IN OCTOBER, the Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) Northern Chapter convened the World Architecture Day Symposium 2025 at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre. Nearly 200 local and international participants from the professional, academic and public sectors gathered to address the theme “Design for Strength”, going beyond architectural and structural integrity alone. As the organising chairman, Francis Tang Kim Sheng, emphasised: “Strength should not be measured merely by the durability of its materials or the construction of its form. We, as architects, are entrusted with the responsibility to design with empathy, foresight and integrity, creating environments that protect, empower and sustain.” But how can architectural creativity and design sensitivity constructively address the evolving, multifaceted and interconnected pursuit towards realising social, cultural and ecological resilience?
DESIGNING FOR FOOD SECURITY, CULTURAL CONTINUITY AND COMMUNITY WELLBEING
Qhawarizmi Norhisham of Cyberjaya-based Qha-warizmi Architect shared two of his team’s endeavours to advance unconventional architectural solutions and viable alternatives towards resilience. Ladang Langit redefines urban agro-food production and supply through an integrated, self-sustaining ecosystem to address food security in cities. The project integrates technology-enabled cultivation, rapid distribution and public education into a cohesive food infrastructure framework, efficiently reducing food miles and logistical carbon emissions while maintaining harvest freshness.
