Learning/Life

Dear FuturArc readers,

In certain circles, Earth is perceived as a kind of ‘school’ for sentient beings—especially humans—to learn more deeply about themselves. To what end? That depends on what you believe in. Some believe the ultimate purpose of this ‘Earth school’ is to enable us to learn certain lessons and then transcend them. How do we come upon these lessons? Call it destiny, fate, or what have you, the manner with which this happens differs for each individual being.

Why do I bring this up? Because this issue of FuturArc looks at the topic of learning vis-à-vis the architectural space or environment, built and/or natural, in which it occurs, and how sustainably each space is being fashioned to support learning and what lessons—pedagogical, environmental, ethical, and so on—are to be learnt. We also look at learning as not just a process confined to the classroom or school, but also one that is communicated and passed on implicitly, non-verbally. The best lessons are often transmitted in the unspoken; not by words but by actions.

Additionally, we turned the mirror on ourselves as a journal, a platform, of content creation and knowledge sharing. Are we still relevant as a medium through which new ideas can take flight to greater heights, and new stories presented so that readers may glean new insights? We spoke to key individuals in the design and media industry to find out. While all of them gave a resounding yes (print is still relevant!), it is not without irony that this issue turns out to be FuturArc’s last.

Yes, this is FuturArc’s final issue after 19 years.

“The soul takes flight to the world that is invisible but there arriving she is sure of bliss and forever dwells in paradise.” Plato

Personal notes…

I am incredibly grateful to have had this opportunity to be part of something meaningful and impactful. The responses from readers from different countries over the years have definitely kept us going. Beyond exploring projects and points of view, FuturArc has also enabled students and professionals to present their designs through its design competitions. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to FuturArc in all ways. It has been an extraordinary journey of many lessons and learnings. – Candice Lim

More than a decade ago, as an architecture student, FuturArc was my introduction to a sustainable built environment. I read the magazine and competed in FuturArc Prize, absorbing timely conversations and design solutions beyond what was in my textbooks or image-sharing sites. I am deeply honoured to have taken up the ‘trowel’ these past few years in cultivating conversations and documenting exemplary work through this platform. Although the magazine ends here, I hope that we have planted the roots of sustainability for other readers like me. – Dinda Mundakir

It has been an amazing 19-year journey with the FuturArc editorial team, from the very first edition to this final issue. Countless covers and layouts have been crafted, always with the goal of delivering a “wow” moment for our readers. I’m grateful to Candice for giving me the opportunity to share my photography and sketches in the latest issues. Print media will always have its place, and who knows, maybe our paths will cross again. – Hans Lim