PENANG, 18 November 2017 – A design concept made by students from the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Housing, Building and Planning (HBP) won the hearts of the judges to win the Gold medal at the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) Annual Architectural Student Works Exhibition 2017 (PAASWE 17) held from 11 - 15 October 2017 at Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Comprising of third-year undergraduate students, the concept made for the USM booth was named NOMAD (Nomadic Architecture), in relation to the theme of the competition, which was STRUCTURA or ‘on structures’.

One of the students, Muhd Azriwan Ramli said, he prayed for the team and felt proud of the achievement, resulting from the good cooperation among the team members. His team mates were Kelvin Ah Kian, Chong Chin Xin, Mu'az Said, Adly Shahir, Farah Adrina Khaizrul, Shahiran 'Amru, Anis Yaziq and Aziman Raziq.

"We dedicate this success to our parents, lecturers and friends who have contributed to this memorable moment in clinching the Gold medal for the HBP school and the university," he further said.

The HBP Dean, Professor Dr. Aldrin Abdullah and the lecturers, Dr. Nooriati Taib and Dr. Muhd Azhar Ghazali among others, provided the guidance which led to the success of the students.

The concept presented reflected the life of the Nomads, people who live by moving from one place to another. It presented the way of life within the contemporary society, with art being an essential factor.

The design focused on lightness, portability and the usage of sustainable materials, all combined to become functional and aesthetically-pleasing structures.

PAASWE is an annual exhibition by architecture students in Malaysia started by PAM in 2006.

The exhibition aims to showcase the very best of architectural student works from all Malaysian public and private architecture schools.

Text: Hafiz Meah Ghouse Meah