July, 2nd 2022

Architecture USM sweeps 2000 USD in cash prizes being the top prize winners at the 4th Architecture Students Design Competition - Architalent Future City Competition.

Organized by Archidex, Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) and C.I.S. Network Sdn. Bhd., this prestigious competition accumulates to a total prize reward of 2700 USD. The competition has attracted more than 50 entries from local and international institutions. Four of USM teams made it to the final top 10. The objectives of the Architalent are to discover the potentials of students in imagining the future cities and the way of delivering ideas.

Architecture USM with its motto, Integrated Design Environmental Architecture or ‘IDEA’ aimed at nurturing young architects as part of the actors in built environment to design and be sensitive towards environmental issues. Mr. Mohd Pirdaus Beddu won the hearts of the juries and took home the grand prize of 1000 USD, a medal and certificates. The champion with the concept of Loop Linear Autogenic City is an inspiration from self-sustainable floating city. The design highlights on a future city that generates its own power by manipulating the abundance of natural resources and converts it 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. Mr Pirdaus is mentored by Dr Nooriati Taib.

Ms Ooi Ee Ling, the first runner up brought home 800 USD with the entry of Aquascraper. The Aquascraper is a vertical floating city that operates independently offshore. The exploration of ocean architecture creates vast and tremendous spaces to solve the scarcity of land in every city. The decentralised city center concept aims to maintain the land prices, reduces commuting time as well as making the city a walkable community. Ms Ooi is coached by Prof. Dr. Ahmad Sanusi Hassan.

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

Special acknowledgement to the School of Housing, Building and Planning for their continuous support in motivating their students in winning competitions. True talents were unleashed, and hard work is paid off. Congratulations to the winners and the lecturers.