With the shattered perspective, visitors have to stand at a specific spot across the road, in front of Starbucks, to see the full face of Tom Harrisson.
More information about Tom Harrisson can be seen at the installation.
AMCAN managing director Lim San Hock (centre) signs a plaque to launch the installation at Plaza Merdeka yesterday.
KUCHING: Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) Sarawak Chapter celebrated World Architectural Day (WAD) 2015 in a more tangible way this year, by setting up an installation at the Padang Merdeka (opposite Plaza Merdeka front entrance) from yesterday to Nov 2.
The installation was officially launched yesterday.
According to organising chairman Ar Chai Si Yong, the objective of the celebration is to create awareness on the importance of design in daily lives, especially to young people and students.
“PAMSC has been celebrating WAD for the past five years, usually by holding design competitions which culminate in the exhibition of architectural installations. This year’s installation is a result of a design workshop organised by PAMSC and Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology. The winning entry is built as a PAMSC WAD installation and materials and construction assistance are from AMCAN,” said Chai.
He added that the subject of the exhibition is the inimitable Tom Harrisson, who in his many roles as former curator of the Sarawak Museum, making it an institution of world standing.
He had many qualities that students and young people should have, knowledgeable and passionate in his quest for knowledge and generous in sharing his ideas and taught those who worked with him.
Though he was reputedly difficult to work with, this is likely the character of a man who had the courage to pursue his goals at the risk of not conforming to the professional and social etiquette of his day.
“The fundamental aim of the exhibition is to let the people of Kuching learn a bit about their past and how design can play a role in their present and future,” he said.
WAD is celebrated on the first Monday of every October.
The workshop was held last July here and last month in UCTS Sibu.
During the workshop held last July, students had to complete the design in 24 hours and thus, getting first-hand experience on working pressure in a tight time frame.
There were 43 participants from various universities who were divided into 10 groups led by six facilitators who are architects from different backgrounds and a representative from Friends of Sarawak Museum.
This exercise is a link between the academic field and professional.
The workshop aims to teach students to develop better understanding about key figures in local culture and history, develop research driven design outcomes that is relevant in the local context and to educate link design solutions with built.
The students have to not only design it, but ensure that it is build-able.