Prof Robert Powell reflects on resilient tropical modern architecture

How did you arrive at the concept for Visionary Architects of Monsoon Asia?

I’ve written about an older generation that I’ve met: Charles Correa, Geoffrey Bawa, Tay Kheng Soon, Dr Ken Yeang and so on. This time around, I’d like to highlight the cutting edge work of five architects working within the Southeast Asian countries. These are architects under 60—and in architectural parlance, the “next generation”—and whose work I have tracked for several years.

Don’t miss: 14 tranquil modern resort-style homes around Malaysia

How were the architects chosen?

Essentially, I chose them because I’m just impressed by the individuals, and I have respect for the work they were doing. There has been more reliance on Asian architects, and less importation of Western ideas over the decades; a sort of maturing in the Asian architectural community, if you may. The work of the five architects gives an indication of where architecture is heading in a rapidly changing world, and they are representative leaders of the next generation, producing tropical modern architecture well suited to the climate and culture of Southeast Asia.

Read more: Home tour: How Park + Associates designed a brutalist house in Thailand that’s inspired by nature

Why is it important to bring them to the attention of a wider audience?

We are facing so many other problems of sustainability–a pretty overused word. But, for these five architects, it seemed to me, best illustrate some aspects of resilience and sustainability. They have some ideas about how that can be done: using local materials (Vo Trong Nghia and Andra Matin), reducing carbon footprint of buildings (René Tan and Tan Loke Mun), or restoring old buildings (Duangrit Bunnag). In a way, they’re entrusted with the production of a resilient built environment in an era of drastic climate change, through the need to promote biophilic connections and green architecture.

See also: 8 enriching schools designed to inspire more holistic learning

What do you think the collective architecture of Monsoon Asia is lacking that you’d like to see more of in the coming years? 

I think there’s still not enough attention being given to designing for climate change, and progress still has to be made on that. It’s not particularly just in Southeast Asia, it’s true for most countries in the world. They haven’t really grasped the nettle of doing something about climate change. That may be a little bit out of the hands of architects, but we have to play our role too. It is evident that architects in Monsoon Asia have an abundance of ideas on how to ensure the planet survives the global climate crisis. I mentioned in the book: built environment is responsible for 37 per cent of global energy-related carbon emissions, and knowledge, expertise and experience from these architects are key to helping governments deliver a more sustainable environment.

NOW READ

15 best green homes in Malaysia

A Hollywood film producer couple’s venture into beautiful sustainable builds

Iconic Malaysian architect Hijjas Kasturi reveals his personal artistic journey