What happens when the notion of Equatorial is enmeshed with the notion of Synaesthesia? Think Equatorial, and the image of rain, sun, and wind will emerge! Think Synaesthesia, a phenomenon that causes sensory crossovers, such as tasting colours or feeling sounds! Together, they created a concoction of sensorial awakening through colours, objects, hapticity, and creative ideas.
The exhibition “Equatorial Synaesthesia” was the driving force behind the opening of Indonesian Architects Week 2024. A vast crowd anticipated the opening on November 14th, 2024. Adjunct Professor Ar Adrianta Aziz graced the opening, alongside the curators Rizki Suprahman and Tiranzani Sulshi. This event is in conjunction with UIA 2024KL, organised by Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM).
Indonesian Architects Week is a collateral event of the triennial congress of the International Union of Architects (UIA). This is the fourth instalment of the IAW, with its first inaugural event in Tokyo in 2011 initiated by LABO, a Bandungbased architecture firm. Subsequent exhibitions were held in Seoul in 2017 and Rio de Janeiro in 2021. It is supported by the Indonesian Institute of Architects, the Malaysian Institute of Architects, the International Union of Architects, and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuala Lumpur.
The exhibition, hosted at the Godown Arts Centre in Kuala Lumpur from November 14th to 23rd, 2024, featured 70 firms from 11 provinces in Indonesia. Curated by Rizki Suprahman and Trianzani Sulshi, IAWKL2024 carries the theme Equatorial Synaesthesia: An Exploration of Sensory Harmony and Spatial Perception, Revisiting the Tenets of Critical Regionalism. This year, the creative cooperation from Nusae and NOUV enhances the exhibition experience, creating a relevant dialogue and architecture presentation on an international scale.
As a plafform to introduce Indonesian architects on the international stage, the 70 displayed models displayed their critical responses to tropical nature and local culture. They highlighted approaches of Indonesian architecture towards its tropical responses to extreme heat, humidity, and rainfall, balancing human needs with environmental considerations.
“Indonesia Architects Week 2024 in Kuala Lumpur brings a unique perspective on Indonesian architecture, closely afluned to the rhythm of nature and local culture. It’s not just about buildings but how architectural design can shape our sensory interaction with space,” said Tiranzani Sulshi, the co-curator of IAWKL2024.
The models that travelled to Kuala Lumpur are smartly packed cases that juxtaposed colours and brought an energetic spirit to the muted surfaces of Godown Arts Centre. Each architectural work tells a compelling story through the models, responding to the cultural and environmental nuances that shape Indonesia’s diverse landscapes. From urban centres to rural heartlands, this curated collection celebrates how design captures the essence of place and memory, transforming spaces into immersive experiences.
IAWKL2024 is proudly sponsored by TEKA as the main sponsor and The Godown as our venue partner, with additional support from Hobby Motor, Sandei, Intereka, Suzuka Paint, Artemi, and BAGASI.
