What do Asian architects reveal about the emotional future of architecture in the face of the AI ‘storm’?

Elora Hardy has also embraced digital tools, which have proven pivotal in evolving her bamboo-based architecture beyond Bali. “Digital technologies such as 3D modelling and parametric design are particularly exciting,” she notes. “They help us explore complex organic forms that are ideal for materials like bamboo. These tools allow us to visualise and refine designs with unprecedented precision, ensuring projects that are both sustainable and innovative.”

Virtual reality has taken on an increasingly central role in her practice, especially in shaping the way clients experience proposed spaces. “These technologies help bridge the gap between ideas and reality,” Hardy adds.

Alongside the digital leap, a deep respect for architectural heritage and craftsmanship endures. Tan continues to favour local materials, vernacular techniques and what he calls “time-tested low-tech wisdom.” Implementing such solutions, he says, goes hand-in-hand with staying current on material innovation and construction technology. When combined thoughtfully, these elements can reduce cost, simplify maintenance, and ensure long-lasting design integrity.

Goy Architects’ exploration of indigenous materials has resonated deeply with the studio, embracing banana fibre, rattan, fired clay and even mulberry bark.

“We do this specifically to honour the craftsmen and promote the economic potential of the area. We see craftsmanship as a culture that helps us understand humanity,” Goy explains. Equally compelling is the appeal of simple, accessible solutions at the heart of low-tech architecture, particularly when responding to modern-day challenges. One such approach involves harnessing natural elements to improve interior comfort, whether through ventilation strategies, using terracotta for its evaporative cooling qualities, or simply by engaging with the local environment’s unique demands.

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From her ongoing work with bamboo, Elora Hardy has found that contemporary methods not only enhance the quality of each project but also contribute to safeguarding traditional skills. “It is remarkable how craftsmen not only embrace new technology but also maintain the integrity of traditional skills. This adaptability has pushed us to the boundaries of bamboo’s potential, creating structures that are both innovative and deeply rooted in culture,” she reflects.

Striking the right balance between heritage and progress has led to surprising architectural breakthroughs. Thanks to simulation software, artisans are now able to visualise their work with greater clarity, which, as Tan notes, enhances the subtlety of connections and detail throughout a structure.

A compelling embodiment of Goy’s design ethos can be found in the restoration of the Danish Seamen’s Church in Singapore. The project, a careful collaboration with a conservation expert, was planned with meticulous attention. Reflecting on the process, she shares how, over the years, the team employed a variety of instruments to record and analyse the wear on the historic building.

To build a complete picture, 3D laser scanning was used to document the current condition of the structure with accuracy. Moisture meters then assessed the extent of damage to the timber frame, helping to guide a tailored conservation approach. Meanwhile, thermal imaging proved invaluable for identifying pockets of trapped moisture, ensuring the restoration would be both effective and lasting.

For Goy and her studio, the introduction of technology must always serve a purpose. “In our practice, we prioritise problem-solving over high-tech tools and techniques. We use these tools for the design process and for the project, rather than just trying to show off that we’re using the latest technology.”

Similarly, Hardy has adopted 3D scanning technology to faithfully capture the organic curves and nuances of bamboo. “This tool has great potential to ensure that every element fits perfectly into the overall design, combining the precision of digital tools with the authenticity of handcrafted materials,” she says. Parametric design further empowers her team to explore intricate geometries, working in harmony with age-old joinery. In doing so, technology becomes an extension of the material, not a replacement.

In an upcoming project, Hardy and her team will unveil a remarkable residence that exemplifies the seamless marriage of low-tech traditions and high-tech sophistication. “The house features a delicate bamboo lattice structure, combined with glued curved beams, curved glass, and load-bearing wooden walls and floors. The project not only demonstrates the application of advanced technology but also highlights the impact of natural materials, creating a living space that is both beautiful and comfortable,” she reveals.

Low-tech design is often praised for its environmental benefits, but contemporary materials, when paired thoughtfully with natural ones, can enhance sustainability even further. At Goy Architects, a practice known for its eco-conscious approach, the team is constantly in search of “new solutions with alternative materials that are better for health and the environment, such as plywood and low-formaldehyde paints,” Goy notes. “Since construction is an energy-intensive and polluting industry, to some extent, we always try to minimise the impact of this.”

A telling example of this philosophy in action is Heng House, built using recycled windows sourced from Yogyakarta. The team reconfigured the sizes of the salvaged panes to reduce emissions. “In another project, our client had a warehouse filled with recycled timber, all sorted by width, height and length. We analysed the data to optimise how the wood could be reused. To do this, we used a programming language to visualise both the available materials and the joinery required, cutting down significantly on waste and inefficiencies.” In addition to design software and programming tools, newer construction methods and building technologies also contribute meaningfully to reducing carbon emissions. Prefabricated structural systems and solar energy are among the strategies that play a crucial part.

Looking ahead, Goy envisions the evolution of the built environment as one that remains closely intertwined with traditional methods. “Traditional craftsmanship is a language of its own, with its own vocabulary and syntax. Technology speaks in a completely different tongue. I see myself as a translator, bridging the gap between the two languages,” she reflects. Beyond lowering the carbon footprint of a project, she is also a strong advocate for reviving indigenous techniques that have faded from mainstream use. When local skills and recycled materials meet, architecture begins to speak with greater authenticity and a deeper sense of place.

The design world, both regional and global, continues to be enriched by collaborations between architects and craftspeople. Tan Loke Mun echoes this view, envisioning a future defined by a finer sensitivity: one that merges technology and tradition, refinement and artistry.

“The future of craftsmanship is about celebrating and building on the past,” Hardy adds. “While digital tools offer more precision and open up creative possibilities, the soul of craftsmanship—the human touch and connection to materials—must remain at the heart. When we blend these elements, we can create spaces that are not only practical but also deeply resonant, reflecting the richness of our shared cultural heritage.”

This article is adapted from the original piece “Artisanal craftsmanship vs AI? The future of architecture may just lie somewhere in the middle” by Yaiza Canopoli, published on Tatler Singapore

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