Latest news with #RichardMeier
Forbes
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Unlikely Destination For Design And Art Lovers: New Harmony, Indiana
UNITED STATES - JUNE 09: Atheneum, New Harmony, Indiana. Architect: Richard Meier (Photo by Carol M. Highsmith/Buyenlarge/Getty Images) Getty Images New Harmony, a small town perched on the Wabash river in southwest Indiana, is a very unlikely destination for design lovers. But those who make the trip — two hours drive from both Louisville, KY and St. Louis, MO and three hours from Indianapolis, IN and Nashville, TN – will not be disappointed. This rural town of about 800 people, many of whom get around via golf cart, boasts buildings by Philip Johnson and Richard Meier, public art by French sculptor Jacques Lipchitz, Anglo-German sculptor Ralph Beyer and American sculptor Don Gummer, and a park designed by a firm best known for their work on MoMA's sculpture garden. Philip Johnson's Roofless Church is set in a garden with gates by French sculptor Jacques Lipchitz License agreement: Alex Morgan Imaging This is all thanks to Jane Blaffer Owen, an oil heiress from Houston (her father was one of the founders of a company that's now ExxonMobil and her grandfather established the company that ultimately became Texaco), whose husband, Kenneth Dale Owen was a descendent of New Harmony's founders. Soon after they were married, Kenneth brought his new bride to his home town; she fell in love with New Harmony and dedicated her life to its preservation and revitalization, earning many many accolades along the way, including Commander of the British Empire, bestowed by Queen Elizabeth II. Dedication of the Roofless Church with Jane Blaffer Owen and Kenneth Dale Owen, unknown photographer, May 1, 1960 Historic New Harmony; University of Southern Indiana It seems random but isn't: Jane's mother, Sarah Campbell Blaffer, was a passionate art lover and collector whose eponymous foundation debuted in 1964 with the mission of 'sharing great works of art with people in communities far from major art museums.' The family were long-time supporters of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and, in 1947, Sarah established the Robert Lee Blaffer foundation at the museum, in honor of her late husband (Jane's father). A few years later, Jane's brother John, and his wife Camilla, made a large contribution to the museum which resulted in the construction of the Robert Lee Blaffer Memorial Wing. Today the Sarah Campbell Blaffer collection is shown in conjunction with the museum, with works from the collection exhibited in dedicated galleries there. Bonnie Pollan left, David Boot center and his wife Kelley Bott look over paintings from the Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Tuesday, March 19, 2013, in Houston . ( James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle ) (Photo by James Nielsen/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images) Houston Chronicle via Getty Imag Jane knew of the the architect Philip Johnson through her friends Dominique and John de Menil, who were noted patrons of art and design, and huge fans of modernism in all its forms. In 1948, the de Menil's tapped Johnson to design their Houston home. It was his first residential commission, and was completed in 1950. They filled it with what was widely considered to be one of the most important art collections in the country, and entertained often. Philip Johnson, in front of the glass house he designed for himself in New Canaan, Ct, Fairfield County. (Photo By: David McLane/NY Daily News via Getty Images) NY Daily News via Getty Images But Jane apparently didn't meet Johnson until the mid 1950s, and in 1957 she commissioned him to design the Roofless Church. She also arranged for the French artist Jacques Lipchitz to create the gilded bronze gates at the ceremonial entry of the walled enclosure. License agreement: Alex Morgan Imaging Several years prior, Jane had read about Lipchitz's work in an art magazine, and a maquette of one of his sculptures caught her eye. She reached out to him and had three bronze castings made of the piece. One occupies a place of honor underneath the Roofless Church structure, the other two went to the Church of Notre-Dame-de-Toute-Grace in France and the Iona Abbey in Scotland. Descent of the Holy Spirit (1946–55) by Jacques Lipchitz Historic New Harmony Over time, Jane added additional sculptures, memorials and a fountain to the Roofless Church site. They include: Pieta by Stephen De Staebler, Breath of God by Connecticut sculptor Mark Mennin, William Schickel's Grandparents' Baptismal Fountain and Ewa Żygulska's Polish Memorial . Pieta, a sculpture by California artist Stephen De Staebler Courtesy of Visit Posey County Jane met Paul Tillich, a German-American theologian and Christian existentialist philosopher, through Jacques Lipchitz. In 1963 he visited New Harmony to dedicate a site, across the street from the Roofless Church, that would ultimately be a park named in his honor. New York landscape architects Zion & Breen, who had worked with Philip Johnson on the design for New York's Museum of Modern Art sculpture garden, were tapped to design this space as well. It is set with large granite stones inscribed with passages from Tillich's writings (engraved by English letterer Ralph Beyer) and a bronze bust of Tillich by the American abstract sculptor James Rosati. Tillich's ashes were interred here in 1966, a year after New Harmony was designated a National Historic Landmark. Bust of Paul Tillich by American abstract sculptor James Rosati. Courtesy of Historic New Harmony 1979 brought the debut of the Atheneum by Richard Meier & Associates, which contains Historic New Harmony's visitors' center. The porcelain, glass and steel structure was the first major commission for Meier, and earned him a host of awards including the American Institute of Architects National Honor Award for Achievement of Excellence in Architectural Design. Meier's original drawings and architectural model of the building are part of the permanent architecture collection at New York's Museum of Modern Art. License agreement: Alex Morgan Imaging Courtesy of Historic New Harmony Don Gummer's Fountain of Committment sculpture is a focal point of Church Park, constructed in 1996 (fun fact: Gummer is married to Meryl Streep). Fountain of Committment by Don Gummer Courtesy of Historic New Harmony Finally, New Harmony has not one, but two labyrinths. The Cathedral Labyrinth and Sacred Garden is a replica of the 12th century Chartres Cathedral outside of Paris, France. It was designed by local treasure Ken Schuette, a landscape architect and professor emeritus of Purdue University. His architectural work has also included concept planning for renovation of the Pentagon and serving as project architect for the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorial restorations in Washington, D.C. The Cathedral Labyrinth, designed by Ken Schuette, with The Atheneum, by Richard Meier, in the background. Courtesy of Historic New Harmony The Harmonist Labirynth was originally designed by the Rappites, a religious German society, and dates to the early 1800s. When the Rappites left the area, the labirynth was not maintained, and deteriorated over time. An early aughts restoration, based on archival information, returned it to its previous glory, complete with a stone Rappite temple in the center. License agreement: Alex Morgan Imaging The best part is that all of the above can be accessed free of charge. Many are specially lit at night, offering different, often dramatic, almost made-for-instagram views. For more information about New Harmony, and a plethora of resources, go to Visit New Harmony and the Robert Lee Blaffler Foundation.
Daily Telegraph
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Telegraph
Hugh Jackman lists NYC Penthouse amid divorce From Deborra-Lee Furness
In a significant move amid his ongoing divorce, Hugh Jackman has listed his luxurious New York City penthouse for a staggering $60 million (US$38.9 million). This decision comes shortly after he and his former spouse, Deborra-Lee Furness, agreed to divide the proceeds from the property. The couple originally acquired the opulent residence in 2008 for $32 million (US$21million). Over recent years, they opted to lease the penthouse, commanding a rental price of $19,200 (US$125,000) per month. However, following their announcement in September 2023 that their nearly three-decade-long marriage had ended, Furness filed for divorce in May 2025. Legal documents reveal that the divorce terms are uncontested, requiring only judicial approval to be finalised. MORE NEWS Insane amount celebs spend on Aussie homes Where Aus' secret religious clans really hide 'F** it': Jeff Fenech's huge blow up in undies On June 5, it was disclosed that the couple had initiated the division of their shared assets, including the penthouse in Manhattan's Chelsea neighbourhood. While the Chelsea property awaits listing, Jackman and Furness are proceeding with the sale of the five-bedroom, New York City penthouse. This residence spans three floors and offers 11,000 square feet of living space. It features a dramatic double-height great room with expansive windows, a private workout studio, a luxurious sauna, and a library. Designed by the renowned architect Richard Meier, the penthouse is heralded as a 'modernist masterpiece' with breathtaking views of the Hudson River. The couple previously attempted to sell the property in 2022 at the same price but opted to rent it out in 2023 instead. The timing of the listing coincides with reports from Australian publication New Idea, suggesting that Jackman and actor Sutton Foster have moved into one of his New York penthouses. An anonymous source claimed Furness was upset about another woman residing in a home she cherished. Jackman's current residence remains unspecified, but he has been based in Manhattan for the past six months, performing live shows at Radio City Music Hall. Furness has not publicly addressed Jackman's relationship with Foster but expressed feelings of betrayal in a statement to the Daily Mail following her divorce filing. 'My heart and compassion go out to everyone who has traversed the traumatic journey of betrayal. It's a profound wound that cuts deep, however, I believe in a higher power and that God/the universe, whatever you relate to as your guidance, is always working FOR us,' she stated. 'This belief has helped me navigate the breakdown of an almost three-decade marriage. I have gained much knowledge and wisdom through this experience. Even when we are presented with apparent adversity, it is leading us to our greatest good, our true purpose. 'It can hurt, but in the long run, returning to yourself and living within your own integrity, values and boundaries is liberation and freedom.' Beyond their New York properties, Jackman and Furness also own a 2.5-acre estate in East Hampton, NY, purchased for $5.4m (US$3.5 million) in 2015, according to The property, which underwent extensive renovations, features three bedrooms, five bathrooms, a guesthouse, and a stunning swimming pool. The couple own a $12m apartment in Sydney, which they purchased for $5.9 million in 2015.
News.com.au
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Hugh Jackman lists NYC Penthouse amid divorce From Deborra-Lee Furness
In a significant move amid his ongoing divorce, Hugh Jackman has listed his luxurious New York City penthouse for a staggering $60 million (US$38.9 million). This decision comes shortly after he and his former spouse, Deborra-Lee Furness, agreed to divide the proceeds from the property. The couple originally acquired the opulent residence in 2008 for $32 million (US$21million). Over recent years, they opted to lease the penthouse, commanding a rental price of $19,200 (US$125,000) per month. However, following their announcement in September 2023 that their nearly three-decade-long marriage had ended, Furness filed for divorce in May 2025. Legal documents reveal that the divorce terms are uncontested, requiring only judicial approval to be finalised. 'F** it': Jeff Fenech's huge blow up in undies On June 5, it was disclosed that the couple had initiated the division of their shared assets, including the penthouse in Manhattan's Chelsea neighbourhood. While the Chelsea property awaits listing, Jackman and Furness are proceeding with the sale of the five-bedroom, New York City penthouse. This residence spans three floors and offers 11,000 square feet of living space. It features a dramatic double-height great room with expansive windows, a private workout studio, a luxurious sauna, and a library. Designed by the renowned architect Richard Meier, the penthouse is heralded as a 'modernist masterpiece' with breathtaking views of the Hudson River. The couple previously attempted to sell the property in 2022 at the same price but opted to rent it out in 2023 instead. The timing of the listing coincides with reports from Australian publication New Idea, suggesting that Jackman and actor Sutton Foster have moved into one of his New York penthouses. An anonymous source claimed Furness was upset about another woman residing in a home she cherished. Jackman's current residence remains unspecified, but he has been based in Manhattan for the past six months, performing live shows at Radio City Music Hall. Furness has not publicly addressed Jackman's relationship with Foster but expressed feelings of betrayal in a statement to the Daily Mail following her divorce filing. 'My heart and compassion go out to everyone who has traversed the traumatic journey of betrayal. It's a profound wound that cuts deep, however, I believe in a higher power and that God/the universe, whatever you relate to as your guidance, is always working FOR us,' she stated. 'This belief has helped me navigate the breakdown of an almost three-decade marriage. I have gained much knowledge and wisdom through this experience. Even when we are presented with apparent adversity, it is leading us to our greatest good, our true purpose. 'It can hurt, but in the long run, returning to yourself and living within your own integrity, values and boundaries is liberation and freedom.' Beyond their New York properties, Jackman and Furness also own a 2.5-acre estate in East Hampton, NY, purchased for $5.4m (US$3.5 million) in 2015, according to The property, which underwent extensive renovations, features three bedrooms, five bathrooms, a guesthouse, and a stunning swimming pool. The couple own a $12m apartment in Sydney, which they purchased for $5.9 million in 2015.
Daily Mail
11-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness list $60million their 'modernist masterpiece' Manhattan penthouse amid divorce settlement
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness have put their AU$60 million (US$39 million) New York apartment on the market amid their messy divorce. reports that the former couple are offloading the stunning five-bedroom 'triplex' apartment in the West Village that they purchased back in 2008 for AU$32 million (US$21 million). The penthouse boasts an eye-watering 1000 sqm of floor space and spans the top three floors of a glass tower overlooking the Hudson River. The three floors are connected via a spiral staircase and the luxe abode also boasts seven bathrooms. It also features a library, private sauna and an indoor gym, while the kitchen boasts a massive island bench, stainless steel appliances and plenty of cabinet space. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Designed by lauded architect Richard Meier, the property is described as a 'modernist masterpiece'. The main bedroom, meanwhile occupies an entire floor and includes a luxurious spa bath and dressing area. Hugh, 56, and Deborra-Lee, 69, tried to offload the apartment back in 2022, but paused the sale in favour of putting it on the rental market. The listing comes after it was recently revealed that the ex-couple had decided to split their other New York abode down the middle. The former couple filed records with the city regarding their shares of their former love nest, as seen in documents obtained by It marked the first public sign of their asset division, which The Real Deal was the first to report on, and comes just two days after the actress formally filed for divorce. The three-bedroom and 3.5-bathroom penthouse, which the couple purchased together back in 2022 for AU$32.46 million (US$21.12 million), had not been listed for sale but underwent a property transfer. According to the new deed seen by it was confirmed that the pair have ultimately decided to split this property down the middle. The documentation of the property transfer shows the names of the exes' longtime legal advisor as well as their shell companies on either or both sides of the deed. The paperwork reveals that Lackawanna LLC, a limited liability company that the pair previously used to purchase the home, transferred the penthouse to Phoenix Rising I LLC for AU$18 million (US$11.7 million). Phoenix Rising has been linked to Furness and is perhaps a symbolic name for reemerging from the ashes post-divorce. The sale price of the property had been registered at AU$36.27 million (US$23.6) million, so Deborra-Lee seemingly had the property transferred to her via the shell company for just under half of that sum. The deed also shows that the transaction was made between 'relatives or former relatives.' Their multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio includes properties spanning across three continents. They own several luxury properties across the United States, England and Australia. Hugh and Deborra-Lee, who had been married since 1996, announced their separation back in 2023 after 27 years of marriage. At the time, they cited a desire to pursue 'individual growth.' Though the pair have not publicly revealed the reasons behind their separation, rumors have run rampant as fans speculate Jackman growing close to his fellow Broadway co-star Sutton Foster in The Music Man play was a factor in their split. Last month, Deborra-Lee, alluded to Hugh's alleged affair with his now-girlfriend as she broke her silence about his 'betrayal' since legally filing for divorce. 'My heart and compassion goes out to everyone who has traversed the traumatic journey of betrayal,' she wrote in a statement shared exclusively with 'It's a profound wound that cuts deep, however I believe in a higher power and that God/the universe, whatever you relate to as your guidance, is always working FOR us.' She continued: 'This belief has helped me navigate the breakdown of an almost three-decade marriage.'
Tatler Asia
28-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Tatler Asia
Discover how Johor architect Razin Mahmood is redefining Malaysian architecture with tropical modernism
Above The contemporary facade of Denai House uses modern materials and techniques while respecting the cultural context of Johor's residential architecture. Above The timber screening system at Denai House exemplifies Razin's passive cooling strategies, providing solar protection while maintaining natural airflow—a contemporary interpretation of traditional tropical design principles. Who and what inspires your architectural approach? In my early years, I was deeply inspired by Richard Meier. His disciplined use of a monochromatic palette, simple geometries, and precise detailing appealed to my sense of order and clarity. But as I matured in my practice, I realised that architecture isn't just about aesthetics—it has to respond to its environment. Meier's glass-heavy approach, for instance, wasn't always suitable for the tropical climate. That's when I started looking closer to home. I became drawn to architects who embrace local materials, local craftsmanship, and cultural identity in their designs—Geoffrey Bawa, Kerry Hill, RT+Q, and SCDA, to name a few. Their work resonated with me because it wasn't just about form; it was about creating spaces that belong to their place. I began focusing on designing with the climate in mind, using passive design principles, and working with the natural elements instead of against them. Don't miss: Luxury car brands transforming skylines: How Porsche, Bentley and Bugatti are redefining ultra-luxury living Photo 1 of 2 The open-plan living space at Denai House embodies Razin Mahmood's approach to tropical modernism, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor areas while incorporating natural ventilation and cultural considerations Photo 2 of 2 True to Razin's philosophy of biophilic design, Denai House incorporates living trees within the building structure, creating natural cooling and ventilation while bringing nature into the heart of the home. Your practice emphasises local architectural identity and sustainability—how do these principles manifest in your recent projects, particularly in the context of Johor's rapid development? There was a turning point in my practice when I realised that architecture should always be truthful to its time and place. In the early years, clients often came in with design magazines, bookmarking pages of European or American-style homes, asking us to replicate those aesthetics in Malaysia. At first, we obliged, but over time, something shifted as we built and published more projects rooted in tropical design principles. Clients began seeking us specifically for homes that embraced open-plan living, natural ventilation, and passive cooling techniques. Expatriates, in particular, were drawn to the idea of experiencing the tropical climate fully—something they couldn't do in their colder home countries. When you design for the local climate, sustainability follows naturally. Orienting a house properly, designing for shade, and maximising cross-ventilation aren't just eco-friendly strategies—they make the home more comfortable and livable. Now, we're seeing a resurgence of traditional tropical design elements, even in housing developments. Take airwells, for example—once a common feature in traditional shophouses, they are now being reintroduced as 'courtyards' in modern terrace house designs. It's encouraging to see both individual homeowners and developers recognising the value of these timeless design solutions. Read more: Bill Bensley: Eco-luxury hotels' design rebel Above Masjid Daing Abdul Rahman in Johor is a modernist masterpiece Malaysian architecture often balances tradition with modernity—how do you interpret this in your projects? I see tradition and modernity not as opposing forces, but as two sides of the same coin. Architecture should respect the past while embracing the present, and in my work, I try to weave both together seamlessly. For instance, I incorporate traditional elements like natural ventilation and deep overhangs but reinterpret them using modern techniques and materials to suit contemporary lifestyles. Culture plays a huge role in how we experience spaces. Take something as simple as the way Malaysians remove their shoes before entering a home. This small ritual can easily become an afterthought in modern housing design, leading to messy piles of shoes at the doorstep. In one of our projects at Senibung Cove, we addressed this by designing an entryway at the same level as the car porch. This allowed for a more seamless transition—residents could step inside with their shoes on, sit down on a bench, remove them comfortably, and store them neatly in a designated cabinet. It's a small detail, but one that makes a meaningful difference in daily life. Similarly, cultural traditions around food influence kitchen design. In Malaysian households, cooking is often a multi-generational affair, with strong, aromatic spices and wok-frying being part of the process. This impacts everything from ventilation requirements to the layout of the kitchen itself. These are the nuances that I love to explore—because at the end of the day, it's the little things that shape how we experience space. See also: Not A Hotel Toji reimagines luxury mountain living in Minakami, Japan Above The intricate brickwork and geometric screening of Masjid Daing Abdul Rahman demonstrate how traditional Islamic symbolism can be expressed through modern construction techniques What unique characteristics of Johor's landscape and climate inform your designs? Johor's tropical climate, with its high humidity, heavy rainfall, and intense sun, is something I constantly factor into my designs. You can't fight the climate—you have to work with it. That's why I always prioritise passive cooling techniques, deep overhangs, and natural cross-ventilation to mitigate heat buildup. Landscaping plays a crucial role, too. Whether it's a home, an office, or a public space, I always try to integrate greenery in a meaningful way. Large trees provide much-needed shade, especially on the west-facing facades, helping to reduce heat gain. But it's not just about placing trees around the building—sometimes, the best place for them is inside. I love incorporating courtyards with trees growing within the building itself. It's biophilic design at its core, where nature isn't just an external element but an integral part of the space. A tree in an interior courtyard doesn't just provide shade—it actively cools the air, improves ventilation, and enhances well-being. There's something deeply calming about sitting near a living, breathing tree in the heart of a building. Don't miss: Biophilic luxury: 7 stunning nature-integrated resorts Above The interior of Masjid Daing Abdul Rahman is a contemporary reinterpretation of Islamic architectural elements, while incorporating passive cooling strategies to reduce reliance on air conditioning. How has your international experience influenced your local practice? Working in Texas for a year in the late '80s was an eye-opener. The firm I worked for specialised in religious buildings, and I saw firsthand how they were commissioned for projects all across the country. More than just architecture, I learned about the business side of running a practice—how to build a solid reputation, the importance of marketing, and how consistency in quality earns trust. Travel, too, has been an invaluable part of my education. For me, traveling isn't just about sightseeing—it's research. Every new place offers lessons, whether in urban planning, materials, construction methods, or how people interact with their built environment. I've been inspired by Japan's meticulous attention to detail, Europe's respect for heritage, and the innovative sustainability solutions I've seen in places like Scandinavia. But at the end of the day, I always return to one fundamental truth: architecture has to be rooted in its own place. No matter how many global best practices I absorb, my work has to remain true to Malaysia's culture, climate, and people. Read more: How The Campus Ampang is revolutionising Malaysia's retail landscape through adaptive reuse Above A multipavilion house in Ledang Heights with expansive outdoor areas which seamlessly connect to the indoor areas Could you walk us through your most challenging project and how it shaped your approach? Masjid Daing Abdul Rahman was one of the most challenging projects I've ever worked on, and also one of the most rewarding. Designing a mosque is more than just creating a place of worship—it's about embodying faith, culture, and community in a single space. There was a delicate balance to strike: respecting Islamic architectural traditions while ensuring the design felt progressive, inviting, and environmentally responsible. One of the biggest challenges was reinterpreting traditional mosque elements in a way that felt contemporary yet meaningful. The client wanted a space that carried the essence of Islamic symbolism without feeling overly ornamental. At the same time, I was determined to integrate passive cooling strategies to reduce reliance on air conditioning. This project reinforced a few key lessons for me: the importance of clear communication, the value of collaboration, and the necessity of creative problem-solving. It also reaffirmed my belief that the best designs don't just meet functional needs—they carry deeper meaning and leave a lasting impact on the people who use them. See also: Embracing warm minimalism: Beyond austerity in interior design Above Jacaranda is a modernist villa with generous overhangings and natural materials embedded into the design How do you collaborate with clients to meet their lifestyle needs while maintaining architectural integrity? It all starts with listening. Every client comes with a unique set of needs, aspirations, and daily habits, and my job is to translate that into a well-designed space. The first stage of any project is almost like an interrogation—I ask a lot of questions, trying to uncover not just what they want, but why they want it. Then comes empathy—understanding the way they live, work, and interact with their space. Once I have that deep understanding, I start looking for creative solutions. Sometimes, clients have strong ideas that might not be the best for the long-term, so part of my role is to guide them towards designs that are not only beautiful but also functional, sustainable, and timeless. It's a conversation—a back-and-forth process of refining and improving. At the end of the day, the best projects come from true collaboration, where both the client and architect bring something valuable to the table. Don't miss: Y2K aesthetic revival: Decoding the millennium design trend making a comeback Above The resort-style Baan Tara features generous overhangs and water features Which sustainable design innovations are you most excited to implement in upcoming projects? I'm really excited about pushing the boundaries of low-tech, passive design strategies. High-tech sustainability solutions have their place, but sometimes, the simplest approaches are the most effective. I'm currently working on projects where we're using advanced natural cooling techniques, such as carefully placed air vents, shaded courtyards, and thermal massing to reduce heat absorption. I'm also keen on integrating rainwater harvesting and edible landscaping into more urban projects. Imagine a city where homes and offices don't just consume resources but also give back—where buildings collect rainwater, where green roofs reduce heat, and where urban gardens provide fresh produce. I'm actually implementing some of these ideas in institutional buildings right now, with plans to obtain official green ratings for them. Sustainability shouldn't just be an add-on—it should be embedded in the DNA of every design. Read more: 9 greenest skyscrapers in Asia Above Double-height spaces are impressive while delivering practical benefits of enhanced light, air circulation, and spatial flows How do you envision the future of architecture in Malaysia's rapidly developing urban landscape? I see a future where architecture serves as a bridge between modernity and heritage. Malaysia is growing fast, and while progress is exciting, we need to ensure that development remains thoughtful and people-centric. The danger is in chasing trends without considering long-term impact. Technology will play a huge role in shaping our cities—smart buildings, energy-efficient materials, and AI-driven design processes will change how we work. But at the same time, we have a responsibility to protect our cultural and environmental heritage. I believe the cities of the future should be more than just high-rises and glass towers—they should have identity, character, and a strong connection to nature. The best architecture is not just about creating buildings; it's about shaping how people experience their environment. If we get it right, Malaysia's urban future can be one that is innovative yet deeply rooted in its traditions, a place where modern design and cultural heritage coexist in harmony. NOW READ Home tour: A Malaysian home that masters traditional-modern fusion 7 iconic cantilever chairs that shaped modern furniture Luxury car brands transforming skylines: How Porsche, Bentley and Bugatti are redefining ultra-luxury living Credits
