4/2015-2016 Mar

C I V I C D U T Y

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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT EDITOR’S LETTER

2nd Floor, Sub-Lot 56, Jalan Wan Alwi, Lot 7915 Queen’s Court, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak. Tel: 082-457182 Fax: 082-451180 E-mail: info@pamsc.org.my www.pamsc.org.my

ONG XI FA CAI to members who missed our Chapter’s Chinese New

Year Open House, on 19th February 2016 at the newly renovated PAMSC Centre.

Our centre’s seminar space, which is more than 10 years old, has been rearranged to incorporate a resource cum archive room. A new HD projector has been installed with air conditioning and AV system revamped to cater for the increasing frequency of CPD talks. The new layout also increases advertising spaces to generate more revenue. A new drink station was installed at the front common area, while more cabinets were installed in the toilets. New

signage was introduced at the stair landing to give clear direction to our entrance. However, leaking problems from upper floor drainage system and through the windows are being monitored for future repair.

Ms Melinda Leong, who has served PAMSC for 11 years, retired in December 2015. We value her contributions to PAMSC greatly and wish her all the best. Our centre is now administered by Ms Lee Kao Choo and Ms Suki Chai; the latter joined us on 20th January 2016.

After much lobbying, PAM has given one of their seats in the Board of LAM to an East Malaysian representative recommended by the Chapter, on yearly rotation basis between Sarawak and Sabah. We congratulate Ar. Philip Chang Foh Phing for being appointed as a Board Member of LAM and a member of LAM Disciplinary Committee for 2016. In addition, we also wish to extend our support to Ar. Chew Chung Yee and Ar. Ng Chee Wee, who are also our representatives in LAM for Practice Committee and Council of Architectural Education Malaysia respectively.

At the local front, three PAMSC members have been appointed as Councillors in the local councils. They are Ar. Ng Chee Wee in Kuching South, Ar. Bong Joon Hin in Padawan, and Ar. Jeffery Phang in Miri. Their professional training has been instrumental in resolving problems encountered by members in the Building Plan submission process. We intend to nominate more PAM members to the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development to serve the other major councils for the new term. Please let us know if any of our corporate members are keen to be nominated to provide professional assistance to our local councils.

The 41st AGM of PAMSC will be held at our centre on 26th March 2016. We have posted the nomination form and notice of meeting in mid-February and reminder via email and our website. Please attend the AGM for detailed reporting from our sub-committees. It is also an excellent platform to exchange opinions with other members and give us your views for further improvements of PAM.

Please take note of the key events planned for the first half of 2016:• The annual Sarawak Design Forum on 2nd April 2016 at Pullman

Hotel;• Launch of a book published by PAMSC on sketches of heritage

buildings in Kuching by a young autistic artist Hanzhen Yap during Sarawak Design Forum;

• PAMSC study trip to Central and Eastern Europe from 1st to 15th May 2016; and

• BTS 2017 launching in June 2016.

As this is the last report of my term, I wish to thank all the committee and sub-committee members for doing the best that they can for PAMSC in 2015-16. On behalf of the PAMSC Executive Committee, we thank you for your support.

Mike BoonPAMSC Chairman 2015 - 16

G

his is the first issue in the year of the monkey, and final issue of this term.

People usually make resolutions at the beginning of the year, we have decided instead to look ahead and see what is in store for us, and our towns and cities. The issue focuses on some of the up-coming buildings and spaces in the centre of Kuching – a mosque, a museum, a street and a historical landmark. This time, we are simply featuring these new projects as they are presented to us by their architects. In future issues, we aim to follow up on their construction and their impact on the community – because while it is relatively simple to see how these buildings and spaces will re-shape the cityscape, it is harder to imagine how they will affect the peoples’ lives. The acid test for public buildings is simply to find out how well they serve the people. Are they accessible? Do they enrich the lives of those who encounter their spaces? Will these civic architecture projects serve the community? Or are they simply fodder for the tourist camera? Time will tell.

It is easier to find out how people have served the community in the line of duty – because you can simply talk to them and ask them. I first met Ar. Lin Kang Liew at our last PAMSC Christmas dinner and decided to interview this unassuming former City Architect and PAMSC Chairman for this issue. In our interview, he talks about his journey from China as a child, and about his work. Though unspoken; one senses the personal challenge to balance his role as an architect and public servant. He modestly says that he is living a quiet life out of the limelight these days, though it is clear from visiting his house that he is still extremely busy and productive, especially with his fruit garden.

We conclude our BIM series of 4 articles, but foresee that Nora Khalid will continue to contribute to our Chapter in this area. She organized the recent BIM Lecture by architect Andy Leong from Australia, held at the JKR HQ. She is one half of the dynamic duo of Annie and Nora. Noraini “Annie” Narodden (Education & Graduates Sub-committee) has been instrumental in preparing and nurturing graduates for their LAM Part 3 Professional Exams. Annie recently organized a ‘Grooming” session for our young graduates, conducted by 2 Council Members; Ar. Adrianta Aziz and Ar. Ahmad Ridha Abdul Razak. We can expect more from these two in the coming term.

The Urban Sketchers Kuching (USK) are back with a series on the Sarawak Museum, with a side-story from USK co-founder Azy Morni who tells us how she used her sketching skills to help flood victims in Kelantan. The usual columns and reports from our hardworking sub-committees round up this issue.

In conclusion, we thank you for readership and your kind words of encouragement and support, and as it is customary at the end of a journey – we apologise for mistakes that we may have made. In fact, here are two that we made in our last issue; inadvertently switching babies – here they are, the little darlings back safely with the right parents and correctly ‘specified’.

Harap maaf, sekian terima kasih.

Min, With invaluable assistance from Ivy, Pik Shia, Hui Joo and Si Yong

T

Civic Duty

Scarlett Yap Yee XiD.O.B.: 14th October 2015Parents: Steven Yap & Constance Yong

Roman Micheal Ling RyuxinD.O.B.: 30th October 2015Parents: Jasper Ling Thien Jin & Angela Toh Xiao Ling

The museum in 1896, prior to its extension in 1911. Museum image courtesy of Wikipedia.

Proposed New Sarawak Museum and Annex Building ARCHITECT’S STATEMENTThe New Sarawak Museum will be built where the original Dewan Tun Abdul Razak building previously stood; the main museum building will be connected via an underground link to an Annex building which houses the museum conservation facilities and offices.

The site is strategically placed, with the Padang Merdeka as its forecourt and close proximity to the historic Sarawak Museum, Natural History Museum, and the Sarawak Art Museum. Two new “green connectors” which double as landscaped pedestrian link are integrated into the existing landscape; linking the three urban components i.e. Padang Merdeka, the new Sarawak Museum and the historic museums cluster.

Conservation of the Square Tower

ARCHITECT’S STATEMENT

The Square Tower (1879) is a listed historical building gazetted under The Sarawak Cultural Heritage Ordinance, 1993. It is one of the fourteen surviving forts built by the Brooke Rajahs who governed Sarawak for a hundred years (1841-1941).

The authenticity of this historic structure is portrayed in its lime-plastered brick walls, the usage of timber for roof and floor framing, doors and windows, and a spiral staircase at the Turret. The spirit of the place is reinterpreted through conservation of these elements to their original design, materials and construction techniques.

The building was originally conserved for adaptive reuse as a gallery to display tree bark paintings by the legendary native artist, the late Tusau Padan; and for the demonstration and exhibition of traditional craft. It was recently converted to a restaurant, which has raised questions in regards to the management and maintenance of this conserved heritage building.

Jabatan Muzium Sarawak (JMS) is the custodian of the historical sites and monuments listed under the Sarawak Cultural Heritage Ordinance 1993. The ordinance did not spell out the mechanism to manage these places with cultural heritage significance. While privatisation for compatible usages may prolong the life of the conserved buildings, guidelines on changes for ‘compatible usage’ and appropriate maintenance methods are not being enforced. Potential damage to the conserved fabrics may occur due to ignorance which would nullify the conservation effort.

The practical solution would be for the State Government to set up a Heritage Department staffed with knowledgeable professionals to manage the conservation of our rich tangible and intangible heritage.

1. Client: Kementerian Pembangunan Sosial, Sarawak & Jabatan Muzium Sarawak

2. Design & build contractor: PPES Works (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd3. Start date: 19 January 20154. Completion date: 18 January 20205. Consultants:

• Master planning & architectural adviser: CPG Consultants Pte Ltd• Architect: Arkitek KDI Sdn Bhd• C&S engineer: EDS Konsultant Sdn Bhd• M&E engineer: Primetch Engineers Sdn Bhd in association with

Perunding UZL Sdn Bhd• QS: PUBM Quantity Surveyors Sdn Bhd & JUBSAR Sdn Bhd• Exhibitory Designers: GSMPRJCT Creation Pte Ltd & Impact Design

Associates Sdn Bhd• Gallery Planning / Exhibit Adviser: Dr. Kenson Kwok

The New Sarawak Museum is conceptualized as an iconic building of Sarawak, sitting on top of the hill in the same axial line as the DUN building, overlooking the Padang Merdeka with grandeur. The solid part of the façade is treated with an abstract reinterpretation of weavings in Sarawak, referring to the heritage of Sarawak and the purpose of the building as keeper and presenter of that heritage. This will be achieved using composite panel wall claddings. Glass panels will form the façade in the center of the elevation, where day-lighting will brighten up the public circulation areas over all five floors.

One of the earlier design iterations of the Museum. The final approved design scheme.

Old Sarawak Museum TAR.

The Annex Building.

Photo from asiaforvisitors.com

Architect: Arkitek JFNOwner: State Government of SarawakClient: Sarawak Economic Development Corporation Consultants:

Conservation Adviser: Arkitek LlA Sdn BhdSite Conservator: Mr. Joseph Ingai Gasing QS: PEB Consulting QS Sdn Bhd/ HLA Quantity Surveyors Sdn BhdC & S: Jurutera CSD Sdn BhdM&E: Perunding KAZ Sdn BhdSurveyor: Ukurtanah Utama Sdn BhdPhotographers: Wixin Photography

Contractor: Main Contractor: Bella Wangsa Sdn Bhd Nominated Sub-Contractor: KAM Construction

TPublic Buildings and Spaces

he idea for this feature arose when I was navigating my way through the city centre at lunch time (a common occurrence now that I have a Brompton) – that there are many construction sites within a one-kilometre radius. These new projects

are already impacting the way we experience the city – site hoarding, restricted access and traffic diversions – I wonder how these new projects will impact our city. Here are 4 of them - a mosque, a museum, a street and a historical landmark.

ARCHITECT’S STATEMENT

Our client, DBKU asked our firm to look into the design of canopy for the Indian Street pedestrian mall. We responded with a design that behaved as a series of urban installations that will visibly unite the cacophony of the styles, forms and varied heights of the shops on both sides of India Street. It employs:

1. A monopole canopy structures in order to reduce the impact on the ground level of the already narrow and busy India Street.

2. Stepped butterfly roofs to correspond to the varying roof heights, and Fire Department’s (BOMBA) requirement to have a 2-metre clearance between the shop’s roof and our canopies. This gap allows hot air to escape.

3. A clear roofing system allows pedestrian mall to be naturally lit, with a hexagonal web pattern that was chosen to reflect strong, naturally occurring bonds such as bee hives.

4. Green design elements such as sun shading aluminium fins that offer up to 30% of sun-protection, and rainwater harvesting tanks atop each monopole ‘tree’ trunk.

The project will be open for use in April 2016, after the India Street Committee completes the cleaning up of shop fronts, and the floor tiling of the mall by a separate contractor.

Old India Street.

Installations of rain water harvesting tank. All major branch props and roofing in place.

Welding of hexagonal trusses on site.

The success of these urban installations and enhancements depends on how this new “space” is utilised for events, gatherings, and as a stage for cultural and musical

events.

Aluminium fins shading shields added in DBKU corporate colors, depicting leaves on the

canopy of these “trees”.

Architect: Arkitek Nurina MatnorC & S: PS Konsultant Sdn BhdM&E: NAQ Associates Sdn BhdQS: Kos Bina KCT Sdn BhdContractor: Mexajati Sdn BhdContract Sum: RM 3,748,443.00Target Completion Date: 30th March, 2016 (excludes tiling, by others)

Photo from www.panoramio.com

The India Street Pedestrian Mall Canopies

Masjid Bandar Kuching ARCHITECT’S STATEMENT

This new Mosque is an evolution of the Masjid India, which is located in one of the oldest shopping precincts in Kuching – along a narrow alley-way that links Gambier Street with India Street. The Masjid India is a historical and cultural landmark. However, more than its historical and cultural value is its importance as a place of worship for the Muslims in the vicinity. And as the number of the faithful increases, the existing mosque has become too small to accommodate the numbers, especially during Friday prayers. As such, the mosque is relocated to its site on the Sarawak River; designed to cater for 1600 worshippers with an architectural language which has Moorish influences and alludes to the Indian Muslim community in the area. The interpretation of these concepts are not literal, instead its beauty is portrayed in a play of shadow and light. For instance, the ‘Jali’ (pattern screen) is ornamented with ‘Allah and the name of the Prophet Muhammad’ in modern khat, which surrounds the prayer hall in decorative manner. As part of an architecture that is clear, light and uncompromisingly straight forward. The existing masjid will be conserved for future programmes of the Mosque.

Client: Lembaga Amanah Khairat Masjid Bandar KuchingArchitect: Sim, Odita and Muhammad Architects Sdn BhdC&S : Jurutera Perunding Radisa Sdn BhdM&E : Perunding MME Sdn BhdQS : Kumpulan Ukor Bahan Sarawak Sdn Bhd

t would be interesting to visit the built projects and review them as civic buildings and spaces – architecture for

the public. What are the criteria? A recent study by CABE – Commission for Architecture and Built Environment (UK) defines ‘well designed buildings’ as follows: (edited for this publication)

“Design is more than just beauty; it is an integral part of the success of any project. The key facets of building design quality are:

Appearance: the building should be excellent in itself and appropriate to its surroundings

Context: the project is seen as a place, not an isolated building.

Buildability: including ease of construction, materials from sustainable sources, prefabrication and use of standard components.

Maintenance: energy use, cleaning, repairs throughout the life of the building.

Operation: use of space, navigation through the building, comfort of users, flexibility, accessibility.”

The study also states the objectives of good urban design as being:

Character: to promote character in townscape and landscape by responding and reinforcing locally distinctive patterns of development, landscape and culture.

Continuity and Enclosure: to promote the continuity of street frontages and the enclosure of space by development which clearly private and public areas.

Quality of the public realm: to promote public spaces and routes that are attractive, safe, uncluttered and work effectively for all in society, including disabled and elderly people.

Ease of movement: to promote accessibility and local permeability by making places the connect with each other and are easy to move through, putting people before traffic and integrating land uses and transport.

Legibility: to promote legibility through development that provides recognizable routes, intersections and landmarks that help people find their way around.

Adaptability: to promote adaptability through development that can respond to changing social, technological and economic conditions.

Diversity: to promote diversity in choice through a mix of compatible developments and uses that work together to create viable places that respond to local needs.

Could these be the ingredients of the acid test for our public buildings and spaces? Time will tell.

I

I : After graduating from Melbourne University, did you return to Sarawak immediately ?

LKL: After graduation in 1969, I worked in an architectural firm in Sydney for two years while applying for the Kuching Municipal Council job. As I was unwilling to come home just for the sake of interview, the government requested the High Commission of Malaysia to interview me. I returned home in 1972 after my application for the post was accepted.

I : Tell us about your earlier years at KMC, what projects did you design and built ?

LKL: I worked in the Engineering Department under the Council Engineer. During that time, I had the opportunity to handle building projects from sketch design stage up to construction and completion which I feel was most satisfactory. My first project was the Reservoir Park project and followed by the Petanak Market project and Kenyalang Park Market. My work also included the swimming pool facilities building, which now has a restaurant on its first floor. Other minor engineering projects such as overhead bridge and even bus stop shelter. The bus stop shelter is most successful as the design is still being used today not only by our own council but other councils. After I headed the new Building and Landscaping Department, I had no time to do any design work.

I : What were the challenges and opportunities of your job at that time ?

LKL: Work in the council was very demanding. It was full of meetings. Building Plans and documents were often brought to me by the trolley-load!, for me to review and endorse. And while I am sitting in the meetings, my mind was worrying about the In-Tray in my office pilling up. I formed a habit of carrying out site inspections on the weekends to ensure that I know the problems on site when queried by some of the hard working councillors.

I : Amongst your many contributions, which would you consider the most significant ?

LKL: Before the enforcement of the Architects Act, term “architect” was very loosely used. Anyone who can draw up plans and submit to the council for approval is regarded as an “architect”. Most housing projects, and even shop houses and public buildings were designed by these “self taught” people. For major projects, foreign architects from Singapore were engaged. For this reason, there was no demand for qualified architects as the public did not really understand the value of engaging qualified professionals to carry out their projects. This was the reason I refused to return home just for the sake of job interview, knowing that the employment prospects was not that good at home. Besides, the Australian immigration policy was very strict in those days, once you graduate and leave the country, you might not be able to return.

As there was a need for the Architects Act to be enforced, I was requested to prepare a detailed paper for the enforcement of the Architects Act 1973 .

The paper was referred to the Ministry of Local Government for approval and it was

later approved by the Cabinet.

Those who had been submitting building plans to the council prior to the enforcement of the Act were able retained their right to do the same. As such, you might know of some “senior” Building Draughtsmen who are able to submit building plans without restrictions, just like architects.

However they are not allowed to use the word “Architect” and on personal to holder basis.

I : What keeps you busy these days ?

LKL: I am taking up a new subject - “Buddhism”, which I find more difficult to understand than Architecture, but it is infinitely more rewarding.

I : Thank you.

END

Public Service - Ar. Lin Kang Liew

I: Intersection LKL: Lin Kang Liew

I : Tell us a little bit about your background; your hometown, where you went to school.

LKL: I was born into a poor family in a rural village of Jieyang, Quandong Province, China, just as the Japanese army reached our town. We don’t have our own house or land, but lived in rented premises including the fields where we planted rice. Like many of the Chinese struggling to support their families, my father left for Sarawak, to seek a better future. Shortly after, my brother joined him.

I remember that my school building was an impressive 3-storey concrete

structure, built by a wealthy overseas Chinese to promote local education. It was constructed in the middle of the rice fields. It stood out in strong contrast with the single-storey buildings nearby, making it a local landmark. It was bombed by the Japanese during an air raid but emerged unharmed, except two holes punched through its concrete roof.

I can’t remember that I learned anything during my two years in the school but I recalled becoming very good in climbing trees and catching the fish in the river.

During my childhood, I suffered from serious night blindness caused by malnutrition. Many of the local children suffered from a mystery skin disease, which I now suspect is due to the chemical spread by the Japanese planes during the war.

I : When did you arrive in Kuching ?

LKL: In 1953, when I was 11 years old, I followed my mother and my brother’s wife-to-be to Kuching. My brother had ordered a bride from China and my mother had to escort her to Kuching.

In Kuching, I had problems getting accepted into the local schools because at 11, I was still unable to read or write the English alphabet. So, I enrolled in the Chinese Shool system and studied there until I graduated from Chung Hua Middle School No.1 in 1962.

I : When did you decide that you wanted to study architecture ? Tell us about your university days, were there any Sarawakians who studied there ?

LKL: I went to study matriculation in George Taylor and Staff; a private college as I was too old to enter any high school. After matriculation, Monash University accepted me for a degree in Medicine while Melbourne University accepted me for Architecture. My father preferred for me to be a doctor, saying that doctors have higher income. However in my years in Chinese school, I had studied all the science and math subjects in Chinese. I had little confidence in passing the first year of Medical school. And I was told that if you fail your first year, you were kicked out from the university ! So, naturally - I opted to study architecture at Melbourne University.

About 30% of the architecture school population in Melbourne University in were from overseas, they were from Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and even Africa. During the first year, it was combined with the Town and Country Planning Faculty.

A recent photo of Ar. Lin Kang Liew.Born in here.

My primary school in China.

Graduation photo from Chung Hua Middle School No. 1, 1962.

In the studio of Melbourne University.

In front of the School of Architecture. Past Chairman Ar. Lin Kang Liew with Tan Sri Datuk Amar Sim Kheng Hong at PAMSC’s dinner, back in 22 February 1982.

Newly completed Petanak Market.

Bandstand in the lower lake of Reservoir Park.

Briefing on the development of the Reservoir Park to chairman of the council Mr Song Thian Cheok, secretary Encik Awan Ali b.Tuanku Ibrahim, engineer Mr Lim Eng Tong.

I n this issue, we are honoured to feature an architect with a multitude

of accolades and achievements - when he spoken out for our profession as the PAMSC Chairman (1981 - 1985), and served the community as the Architect for the Kuching South Municipal Council from the 1st of May, 1972 till his retirement in 2000. Some members of the editorial team visited him at his home; the following is an excerpt of our conversation.

Seetoh Kum LoonSeetoh Kum Loon was one of 3 founders of Formwerkz Architects, together with Alan Tay and Berlin Lee. The office now comprised of a progressive, multi-disciplinary group of 20 like-minded professions that specialize in architecture, urban design, interior and landscape design. They adopt a collaborative structure that encourages diverse and overlapping areas of expertise to achieve more comprehensive design solutions that transforms seemingly ordinary narratives and context into objects of meaningful beauty.

PAMSC Design Forum 2016

M ark your calendars – the PAMSC Design Forum is back and this year it will be on 2nd April 2016. The Design

Forum in 2016 will feature a total of 6 speakers. The Theme for this year’s Forum is “Past : Present : Future”

The Design Forum will feature a total of 6 speakers from Australia, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. The speakers are:

Mr Bill McCorkell

Sanitas Pradittasnee

Seetoh Kum Loon

Reported by Ar. Ng Chee Wee

Dr Dominique Hes

Dr Dominique HesDr Hes received a science degree from Melbourne University and followed this with a graduate diploma in Cleaner Production and a Doctorate in 2005 at RMIT University, Melbourne. The thesis investigates her practice in supporting the integration of sustainability in building projects. Her research interests are identifying and filling the knowledge gaps in sustainability practice and application in the built environment. The mitigation of the urban heat island effect using urban greenery and the multiple benefits that greenery can provide is the kind of synergistic opportunities she is interested in researching.

Sanitas PradittasneeSanitas Studio is a Landscape and Art studio led by Sanitas Pradittasnee with a team of architects and landscape architects. Sanitas studio works in the area between landscape architecture and Fine Art, inspired by social context, deep cultural research and seamless boundary between landscape architecture and Fine Art.

Sanitas Studio’s works include sculptural work, art installation and landscape architecture projects. By working in varying scale, each work is being explored in the possibility of built environment, its meaning and its interaction with people.

Mr Bill McCorkell – ArchiBlox, Melbourne Mr Bill McCorkell is an architect and director of ArchiBlox, a company specializing in prefabricated modern houses based in Melbourne, Australia. Pre-fabrication usually conjur up images of low cost housing, shipping containers, and temporary shelters. However, the projects by ArchiBlox are anything but low cost. In fact just from the visuals you would think that they are conventionally constructed houses – but Archiblox normally design, built and deliver the projects in 12 to 28 weeks.

Farah Azizan / Adela AskandarFarah Azizan and Adela Askandar are founding partners of Studio Bikin, an architectural design studio based in Kuala Lumpur. Prior to starting Studio Bikin, Farah worked with Seksan Design where she practiced landscape and architectural design for 6 years. Adela worked with Unit One Design consultancy in Kuala Lumpur and also taught at the Department of Architecture in University Malaya as a design tutor. After collaborating on a few projects with Farah they formally set up Studio Bikin in 2011.

The studio has since worked on a large number of residential and commercial projects that are changing general perceptions about what architecture can be.

Farah Azizan & Adela Askandar

BIM PART IV

TIME IS THE BEST KILLERAgatha Christie got that saying right.

You will face many deadlines in your project – submissions, tender, construction – whatever it is, when you are pressed for time, you’ll say “That is it, I’ve had enough” and convert everything to AutoCAD drawings and back into your old, comfortable, 2D ways…except you haven’t used AutoCAD in months and now you’re forgetting some of the commands. You got through the deadline, anyway.

Now you have two choices; to get back to your BIM software and update your file based on what you did previously in a hurry, or you can just continue in AutoCAD because it’s less work. Of course you’ll pick the latter. So there goes all your hard work down the drain.

Why is BIM so difficult, you ask? BIM requires both skills in knowing the software and in your field (whether you are an architect, surveyor, engineer) in order to produce your model with ease. That doesn’t make BIM hard. It just takes time.

THE GREAT DIVIDEAt this point of BIM implementation in the local industry, it is safe to say that not everyone will be excited about implementing BIM in their office. Some are eager, some feel forced to, and others will brush the idea off, because it won’t affect them anyway – all of these responses are entirely valid.

These four installments were not written with the intention to change anyone’s opinion on BIM, but merely to share, for those who choose to help themselves.

At the end of the day, everyone ultimately wants projects to be delivered on time and under budget. I could go another year writing on the benefits of BIM, but if you can achieve your deadlines cost-efficiently without BIM, then there’s little persuading left to be done. Good luck to all who decide to embark on a BIM journey, we hope you’ll care to share your experience with us too!

BACK TO BASICS

Remember at the start of the project, you wrote a BIM Execution Plan (read second installment) that had your mission, goals and other lovely things you’d like to achieve? If you haven’t been using your execution plan much throughout the project – although you should – now is a good time to take a look at it again.

Compare the goals to your near-end product, whether it was set too high or too low. Did you experience difficulty in collaborating with others? Should you have chosen a different version of software? Note all the things that would be an ideal change for your next project. Experience is the best way to understand how your team works with BIM. No one can or should tell you that there’s a template out there that will guarantee a 100% success rate.

TO BIM AND BEYONDWe have reached the fourth installment! In this issue, we will be concentrating towards wrapping up your pilot project. You may not necessarily have to wait to finish your pilot project before setting up your next one. The first will have the steepest learning curve, so remember that patience, persistence and perseverance is key to successful BIM implementation.

All templates are just guides. And a lot of these guides can be downloaded for free, such as the BEP from Penn State University and Construction Project Information Committee from the UK.

GETTING HELPIn the previous article, I mentioned that you’ll need to spend on proper software training for your team members at some point of time. You may decide to get some managerial help in the office, too. It’s good to have a third party to give valuable advice to enhance your current workflow and incorporate BIM smoothly into it. Some choose to spend on this before they start on their Pilot Project, but I have seen a few smaller firms do this much later on after they’re more familiar with the software.

That being said, BIM is becoming good business for many people. It ridiculous how expensive it can get and I assure you, it doesn’t have to be.

Some tips before you hire any BIM expert for your office;- Read carefully their company profile - Find out who the trainer is and the extent of experience- Compare their quotation to similar companies- Do a bit of research so they don’t confuse you with BIM jargons- If they use BIM jargons, ask them to explain it clearly- Make a list of what services your company actually need from

them?- Do a consultation session with them first so they can figure

out what services they can offer you- Always find out what’s not included in the quotation (flights,

accommodation, meals etc)- If their price is expensive compared to others, you have the

right to ask why

If you want to save money and only pay for hourly consultation rates, you can do some of the homework yourself;- Work out an efficient filing system for your projects, libraries and BIM

administration- Get in the habit of “cleaning up” your files every now and again to declutter- Keep working on your Execution Plan until you get it right - Get a good server for your office- Share your resources to maximize efficiency- Create a Guide for your office so your team can get the workflow right, even

when you’re not around- Learn how to work with IFC file format if you are in collaboration with others- Learn and apply knowledge as you go, don’t download 25 tutorials and watch

them overnight- Don’t forget to backup your work!

by Nora Khalid

LAM Part III Examination: Grooming Session5-6th March 2016

PAMSC Eastern Europe Study Tour 2016 e visited Professor Wangsu’s Ningbo Museum and China Academy of Art last year. In 2014 we traveled to Morocco and Spain – and saw Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. Where will we go this year ?

PAMSC has been organizing a study tour annually for more than 10 years. It started as a tour only for the Committee Members – but was quickly expanded to include PAMSC Members. Now the tour is also open to Member’s spouses as well as non-members who will pay a higher tour fare.

Over the years, the tours have served to enhance camaraderie among the members who participated. It has been the social glue, and played its part in building a stronger and cohesive PAMSC Committee. Other than the architectural and cultural experience, the tours are a welcome break from work and an opportunity to get together with our peers (and perhaps complain about the work-related woes).

The PAMSC Study Tour has become an event to look forward to in the PAMSC Calendar, and this May, we are planning a trip to Eastern Europe. The Tour will cover Berlin, Dresden, Praque, Salzburg, Vienna and Budapest, but unlike the typical European group tours where you spend more time on the bus than on the ground. Ours are organized so bus trips are no longer than 3 hours.

We will visit architectural landmarks such as the Berlin Philharmonic Hall and Library by Hans Scharoun, the Dancing House in Praque by Frank Gehry, and The Vienna University of Business and Management with buildings by Zaha Hadid, NO.MAD Aquitectos and Estudio Carme Pinos. We will also take the opportunity to sample local food and culture. Almost all the meals on this Eastern Europe trip are included in the price, and will be in local restaurants – and there will also be a lunch hosted by PAMSC at a Michelin-starred restaurant. You will also have opportunities to make your own culinary discoveries on the days where the lunch is not included.

Registration for the PAMSC 2016 Study Tour have closed on 29th February 2016. Those who have not signed up – unfortunately you have missed the boat. Please sign up early next time !

W

he Graduate and Education Committee under the initiative of

Noraini “Annie” Narodden, organised a ‘Grooming Session’ facilitated by PAM Council members; Ar. Adrianta Aziz and Ar. Ahmad Ridha Abdul Razak. The sessions were attended by 22 graduate members and conducted in the manner of a workshop; participants are required to interact with each other and present answers and arguments for discussion.

In one of the sessions, the facilitators discussed ways to approach exam questions and answer them – this was followed by some exercises on past-year papers.

Due to good response from our graduate members, the committee will be planning more of these sessions. Keep a lookout for our notice on PAMSC Facebook page and our website.

For our March Fighters / Exam Candidates, keep calm and the very best of luck ! - March Examination scheduled on 28.03.2016.

Ts an Architect, drawing and sketching help us foster our ideas. On regular days, I do sketches as part of my journal, documenting

various aspect of life, from the food I eat to the random building details. As an Urban Sketcher, I get to meet various sketchers from around the world, and learn new sketching methods and attend numerous events.

One of my memorable sketching moments was when I was asked to document one of Malaysia’s worst flood history at the end of December 2014. Together with ITBM (The Malaysian Institute of Translation and Books) and E-Magineers (M) Sdn Bhd, the work represents an invaluable written record of a disaster that struck without a warning.

Another sketcher friend and I were flown to Kelantana few days after the flood hit, and for the next 10 days, we visited, documented and helped 6 villages; Kampung Bertam Baru, Bertam Lama, Jambatan Bengkok, Manek Urai, Keluat and Tualang.

The book The Eternal Storm; Sekali Air Berubah, Selamanya Pasir Berubah, is a significant monument of a calamity that surged and destroyed village and hamlets. With over half a million people affected, massive rebuilding and development, physically, psychologically or emotionally, is required. The proceeds of this book go towards the redevelopment of the communities located in the affected areas mentioned in this book. Special appreciation goes to the Disaster Management Ascociates, Shelter Box Disaster Relief and the Rotary for providing the opportunity to contribute.

A

The tours have been the glue that bonded the members and built a stronger PAMSC Committee.

by Gabrielle Lim.

by Aurelia.

by Jaron Sim.

by Peggy.

Urban Sketchers Kuching

Urban Sketcher Profile

Since then, the group has grown to include many local and foreign sketchers from diverse backgrounds and styles.

Amongst the regulars are a couple of teachers, a book binder, a retired scientist, college students, moms and their children.

USK conducts a ‘sketch crawl’ on the first Sunday of every month, and though there are no lessons, we often share tips and ideas.

The idea of the ‘sketch crawl’ (I think) is derived from the pub crawl where participants would move from destinations within a street, town or city - taking in the scenes (or beer, in the case of the pub crawl)

Finding a sketching spot on a truck, at Kampung Bertam Baru.

Sketching at Kampung Bertam Lama; Kuala Krai.

Profile Azy Yanti bt Morni, Urban Sketcher Kuching. Recently obtained Master of Architecture (Part 2) from Universiti of Teknologi Malaysia, in 2015. An Urban Sketcher(Kuching) since 2010. Currently working with PU Architect as Graduate Architect.

U rban Sketchers Kuching (USK) was formed by 3 local architects in September 2012; Peggy Wong, Azie Morni and Wee Hii Min with the intention of invoking the Urban Sketchers’ manifesto - to record the

world one drawing at a time.

All agreed that the grooming session was a success; thanks to the facilitators and Annie Narodden - (seated right of photo)

Workshop in progress.

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Recent PAM Centre ‘make over’

It was decided last year that the PAMSC Centre was due for a little refurbishment (as it was looking ‘tired’) and upgrade because our needs and activities have grown since 2004 when we moved in.

The renovation started in June 2015 and was completed in January 2016 – new storage walls were put in and the seminar room now equipped with a new HD projector. A new television was installed for advertising and broadcasting of PAMSC events. We know that the new Centre will be able to serve our members better; thank you for putting up with the temporary inconvenience.

We thank our Secretariat and Centre staff for their hard work; PAMKL for financially supporting this renovation; our Chairman for spearheading the effort; our builder, Fugo Construction for a job well done, and industry partners - Goodrich Sdn. Bhd., Godiya Sdn. Bhd. and Structural Repair Sdn. Bhd. for their contribution.

Thank you.

Our Admin. Executive, Ms. Lee Kao Choo is joined by Ms. Suki Chai (middle) and Ms Sim Chen Hoon.

They will continue to support the PAMSC committee this year and we gear up for the new term, especially with the launching of the Building Trade Show (BTS) in June 2016.

Bowling Night

On the same day, the Education and Graduates Sub-Committee organized Bowling Night, which was the last activity for 2015. 16 members in 4 teams competed in 3 games of bowling at Megalanes Adventure World; followed by supper. The Green team emerged the winner and took home 12 movie passes. Top three bowlers for the night were: Sam Lau (468 pts) followed closely by Jasper (462 pts) and Kho Meng K’ang (329).

PAMSC-Kolej Komuniti Kuching discussion

On the 18th Dec. last year, the PAMSC Education Sub-Committee Chairman Ar. Kho Meng K’ang met with Kolej Komuniti Kuching led by Mr. Paul bin Muroh (Head of Drafting Program) – to discuss ways to enhance the college’s current drafting programme with hopes of making their graduates more marketable.

Among the recommendations given included providing pre-entry counseling for interested applicants and to use English as the teaching language, especially on technical terms. Following this fruitful discussion, Kolej Komuniti Kuching made a suggestion to appoint a PAMSC member as one of their technical advisors.

LAM Professional Examination Part 3 – 2016 Exam Preparations

In preparation of the LAM Part 3 exams in March and September this year, the Education & Graduates sub-committee have organized a revision session facilitated by recent passers Ar. Tina Lau, Ar. Alan Lau, Ar. Simon Ling and Mitchell Mos.

16 graduate members participated in the discussion for both Paper 1 and Paper 2. Some tips from the facilitators:1. Read the questions properly. Identify the keywords / questions to be

answered.2. Answer straight to the point supported by strong reasoning and quote

relevant acts / circulars / clauses.3. When given scenarios in any question, answer professionally as an

architect would.4. Practice and familiarize yourselves with calculations and letter /

memo writing formats.5. Practice by answering past years questions.

Our sincerest gratitude to the facilitators who pay it forward by helping out, even to the extent of Ar. Simon Ling flying in from KL for a weekend trip.

More revision sessions will be held throughout the year, so keep a lookout on PAMSC website and Facebook page for more updates.

Good luck to all March 2016 candidates! For graduates who intend to sit for the exam in 2017, we would like to remind you that registration closes on 1st March 2016.

Education & Graduate Sub-Committee Practice & Goverment Liason Sub-CommitteeA. Bomba

1. The Chairman–Ar. Mike Boon, Ar. Chiew Chung Yee, Ar. Stephen Liew, Ar. Hubert Kueh and Ar. Bong Joon Hin attended the first preliminary meeting with BOMBA Department on the Review of the SBO for Fire Requirements. PAMSC will study and compare the passive requirements among SBO, UBBL, BS, MS and Singapore Standards on the following categories: Health Facilities, Wet Markets, Industrial Buildings, Conservation Buildings, Places of Assembly, Aircraft Hangars and their Performance Base, Party Wall and Compartmentation, their special requirements for the disabled in the Schedule J.

2. The Practice Sub-Committee strongly recommend that our members who are fluent in these areas join PAMSC to contribute and share their ideas and experience.

B. Council

1. Majlis Perbandaran Padawan announced on the 15/1/2016 that the Submitting Architect can either submit building plan together with Letter of Undertaking, in which case, the MPP will no longer check the building plans. Whereupon, the MPP will process the approval after receiving clearance from the other related authorities. Otherwise, normal submission procedures apply.

2. The Samarahan District Council is in the process of finalizing E- submission for building plans.

C. CIDB

1. Ar. Stephen Liew and Ar. Tan Kiat Soon represented PAMSC in CIDB’s ‘Construction Industry Transformation Programme’ based on the four strategies, namely: a) Productivity b) Environmental Sustainability c) Quality, Safety and Professionalism and d) Internationalization

Preliminary meeting with Bomba Department on the reviewing of SBO on Fire Requirement.

Series of Discussion on bomba matters by Practice Sub-Committee.

Circular by MPP on Building Plan Submission.

Secretariat

Mr Liew, our contractor briefing on site.

Renovation in progress.

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Announcement ! W e would like to congratulate PAMSC Ex Chairman, Ar. Philip Chang for his appointment as LAM Board member for the

2016 term. Ar. Philip Chang has also been appointed as a member of LAM Disciplinary Committee.

Congratulations also to Ar. Chew Chung Yee for his appointment as a member of LAM Practice Committee. Thank you for doing us proud.

She has managed the Centre (at times single-handedly) under 7 Chairmen, which in itself is testament to her tenacity and diplomacy. In December last year, Melinda Leong opted for early retirement after more than 11 years with PAMSC.

PAMSC would like to record our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for her dedicated service towards our architectural community and we wish her a happy and fruitful retirement.

SNIPPETSF o o d F o r T h o u g h t

PAMSC Christmas DinnerThey say - food unites people.This photo of Noraini “Annie” Narodden (right) was taken during the PAMSC Christmas dinner held at the Sarawak Club. It coincided with our committee meeting, after which committee members and past Chairmen of PAMSC enjoyed a scrumptious buffet and plenty of catching up on the year’s event.

Speaker Ar. Mustapha Kamal Zulkarnain and family members, enjoying Sarawakian hospitality from local bon

vivant, lawyer Yap Han Boon.

Metal Roofing: Isn’t What It Supposed to Be?Date: 16 Jan 2016 (Saturday)Venue: Imperial HotelAttendance: 54Speaker: Ms Lin Pick Chin (left) & Ms. Joelle Wong (middle) from Decra Roofing Systems.

Life with and without BIMDate: 29 Feb 2016 (Monday)Venue: JKR HQSpeaker: Andy Leong (Parametic, Australia)

PAMSC CNY Open HouseAs is customary, PAMSC hosted a Chinese New Year Open House and invited members and industry partners to an after work gathering at the Centre.

CPD Talk Melinda, Melinda, Mel inda . . .Her name and her smile has become synonymous with the PAMSC Centre since she joined PAMSC in June 2004 under the Chairmanship of Ar. Hubert Kueh.

Congratulations!This little bundle of joy is the latest design collaboration between architect Syed Kamal Azri and his wife Natasha Jasmine Edwina; Sharifah Kalisha Fatima was born on the 5th of September last year.

Developing City Resilience and Way ForwardDate: 12 December 2015 (Saturday)Venue: UPC AuditoriumAttendance: 18Speaker: Ar. Mustapha Kamal Zulkarnain

he eve of the Chinese New Year is traditionally celebrated by a ‘reunion dinner’ attended by all the members of the family, especially those who are working

or studying away from home. The ‘reunion dinner’ and sharing of food is of special significance to the Chinese, so for those who are not unable to make the trip home - they are often welcomed into the folds of the family of close friends as one their own. Likewise, Chinese students overseas who are unable to make the trip home have their reunion dinner with their ‘family’ of course mates, when many try to replicate Mom’s ‘Tau Ewe Bak’ and Grandma’s ‘Ngo Hiang’.

Two years ago, my interns, students and I started the practice of sharing photos of their reunion dinners in our chat group. So, at the eve of our New Year, photos would come flooding in; from the other side of town, from different parts of the country, and from overseas. It is our little reunion in a way - many of these young people are like family members; ‘borrowed’ children from another life. It might seem trivial to others but it is meaningful for me to see them in their homes with their parents and siblings. We were their surrogate family when they were training in our office – in fact, one intern referred to Sara (my daughter) as her ‘sister from another mother’ – much to the dismay of her own mom.

We have had interns in the office since 2000, at a time when not many local firms would take on interns or trainees. I was teaching then and had many candidates; more than enough to share. And when I did try to ‘share’ them – the question often asked was ‘what can they do?’, ‘can they design/CAD/draw perspectives/make models/coffee?’

Fortunately, nowadays more firms are finding it a symbiotically beneficial relationship and have included architecture students in their studio. One even hears of interns ‘migrating’ to Sarawak from West Malaysia to spend 3 months in a local firm, often as part of their school requirements. At last count there have been more than 200 architecture and interior design students who have passed through our studio at DNA; often under the supervision of Suh Chee, Mingi, Arlene and I.

During my transition into my new and smaller office, I was torn between taking in new interns and the limited physical space. And then, in the midst of the mundane and tedious, a little greeting card arrived from a former intern reminding me that we are doing the right thing, that we are on the right track and the seeds we sow are bearing fruit.

Many of my colleagues were former interns; the result of a successful internship experience for the students and the mentor. My first intern at DNA studied at United College, Sibu – 15 years later, he is now my business partner in KL. Life has a peculiar way of coming full circle. Of course, some might argue that there is no point in training someone who is unlikely to work for you in the future; a student from overseas perhaps, or West Malaysia. But look at it this way; surely you must have some area of expertise that is worth sharing, to shape someone’s perception of our profession in a positive way. Here’s your chance to influence them and send them on their way a little better prepared than when they started. Besides, don’t you have aspirations to have work outside Sarawak? Your interns can become future business contacts; it is worth the investment...

A few tips for the uninitiated – don’t take in an intern unless you are prepared to supervise their work yourself. Always interview potential interns, shortlist the candidates by asking them to submit a CV and works portfolio; this is training for an actual job interview (for them). Appoint more than one intern at one time, they learn more through their peers and perform better (for you). Expose them to the various stages of an architectural project. Divide their work into ‘projects’ which is job related work that makes money (for you) and ‘assignments’ which are learning based (for them), it can be about contracts, measured drawings or a new software. Remember that they are students, in the middle of their studies as you were once – so, be nurturing (allow them time to day-dream) be firm and fair (it is like a real job but please don’t make them sign contracts). Above all, be a friend and a role model, it’s a good feeling (for them and for you).

By MinLeader of the Min-ions

T

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