USM PENANG, 7 July 2022 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Housing, Building and Planning (HBP) Architecture students swept 2,000 USD in cash prizes, as top prize winners at the 4th ‘Architalent Future City Competition’ for Architecture Students.

Organised by Archidex, Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) and C.I.S. Network Sdn. Bhd., this prestigious competition accumulates a total prize reward of 2,700 USD.

Mohd Pirdaus Beddu won the hearts of the jury and took home the grand prize of 1,000 USD, a medal and certificate.

The champion with the concept of a ‘Loop Linear Autogenic City’ is an inspiration from self-sustainable floating city. The design highlights a future city that generates its own power by manipulating the abundant natural resources and converts them into clean energy. The city will be ‘magnified’ by multi-elevated electrical transport station with hyperloop train station that moves throughout the city, hence reducing carbon footprint and increasing air quality. Pirdaus is mentored by Dr. Nooriati Taib. [The winning entry can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/swqVVdOZdlE].

Ooi Ee Ling, the first runner up, brought home 800 USD with the entry, ‘Aquascraper’.

The Aquascraper is a vertical floating city that functions independently offshore. The exploration of ocean architecture creates vast and tremendous spaces to solve the scarcity of land in every city. The decentralised city centre concept aims to maintain the land prices, reduce commuting time as well as making the city a walkable community. Ooi is coached by Professor Dr. Ahmad Sanusi Hassan.

Muhammad Nadhir Bashyar, supervised by Dato’ Ar. Zulkarnain Hj. Harun secured the best presenter award, with 200 USD cash prize and certificate.

The competition has attracted more than 50 entries from local and international institutions.

Four teams from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) made it to the final top 10. Presentation by finalists to jury was held at the Plenary Theatre, KL Convention Centre together with the Awards Presentation Ceremony on 2 July 2022.

The objectives of the ‘Architalent’ competition are to discover the potentials of students in imagining the future cities and the way of delivering ideas.

Architecture studies at USM with its motto, ‘Integrated Design Environmental Architecture’ or ‘IDEA’ is aimed at nurturing young architects who are ‘actors’ in the built environment, to design and be sensitive towards environmental issues.

A special acknowledgement is given to the USM School of Housing, Building and Planning (HBP) Dean, Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Rodzi Ismail and the entire faculty and staff members for the continued support to the students to participate in competitions.

True talents were unleashed, and hard work is paid off.

Congratulations to the winners and the respective lecturers.

Text: School of Housing, Building and Planning (HBP), USM/Editing: Tan Ewe Hoe