Architects urged to create more affordable housing
Published on: Tuesday, July 16, 2019
By: Neil Chan
KOTA KINABALU: Local architects are urged to work with the Government to help develop the State, especially in creating more comfortable and affordable housing for the people.
Deputy Chief Minister cum Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Jaujan Sambakong said local architects and associations such as PAM Sabah have an important role to be with the Government to develop the State.
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“Thus, it is my hope that there will be more focus on our local architect skills (in local development projects),” he said, adding local architects’ building designs can also help attract investors to the State.
“This is because Sabahans already have the capability in various fields, including architecture. In my speech, I touched on the need for affordable housing that is spacious and comfortable. Of course, when you ask for cheaper cost accommodations nowadays, in order to reduce the cost, the rooms and spaces are small.
“Nevertheless, I am confident that with their existing skills, local architects can design a home that is both small but also comfortable for the home owners.”
He said this when met after officiating the 44th Malaysia Institute of Architects (PAM) Sabah Chapter Annual Dinner, here, Saturday.
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Jaujan said he was confident of the role of local architects because they understand the needs of the local people.
“If we employ architects from overseas, then maybe they will only think about their way of doing things, which may be more suitable for their country as they don’t really understand the local needs.
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“Thus, we need more local architects (on local affordable housing projects), particularly under this new State Government, as the needs for affordable homes are still high.
Jaujan said much of the existing development in the State is towards commercial buildings until there is a glut and these properties remain unsold in the market when what is actually needed are more homes.
“We know there is a need to be profitable but there needs to be a social responsivity (by all relevant parties), including the associations, to assist the State in facing issues that affect the people.”
Earlier in his speech, Jaujan talked on the need for sustainable development and waste reduction in development in the face of limited natural resources nowadays.
Architects need to equip themselves with the latest construction and development technology knowledge and utilise it.
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“Construction methods such as IBS, if utilised well, can provide a cost-effective building with consistent and good construction quality,” he said, noting that he was made to understand in 2015, a 57-storey (Mini Sky City) building in China had been constructed in only 19 working days.
“If we can have such abilities in our country, then the country’s development can be stimulated and increased greatly.”