The architectural landscape of Southeast Asia witnessed a transformative moment as the inaugural BlueScope Steel Architectural Awards ASEAN culminated in a prestigious ceremony in Kuala Lumpur this November. The event, marking a significant milestone in the region's architectural evolution, brought together industry leaders and innovators from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, showcasing the versatility and innovation in steel construction.
The awards program, established through strategic partnerships between NS BlueScope and prominent industry bodies including the Association of Siamese Architects, Ikatan Arsitek Indonesia, and the University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City, evaluated projects across five distinct categories. The judging criteria emphasized three core aspects: Design Excellence, Innovation, and Sustainability, with particular attention to community impact and functional efficiency.
In the Industrial category, Ar. Naksit Wisetmora's Industrial Foundry for Marine Vessels emerged victorious, demonstrating exceptional utilization of steel in industrial architecture. The Commercial category saw VanaVasa Resort by M J Kanny Architect claim top honors, while Studio Sifah's LAAB is More project dominated the Residential category with its innovative approach to steel-based living spaces.
The Institutional category recognized Razin Architects' Masjid Daing Abdul Rahman for its remarkable fusion of traditional religious architecture with modern steel construction techniques. The specialized category for Long Lasting Beauty of COLORBOND® steel was awarded to the CIDB Convention Centre, designed by Arkiskape, highlighting the durability and aesthetic potential of steel in contemporary architecture.
The competition, which emerged from 14 national-level winning entries, represented a diverse spectrum of architectural innovation across ASEAN. The evaluation process scrutinized various aspects, from aesthetic merit to functionality, with special emphasis on community integration and sustainable practices. This comprehensive assessment ensured that winning projects not only exemplified architectural excellence but also demonstrated practical value to their respective communities.
The awards ceremony, hosted at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur Hotel, attracted approximately 150 industry professionals and dignitaries. Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ms. Danielle Heinecke, graced the occasion, commending the winning projects for their architectural brilliance and positive community impact. The presence of such high-profile attendees underscored the significance of this architectural recognition program in the ASEAN region.
NS BlueScope's Chief Executive, Connell Zhang, emphasized the company's commitment to advancing architectural innovation through steel solutions. The awards program serves as a platform to showcase how steel architecture can simultaneously achieve aesthetic excellence, functional efficiency, and sustainability goals, while contributing to community development across Southeast Asia.
