World-class architect praises Adelaide's heritage

The University of Adelaide is renowned for its heritage buildings.
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Mr Hijjas Kasturi, Director, Hijjas Kasturi Associates Sdn.
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The Islamic-inspired "hourglass" of the Tabung Haji government building in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is one of Hijjas Kasturi's unique achievements.
Photo by M.Rosley Omar
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Hijjas Kasturi Profile    (103.57K)

Monday, 21 May 2007

One of the greatest architects in the Asia-Pacific has defended Adelaide's skyline, and has warned against making changes that would damage Adelaide's reputation as a heritage city.

Hijjas Kasturi was a student at the University of Adelaide from 1960-63 and has gone on to become one of the most prominent architects in Malaysia, responsible for some of the Asia-Pacific's most distinctive high-rise buildings.

He is returning to Adelaide for one week to give a free public lecture, "In Search of Identity in Architecture" (7.30pm tonight, Monday 21 May), and to launch an exhibition showcasing some of the best examples of 30 years of his company's work. The free exhibition will be held at the University of Adelaide from 21-25 May.

Although Mr Kasturi and his company are renowned for their cutting-edge work, including a number of skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, he says that approach shouldn't necessarily be taken with all cities.

"How does a city create its own unique architecture and identity? Adelaide has its churches, easily identifiable and characteristic. Classical buildings set in spacious parks create a tremendous impact, and the well-defined grid system of the street layout also is characteristic of Adelaide," Mr Kasturi says.

"It isn't necessary to change the texture and fabric of the city just because you want to keep up with the rest of the world, because Adelaide has its own uniqueness: solid, orderly and well established. One has to be sympathetic in future development, so as not to demolish the image and familiarity of a place that has taken generations to create."

Mr Kasturi is visiting Adelaide at the invite of the University of Adelaide's Heritage Foundation. His visit will help to raise awareness of the distinctiveness of Adelaide's heritage buildings, including the many heritage buildings at the University of Adelaide.

"Adelaide has a very sound appreciation for its heritage that you want to preserve, and that is the beauty of the city - it can't be changed, it has a sense of stability and permanence that others would envy," he says.

Mr Kasturi's links with urban development in Adelaide began in the late 1950s. He spent an early part of his career as a draughtsman on the master plan for the city of Elizabeth, north of Adelaide, in 1959. He has returned to Adelaide a number of times since his student days.

While in Adelaide this week, Mr Kasturi will also give seminars to University of Adelaide architecture students and will use his years of experience to provide feedback on their work.

Born in Singapore, Mr Kasturi represents the unique impact of Australian tertiary education on students from Singapore and Malaysia in the 1950s and '60s - students who have gone on to become leaders in their fields in their home countries and right around the world. (see attached profile)

"I am forever indebted to the Australian Government for giving me the opportunity to study in Australia under the Colombo Plan," Mr Kasturi says.

He says he has feelings of "nostalgia, fondness, familiarity of the old, a sense of belonging that can't be replaced, especially as I was in Adelaide at the most impressionable stage in my life".

"Adelaide remains solid and rooted in my affections."

WHAT: Free public lecture: "In Search of Identity in Architecture", by Mr Hijjas bin Kasturi, Director, Hijjas Kasturi Associates Sdn
WHERE: The Forum, School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture & Urban Design, North Terrace Campus, University of Adelaide
WHEN: 7.30pm Monday 21 May
RSVP: phone Development & Alumni on (08) 8303 5800

WHAT: Public exhibition: 30 years of work, and a glimpse of things to come - from Hijjas Kasturi Associates Sdn
WHERE: School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture & Urban Design, North Terrace Campus, University of Adelaide
WHEN: Monday 21 until Friday 25 May
COST: Free

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