innovation and sustainability. From skyscrapers harnessing solar energy to buildings that emulate natural ecosystems, architects and engineers boldly push the boundaries of design and technology to pave the way for a more sustainable and liveable future.
Yet, as we delve deeper into this transformative landscape, a pivotal question arises: how can we employ innovation to honour our past while shaping the future? To shed light on this, we focus on Shin Chang and Lucas Loo, who have harnessed their talents in architecture and design to address this question. Shin is a Malaysian architect renowned for his expertise in the adaptive reuse of historic heritage structures. He is also the co-founder of Rex KL, an arts and culture hub that has breathed new life into a once-iconic cinema building.
Loo, is the founder and executive director of Sead Industries, an impact-driven enterprise dedicated to utilising bamboo as a foundation for sustainable building materials and land restoration.
Together, they exemplify how innovation is not merely about forging the future but also preserving the treasures of our past, bridging the gap between heritage and progress in the world of architecture and design.
Read more: This architect is revitalising downtown Kuala Lumpur
Shin is a staunch advocate of innovation that revolves around crafting spaces designed to inspire interaction and exploration, prompting individuals to question their ingrained notions and anticipations of their surroundings.
He believes that designs should not be limited to static or rigid forms. Instead, they should be dynamic and flexible, allowing various interpretations and expressions. In his design philosophy, he often includes what he calls "blank" spaces - intentionally empty areas in the design that can spark curiosity and foster creativity among users.
Meanwhile, Loo’s definition of innovation extends beyond the boundaries of a singular discipline; he sees it as an interdisciplinary endeavour. He firmly believes in adopting various lenses to provide sustainable solutions that are both cost-effective and environmentally conscious within the realm of architecture.
Read more: The recipe behind successful innovation and collaboration
Above Shin Chang has a diverse background in architecture, planning, design and landscape and he believes in simplicity for multiple possibilities
Shin Chang has a diverse background in architecture, planning, design and landscape and he believes in simplicity for multiple possibilities
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Shin values collaboration as it enriches his designs and broadens his horizons. He likes to work with people with different perspectives and experiences who can challenge and inspire him.
“We like working with like-minded individuals who share our vision and values and are willing to push the boundaries and experiment with new ideas. Having good communication with our partners and collaborators is essential for achieving a successful outcome.”
Just like Shin, Loo finds that collaboration is crucial in his line of work, as it helps broaden our perspectives and drive innovation. “When working with like-minded individuals who share our vision and values, we often engage in conflicts, arguments, and compromises, which lead to the emergence of new solutions and ideas,” he said.
Loo also shared how one of the challenges he faces in trying to innovate and collaborate with others is the presence of ego, which can cloud our judgment and hinder our ability to embrace diverse ideas. To overcome this barrier, he believes in being quick to listen, slow to judge, and eager to embrace seemingly underdeveloped but promising ideas.
See also: Meet the climate tech entrepreneurs who are helping to create a more sustainable world
Above Lucas Loo uses bamboo to create sustainable solutions for the environment and the society
Lucas Loo uses bamboo to create sustainable solutions for the environment and the society
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Both Shin and Loo shared how they have harnessed the power of collaboration to create amazing projects. For Shin, he is proud of RXP, a permanent immersive art gallery in Rex KL. “One of our favourite ways to get inspiration is to observe how people behave in different environments to see how they adapt, communicate, and collaborate. We find this fascinating and informative for our design process,” he notes. “We want RXP to be a platform for young artists, both local and international, to showcase their work in a new art form.”
Loo, meanwhile, shared how he collaborated with an overseas architecture firm to design and engineer a stunning structure called Heartburst, a bamboo pavilion that was built for Burning Man in Nevada. Loo said that the key to the project’s success was listening actively, being open-minded and embracing the potential of ideas that initially seemed underdeveloped. This collaborative effort resulted in a project that challenged the limits of design and engineering.
This story is part of a three part series in collaboration with Oppo where we speak to six young leaders from various industries discuss their respective approaches to innovation and how collaboration forms the cornerstone of their success.
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