R+Sessions

In Episode #15 of R+Sessions, we sat down with our local movers and future leaders about Malaysia's tomorrow. We are joined by Alethea Wong (Policy Researcher, Parliament of Malaysia), Benedict Sun (Founder of YPolitics, Political Science Student), and Gwendolyn Chan (Junior Architect, Draf Magazine), a diverse panel that touched on many aspects such as politics, social advocacy, education, and their future hopes. We asked them what does advocacy means for their generation, their thoughts on the implications and shortfalls of the gig economy, and what they think about education's role in moving forward. The conversation started with a large looming cloud overhead but ended with a ray of hope about how Malaysia can progress forward.

R+ chats with our local Gen-Z's in #Afterhours, a session to discuss their viewpoints on various topics ranging from mental health, opinions on sustainability, and their hopes for future Malaysia. We are joined by 3 guests, Aisya, Mardiana, and Sophie, each from a different background and coming from diverse fields. An insightful session filled with laughter and admiration for our leaders of tomorrow. Please enjoy the session.

“Call From Kamil” is an upfront, unabridged conversation moderated by Kamil Merican with his guest speakers. The series is about unpacking the thoughts of his guests and knowing just what it is that makes them tick. First up in this series we have Kam Pak Cheong, whom Kamil Merican has known for more than 35 years. The two architects crossed paths in BEP Architects as young architects in 1973 and throughout the years the two have maintained a close relationship. In this session, Kam Pak Cheong shares his formative years in becoming an architect, his opinions on how the state of the industry is going, and rare insights into his personal life. This session has gems for architects and designers of all ages and we are honored to have him on board in this first episode of “Call From Kamil”.

In Ep. 13 of R+Sessions, we sat down with 4 guests from London, South Korea, and Malaysia, from the comfort of our homes. We are joined by Justin Moon, Edmund Tan, Chan Hui Sim, and Arief Yunus. An informal round table discussion revolving around the topic of architectural graduates heading into an uncertain market, what the challenges are, and how we can chart our careers using skills learned from architectural training. The guests come from varied backgrounds, from practicing architects to those in education and teaching. This episode will hopefully shed some light on those that are uncertain about their careers going into an uncertain industry, also on those that wish to know how architects can diversify in their careers. Join us in this informal and insightful session and hopefully, it'll help you in your own journey. Keywords: Diversification, New Economy, Educating, Skill growth, Career paths

In Episode 12 of R+Sessions, we sat down with Fathuddin Kamaruddin, Director of GDP Planners, to discuss various topics related to the city. From defining the realm of urban design and planning, all the way to his experiences in approaching residents of a kampung orang asli in order to engage with them, it's all here in Episode 12. Keywords: Urban regeneration, urban planning, urban explosion, walkable city, cross-collaboration expertise, design, architecture, reclamation

In Episode 11 of Season 2 of the R+Sessions podcast, we had the honour of interviewing En. Kamil Merican, Chief Executive Officer of GDP Architects, as he shares about his learning and teaching years all the way to his opinions on how Malaysia should move forward into the future. Join us as he shares some words of wisdom for architects of all ages, from graduates through to practicing architects, there is a bit of something for everyone in there.

In Episode 10 - The Podcast Journey; 2020 Re-Cap, we share our experiences of creating content for our podcast series. Looking back at certain formats which worked, and ones that didn't. Discussing about why podcast as a broadcasting platform is crucial in our times and how we can use it constructively to contribute towards the larger conversations in society. We would like to thank all those that participated, supported and helped in spreading the news of R+Sessions. As well as a big thanks to all the guest panels that has appeared on our shows. May 2021 bring us all more opportunities.

In Episode 09 - THE WAY WE WORK: MOVING FORWARD WITH THE ARCHITECT'S OFFICE, R+Sessions converses with Akmal Afandi, an Architect at GDP Architects, on the future of working within an architectural practice. From discussing about celebrating diversities in the way we work, to touching on the aspects of well-being related to mental-health and the ways in which we could address this issue within the office. These and more are discussed in Episode 09 of R+Sessions.

In Episode 08: IDENTITY PART 2., R+Sessions resumes our discussion on architectural and Malaysian Identity. Where we look deeper into the kinds of information we consume, the relevancy of contemporary ways of reading and applying knowledge on identity, ending it with a discussion with a guest speaker: Sarah Merican.

In Episode 07, R+Sessions dwells in the discussion of 'Identity'. Specifically towards finding an architectural identity within Malaysia, as well as the idea or search of an Identity as a whole. Join us as we unpack our previous research centred around the elusive search of 'Identity', uncovering a trail of thoughts and looking into relevant case studies from Masjid Negara to the way we live. This session will be followed up with Part 2, in Episode 8 of R+Sessions. Hope you enjoy the session.

In Episode 06, R+Sessions interviews the founders of Non School, an independent organisation which hosts and supports a slew of programs bridging the gap between academia and practice in architecture. Comprising of workshop sessions, conferences, lectures and projects that works to cultivate diversities in the discipline of architecture. Join us as we sit down with Bryan Chee, Hazazi Hamzah and Ashran Bahari to discuss on a wide range of topics from architectural education all the way to regional architectural collaborations with Non School. For more information on Non School, please visit their site at https://www.non-school.com/

In Episode 05, R+Sessions discusses on the typology of Malaysia's public and private schools. Looking briefly into their history and how it has evolved over time. Expanding on the ideas of informal learning spaces to instilling values through programmes ran with students. Citing examples of progressive local school designs by Eleena Jamil Architects, Atelier Alan Teh and Basic Design Workshop.

In Episode 04, R+Sessions interviews Clarissa Lim about her research embarking on finding creative collectives in Malaysia. Clarissa Lim is a researcher attached to University of Malaya while concurrently teaching at the Malaysian Institute of Art located in Kuala Lumpur. Clarissa along with her research team mates, Ali Alasri and Husna Khaidil, have been conducting extensive studies into the various Creative Hubs in the context of Malaysia. Join us as we chat with Clarissa to uncover more on these type of creative organisations and how they work.

In Episode 03, R+Sessions discusses on the future of retail and how the pandemic has highlighted or accelerated certain aspects of it. Looking into the various ways that retail has evolved and the roles that architects can play in addressing the changing nature of retail.

In Episode 02, R+Sessions will discuss the current reality of remote working due to COVID-19 and how can we anticipate going back to the office. Discussing on solutions and facts and figures relating to the WFH scenario.

In our pilot episode, R+Sessions will discuss on the culture of research within an architectural setting and a brief introduction to our podcast series.