Kitab Atok: tuturan alambina

aj (architects journal) broke the news to the world in its yesterdays edition. The world known Malaysian architect, famous for his bioclimatic, ecologically sound skyscrapers and green design approach, Dr. Ken Yeang (of T.R. Hamzah & Yeang office in Ampang) is almost set to join a British firm, Llewelyn Davies, as a partner. Though the exact development of this issue is still kept well away from the public, the publication suggested that a new name for the practice might be Llewelyn Davies Yeang. It further says that the future of 70 workforce at Ampang is not yet clear but most certainly will not be effected by this move. He first met Tengku Dato' Robert Tengku Hamzah [of Tanah Serendah Sekebun Bunga] at the illustrious Architectural Association in London where they both studied, and some 20 years ago, together set up their practice in Ampang, near to his internationally recognised residence.

T.R. Hamzah & Yeang has over the past years gave Malaysian buildings many international exposures - the Roof Roof House, IBM Tower, Mesiniaga building, Guthrie Pavilion and Menara UMNO Penang among others featured in various architectural journals and magazines. Flip through any bio or green design books nowadays and the name Ken Yeang would definately be among the pages, not to mention a few publications of his own.

Reasons for his move is still a mystery but he has actually been collaborating with Llewelyn Davies for years on various projects, in addition to his frequent visits to the UK for his annual lecture at his alma mater, the AA, and his visiting lecturer position at Sheffield University. In addition, he does has a registered office in London, Ken Yeang International, besides Japan, China, Germany and Australia. And of course, he has a sister living in this country apart from himself has the Right of Abode.

In my opinion, his Ampang practice has been so far driven internationally by Yeang, whilst the other partner has been very good in managing and running the office; a brilliant partnership. I might be wrong. Whatever the outcome might be, all the best to both. And hopefully Yeang too, in the future, as achieved by his fellow Penang-born: the shoemaker, be in Her Majesty's award list one day.

posted by Atok @ 10:32:00 am