As the name suggests, the glass-facade, 40-storey Bangunan UMNO is the headquarters of Malaysia’s largest political party, the United Malays National Organization, remaining in power since the nation birth in 1957. Continue reading The politics tower
Ever since it underwent major interior makeover a couple of years ago, the restaurant, which is housed in a conserved building in Menteng – the Dutch remainings of urban housing complex with ecological concept arguably the maiden project of its time in Asia – quickly became one of the most celebrated culinary stops in town. Continue reading Kuntskring Paleis
UOB Plaza high-rise building took shape over a decade after the 1997 Asian monetary crisis, when it stood in agony with bare pillars and storeys, behing the giant banner displaying The Westin hotel, a supposedly main tenant hadn’t the crisis brought the construction to a halt. Continue reading Thamrin Nine Project 1
When dusk fell, workers swarmed the lobbies of BRI 1 and the adjacent BRI 2 Tower, and went out through multiple exit doors which lead to restaurants alley, the famous BRI garden complex, or simply to Sudirman street. Continue reading BRI towers at twilight
Chinese Chamber of Commerce’s branch office in George Town dated back in 1928, at the decline of Qing dynasty and the rise of Nationalist movement in China, is a staggering example of Chinese heritage overseas. Continue reading Chinese Chamber of Commerce office George Town
Han Awal is fascinated by the way architecture conveys local wisdom as to what he discovered on his trip from Ise Shrine in Japan to Wae Rebo village in Flores, Indonesia. Wood material has the least durability, yet the indigeneous civilization rebuilt it, consequently forming a tradition. Continue reading Han Awal’s conservation architecture
Soeman HS Library in Pekanbaru, Riau, won the 2015 ASEAN Architecture Award, eliminating 19 other building designs from eight Southeast Asian countries. Judges from each country selected the former legislative building of Riau renovated into a five-floor library for its striking amalgamation of the traditional features and the influence of modernity. Decorative sculptures showing the local artistry and life values fill the walls. The exo … Continue reading Award winning Soeman HS Library in Riau
Multiple pyramid-shaped roofs supported by large pillars as typically seen in art deco style is the main design features of GPIB Paulus Church in Menteng, Jakarta. Built in 1935 in the wake of the early 20th century economic crisis, then known as malaise period, the Dutch communities in the far colony had barely made it through with the financing after collecting enough donation from patrons … Continue reading The rooster church of Menteng
Even to those who are not aware of history, it is not beyond imagination that Tokyo Tower took inspiration from Paris city icon of the 19th century, the Eiffel Tower. Continue reading The great impersonator
Nicknamed Bottle Opener, the trapezoid aperture at the top of the WTC skyscraper in Shanghai was originally designed in circular. But halfway up the construction, the city mayor and some residents stated their objection in what they deemed a semblance of Japan’s state symbol. Continue reading The project redesign of Shanghai World Financial Center
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