INSIGNIA concept

ISSUE 07-20 CONTENTS

4 Editor’s Note 5 The New Normal 9 Behind The Scene 11 Project Coverage 13 Merdeka 16 Architecture 21 Prtizker 2020 25 Insights 28 Get Connected cted Editor’s Note

elcome back to another issue of our quarterly newsletter. We hope everyone is doing well and getting back on track as we embark on readjusting to the new normal. The COVID-19 pandemic and unparalleled protective measures taken Wby governments to stem its spread have severely impacted economic and social activities. With countries at different stages in the fight against the coronavirus and having taken slightly different approaches to combat the outbreak, the path to recovery will inevitably differ. That being said, readjusting and adapting to the new normal are opportunities to grow and get back on track to reboot the economy and our social life. We have to be diligent and become more resilient in order to keep up. In this third issue of 2020, we will be covering articles about the post-COVID-19 and tonnes of interior and architecture news. And in anticipation of the approaching National Day, we will enfold some of our historic moments and iconic national architectures. We hope you have a pleasant read and see you on the next issue!

Stay Safe Always, Insignia Group The New Normal

“Basically, our lives may not be the same anymore for the next few months or years. We will be living according to the ‘new normal’’ -

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin

As we approach the lift and re-opening of , there’s so much more to adapt and practice the new normal. Lockdowns, quarantines, and extreme forms of physical distancing work.The government has indicated that until a vaccine is available, which could take up to two years, Covid-19 will be part of the community, and Malaysians will need to live by a different set of rules.

It’s time for us to accept that this pandemic, and social isolation, are here for a while. But in addition to that, our reality has changed, possibly for good. We’re in a new normal. As aggravating as it is, the world’s economy is undergoing a transformation, and the population must find ways to adapt and adhere to the new normal. New skills and expertise will be required with new ways of doing business. The new norm will come with a greater understanding that this war is far from over. Our very own Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has already called for us to adapt in the long run.

Pictures on left page ; social distancing stickers placed in elevators. Pictures on right page ; restaurants and food courts seating arrangements as per sop, thermal heat temperature checks at airports Pistures on next page ; mandatory requirements to enter the mall is to wear face mask and take temperature checks, Barber shops and hairdressing salons as well as beauty salons have been allowed to operate since June 10 during the RMCO period. Social distancing has been a key component when it comes to containing the virus. Practicing social distancing is still highly encouraged, which means that you probably shouldn’t be going out of the house if you don’t need to. Wearing face masks is now part of the new norm as Mandatory temperature checks and this will help to prevent the spread of entrance check-in is compulsory. the infection. We must also remember Commercial places (shopping malls, to sanitize our hands regularly while restaurants) have come up with practicing good personal hygiene. innovative solutions such as physical Changes to our lifestyle and daily rearrangements to comply with these routines will by far be the biggest SOP. changes. Common social practices like handshakes and hugs are no Other aspects of the new normal are how longer advisable at the moment. we work and learn. Working from home (WFH) and online class is the new culture in Malaysia, there is no longer a need for frequent face-to-face meetings or classes. A more contemporary and advanced method of virtual interaction platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, Google Hangout, Microsoft Teams, Telegram, and Whatsapp are commonly used. Some would regard Covid-19 and the year 2020 as a catastrophic year. But on the bright side, we can take this crisis as a chance for us to change for good. The knowledge from reading, the culinary skills we experiment, the quality time we spent with our loved ones, and as well as learning to be resilient amid the pandemic situation has certainly made us the better selves we can be.

Nevertheless, we are grateful and thankful for the immense efforts, sacrifices, dedication, and commitment devoted by the heroes of the nation. Our front liners either from health care or civil services, their service in dealing with Covid-19. Our essential workers putting their health at risk every day in order to ensure the rest of us can remain safe and healthy.

Big kudos and salute to all! Behind The Scene

We are stoked to be back to the office and start all on hold projects! And one we are commencing this month is in !

A project collaboration with Platinum Victory Development Sdn Bhd for PV 18 Residence in Setapak. We are responsible for the interior works for the common area such as the Lift Lobby , mini library, multi purpose hall and the gym room.

This sold out residential development has the longest swimming pool we have ever seen! Stay tune to our next issue to follow up with the end result of this project!

PROJECT You can’t miss to ignore the sweet aroma if COVERAGE you walk pass this store - literally impossible! Currently in progress, this PappaRoti franchise will be located in Centaurus Islamabad Outlet in Pakistan. Our design team incorporated the Middle East touch to the concept to blend in with the whole ambience. Enjoying that fresh baked bun and coffee can never be better! As part of our design approach, we listen carefully to our client, and establish the design palette in accordance to their CI Guidelines. The design has given fresh answers to a pigeonholed cafe fit-out and turned it into a visually stunning, highly functional and needs-suited representation of the new hybrid of bakery and cafeteria.

Working closely with the Master Franchise Design Guideline, we tweaked and input more design elements & materials. As we believe, with an inviting design, you can transform drinking a simple cup of coffee into a wonderful unique user experience. MERDEKA Celebrating 63 years of diversity and unity

“MERDEKA! MERDEKA! MERDEKA!”

An image so vivid and so dear to the hearts of most Malaysians.

These shouts marked the freedom of our people, it marks the day Malaysia achieved its independence and would from there grow to be the beautiful country that it is now.

Let’s take a walk back and rekindle the moments in history On 31 August 1957, at Stadium Merdeka, Malaya’s independence from the British Empire was officially declared. The Federation of Malaya is granted independence from Britain after close to 50 years of colonial rule. The independence declaration was read by the first Chief Minister of Malaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman in the presence of thousands of people including Malay Rulers, members of the federal government, and foreign dignitaries.

Tunku then proceeded to read the Proclamation of Independence, which culminated in the chanting of "Merdeka!" seven times with the crowd joining in. The ceremony continued with the raising of the National Flag of Malaya accompanied by the national anthem being played by a military band and a 21-gun salute, followed by an azan call and a thanksgiving prayer in honor of this great occasion. We Are All Malaysians Regardless Of Our Creed, Colour & Culture.

s we celebrate Merdeka this year, it would be good to ponder over what we went through in the last 63 years, our achievements and failures, where Awe are positioned now and where we are heading as a nation-state.

Observing our independence is not about flying the national flag or donning traditional clothes. It is respecting the freedom of individuals and the freedom of others. Primarily in a multicultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious Malaysia that requires tolerance and mutual respect.

Malaysia has always been a melting pot of racial and ethnic diversity – various communities comprising Malays, Chinese, Indians, Ibans, Kadazans, Dayaks, Dusuns, and many others live and work together as one Malaysia.

We can achieve national unity through loving and understand our fellow Malaysians from other races and religious beliefs. Learning to respect our different cultures and beliefs in society. When this is practice, we inevitably learn to accept our rich diversity and live harmoniously.

May our beloved nation develop and prosper from strength to strength towards building a better and brighter future. ARCHITECTURE

Malaysia’s Iconic Architecture

What comes to your mind when you think about the most iconic architecture in the world? Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal, The Giza Pyramids ; pretty much everyone would think of these monuments. What about Malaysia? Although Malaysia is positioned in-between other touristy countries like Singapore, and , this country is much more diversified, serene and lushes, with its own enthralling sites to offer.

Not only their pretty sights these architectures have got to offer, they also decorate the skyline and postcards of Malaysia. They their own slice of history in which are embodied in their construction. Here’s a little list of these iconic Malaysia architectures. Petronas Twin Tower

The sky is the limit for this one. The most recognizable symbolic landmark of Malaysia, the Petronas Twin Towers stands as the beacon of modern urbanization of Kuala Lumpur. The 88-storey twin toppers hold the title for 12th tallest skyscrapers in the world. The twin-scrapers are connected by the legendary sky bridge that acts as a support system, which keeps the twins from swaying side to side during ghastly winds.

Dataran Merdeka

Dataran Merdeka is undoubtedly KL’s best-known landmark. A relic from the 20th century British-run colonial era of Malaysia, this government offices-turned Ministry of Information, Communications, and Culture overlooks the very field where Malaysia declared independence as a country in 1957. Combining influences from dominant British colonial planning and Islamic influence, this building boasts the unique statement of neo-Mughal architecture. ,

Lord Murugan Statue Batu Caves is one of Kuala Lumpur’s most frequented tourist attractions, is a limestone hill comprising three major caves and a number of smaller ones. The statue outside the caves is the tallest statue of Lord Murugan (a Hindu god) in the world, at 140 feet. Incorporated with interior limestone formations said to be around 400 million years old, the temple is considered an important religious landmark by .

Istana Budaya

Designed by local architect, Muhammad Kamar Ya’akub, Istana Budaya is Malaysia’s National Theatre - also known as The Palace of Culture. The striking turquoise-blue tiled roof – the ‘folds’ remind one of a giant origami piece. This building has a very unique design where there are many elements that reflect the Malay culture of the country. Its main motif is the design of sirih junjung which is a common event used in Malay marriages. The Telekom Tower

The Telekom Tower is one of the most unusual and beautiful skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur; It’s the iconic helipad structure attached to a triangular tower that makes the two having the great resemblance of Stark Tower in the movie Avengers. Located in Bangsar, Telekom Tower stands at 310 meters high with 55 floors. Designed to look like a sprouting bamboo shoot, the tower curves up to the sky giving the impression of a plant reaching for the light. This is another Kuala Lumpur’s distinctive architectural gems with a commanding presence on the capital’s skyline.

Saloma Link

Named after the wife of Malaysia’s legendary actor, P. Ramlee, The Saloma Link will offer a connection between Kampung Baru, KL’s very own traditional Malay village, and Jalan Ampang, the bustling area near KLCC. The bridge's architecture is inspired by the sireh junjung (betel nut leaf arrangement) concept, which is an integral part of a Malay wedding. Located right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the Saloma Link is also aimed at making the city more walkable.

PRITZKER

Noble of Architecture

nnually, Pritzker Prize, in full Pritzker Architecture Prize will take place and honor living architects whose built work Ademonstrates a mix of qualities of talent, vision, and commitment. And not forgetting works that produced are consistent and significantly contribute to humanity and built the environment through the art of architecture.

Since 1979, this prestigious international award was established by the Pritzker family of Chicago through their Hyatt Foundation. The main mission of this prize is to push architecture and architects into the public’s awareness and imprint real influence on to people’s lives.

The ceremony presentation will be held around the world each year, paying homage to the architecture of other eras or works by previous winners . Each year, the winner will be awarded USD $100,000 and a bronze medallion. PRITZKER PRIZE 2020 : Irish duo's win marks rare victory for women in the 'Nobel of Architecture'

This year, The Pritzker 2020 Laureates are Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara of Dublin, Ireland. The duo co founded Grafton Architects also received the Royal Gold Medal from RIBA earlier this year making them the first women company recognized for this award.

Well known for their robust creations in and stone, Farrell and McNamara have been prolific in their native Ireland, also working across Europe and elsewhere. Grafton Architects successfully produced numerous projects for residential, commercial, and civic buildings. In 2008, they won the World "Architecture could be Building of the Year award for the Universita Luigi Bocconi in Milan and the RIBA described as one of the International Prize for its University Campus most complex and UTEC Lima building in Peru. important cultural activities on the planet " - Yvonne Farrell An interior view of a building designed for Kingston University in London, UK

Farrell and McNamara were awarded the prize "for their integrity in their approach to both their buildings, as well as the way they conduct their practice," said the Pritzker Architecture Prize jury. They also described the pair as the "pioneers in a field that has traditionally been and still is a male-dominated profession" and "beacons to others as they forge their exemplary professional path’. UNIVERSITÀ LUIGI BOCCONI Milano, Italy

The university is designed as a ‘place of exchange’ as it fronts onto the artery of Viale Bligny - heavy traffic streets of trams, the rush of buses, and passersby. It addresses the throbbing urban life of Milan, weaves into the mesh of the city. In order to make a grand space, Grafton Architects thought about the research offices as beams of space suspended to form a grand canopy, which filters light to all levels. The offices form an inhabited roofscape and the underground world is solid, dense, and carved. INSIGHTS

COVID-19 & Architecture : Change in Design Paradigm

The way we design, build and inhabit may never be the same.

Undoubtedly, the coronavirus pandemic has gravely affected our lifestyles in may ways ; how and where we live, work and play have been stripped down to the core. And that being said, being in our own space made us realize the importance of design and space planning due to ample of time we spent at home. These have clearly underscored the importance of holistic approaches to good design, where architecture, ergonomics, and performance strategies should collectively be (or have been in recent years) carefully implemented to promote good health and well-being.

Although we cannot foresee what’s coming, we are ought to create logical analogies that are based on the current crisis and our first responses. The time for designers and architects to start to take considerations of the post-pandemic design features and aspects. Rethinking the concept of home :

As we embark on the recovery phase of the pandemic , we will have to focus again on our intimate spaces. New configurations and new plans are starting to emerge and the quality and comfort of our homes will become at the top of the list. Consider green areas and gardens, exploitable rooftops, natural light, and ventilation, balconies, and terraces, minimal and wholesome indoor environments, transitional and filtered entrances. New parameters :

Focusing on a health-oriented approach and setting new standards, design, and material are rethought to generate new forms of living. While notions of modular design, prefabricated elements, flexible partitions, and lightweight structures will keep on growing, architects will start planning new configurations with social distancing measures in mind. Surfaces will be covered with materials that prevent the proliferation of diseases and the design will be oriented towards eliminating risks of transmission.

Density :

The pandemic taught us that sharing can also be possible under strict social distancing. As these new norms keep on evolving every day, public spaces are set to become more flexible in terms of physical engagement. Design is already dispersing people in wider spaces and generating different and parallel flow.