Assimilation of MIB into Brunei architecture
| Azlan Othman |
AN INAUGURAL Brunei architecture seminar and its relation to the national philosophy, Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) will be held on February 13 and 14 at the Centrepoint Hotel, Gadong.
The seminar is to enhance awareness amongst architects and practitioners on the importance to uphold the MIB identity in their architectural approach and production in the Sultanate.
YB Hj Zulkipli (left) and Dr Hj Muhd Hadi at the press briefing. – AZLAN OTHMAN
With the paper presentations from different perspectives and discussions, it would give positive impact and inspiration to the participants and to enhance their confidence to implement resolutions towards the end of the seminar.
This was stated by the President for the Association of Surveyors, Engineers and Architects (PUJA), YB Hj Zulkipli bin Hj Abdul Hamid, who is also the co-chair of the Brunei architecture and its relation to MIB seminar at the press briefing for the upcoming seminar on Brunei architecture and its relation to the national philosophy, Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB).
The seminar is also to enhance awareness and determination to produce a design which truly depicts the Bruneian identity and to instill this awareness amongst local architects when designing a building.
Dr Hj Muhammad Hadi bin Muhammad Melayong, Secretary/Head of Secretariat of the MIB Executive Council and co-chair of the seminar reiterated His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei’s titah on May 9, 2012, during the meeting with national committee of the monarch birthday celebration, which among others highlighted that ‘We should not neglect MIB in modernisation process. We could design a building with other designs. But we want a conspicuous Bruneian design to give a true meaning that we have our own identity’.
There will be a premier paper presentation. Three foreign and seven local experts will also deliver their papers.
The foreign experts are Prof Datuk Dr Zainal Kling who will touch on ‘Rumah Melaka dan Perumahan Melayu Malaysia: Suatu Penilaian Budaya’ or Malacca Housing and Malaysia Malay Housing; A Cultural Assessment; Prof Madya Dr Raja Nafida Raja Shahminan who will talk on Malay architecture and Dr Imam Achmat Salie, Programme Director Islamic Studies, University of Detroit Mercy will touch on Contemporary Islamic Architecture; symbolism, ecology, meaning making, function and non threatening nature of art, architecture and the elements of nature.
The local experts will talk about topics on Towards Efficient MIB Architecture for Brunei Darussalam; Culture in Malay Architecture, Culture and Strengthening MIB identity through Architecture: An in-depth epistemology.
The seminar is crucial to widen and get in depth knowledge on the implementation of MIB especially in architecture. With such awareness amongst architects and professionals, this would give way to move forward in ensuring that the architectural profession contribution depicts the assimilation of MIB with Bruneian identity.
Some 100 participants will take part in the seminar comprising architects, engineers and surveyors and other design and building practitioners from the government and the private sectors. Students taking design and building courses are also invited to attend. No entrance fee will be charged for participants.
PUJA has contacted its members and for those who have not received the invitation are asked to contact PUJA office at 2nd floor, Spg 32-66, Kg Anggerek Desa or to contact 2384021.
Entries are on a first come, first serve basis and those wishing to participate can contact the Secretariat of the MIB Executive Council at 2460598.
