Indonesian Architects Week @ Kuala Lumpur 2024: Equatorial Synaesthesia

KUALA LUMPUR, 11 NOVEMBER 2024 – [MEDIA PARTNER] As the world’s largest archipelagic nation that is situated on the equator, Indonesia has a wealth of architectural forms that are suitable for hot and humid climates, where copious amounts of rain and sunlight are at once a blessing and challenge. How have contemporary architects responded to this context?

This will be explored in Equatorial Synaesthesia, which is the theme of this year’s Indonesian Architects Week in Kuala Lumpur (IAWKL2024). The exhibition will showcase works by 70 architecture firms from 11 provinces in Indonesia as curated by Rizki Supratman and Trianzani Sulshi.

IAWKL2024 is a collateral event of the triennial congress of the International Union of Architects (UIA) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Previous editions of IAW have concurrently been held in Tokyo (IAWT2011) showcasing 46 curated works; in Seoul (IAWS2017) with 53 works; and in Rio de Janeiro (IAWR2021) with 66 works displayed virtually from Bandung, Indonesia.

Returning once again to a full physical format, IAWKL2024 invites the public to see architecture not merely as physical structures but as critical responses to Nature and local cultures. Set against the challenges of the equatorial climate, this exhibition highlights how Indonesian architecture responds to increasingly extreme heat, humidity and rainfall, ensuring that the human needs are in line with environmental considerations.

“Indonesian Architects Week 2024 in Kuala Lumpur brings forth a unique perspective on Indonesian architecture, closely attuned to the rhythm of Nature and local culture. It’s not just about buildings; it’s about how architectural design can shape our sensory interaction with space”, said Trianzani Sulshi.

Collaborations with designers Nusae, NOUV and Studio Paniisan will enhance the exhibition experience, open to public from 14–23 November at The Godown, a contemporary arts centre in Kuala Lumpur. The event is free and open daily from 11am–8pm.

Participating architects

For more information, contact [email protected] or visit the Instagram page of @IAWKL2024.

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