The 20th edition of the annual International Architecture, Interior Design & Building Exhibition (ARCHIDEX) was officially opened on 3 July 2019 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre by the Minister of Works, Malaysia, Yang Berhormat Tuan Baru Bian. 

Primed to be larger than ever, the four-day exhibition (happening  3 till 6 July) explores the latest industry trends and innovations — taking up all 10 halls of the convention centre, covering 24,000 sqm space which is an increase of 20% exhibition space from last year, with over 1,400 exhibition stands by 600 exhibitors locally and internationally. 

Organizers

Jointly organised by the leading Malaysian trade and lifestyle exhibitions organiser, C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd (C.I.S), and Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM or the Malaysian Institute of Architects), a sizable 35,000 turnout of professionals and trade visitors from over 70 countries is expected. 

Bridging professionals and various representations of high-quality materials from Malaysia and the world, delegates and visitors can expect to explore exhibits from more than 20 countries and four country pavilions from China, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan. 

Keeping the excitement level high, participants are also encouraged to join in a range of concurrent professional networking events, conferences, forums, workshops and business matching programmes that have been lined up to support building businesses and promote the sharing of knowledge aimed to encourage inclusiveness in all facets of architecture towards designing better sustainable living for the future. 

“We are proud that this platform serves as a bridge to share the latest of innovation and technologies as we move towards building this industry for our future generation of architects leading to the expansion of mutually beneficial business trades,” said C.I.S President Dato’ Vincent Lim. 

Exhibitions

ARCHIDEX’s appeal lies in the ever-growing range of conference and forums. This year, the exhibition will see 62 local and internationally renowned speakers presenting at least 56 powerful and thought-provoking sessions in DATUM:KL (International Architecture & Design Conference) organised by PAM, the Focus Forum, The Forum @ PAM Tomorrowland Pavilion, Biz @ ARCHIDEX, and others. 

An addition to this year’s exhibition is the Innovation Hall with its main attraction being the PAM Tomorrowland Pavilion. The Pavilion is a must-see for anyone who wants to peek into what tomorrow brings and to explore the possibilities in architectural and urban design for the future. 

“The Pavilion showcases the complex relationships within the rapid development of robotics, programming, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, big data, blockchain as well as other disruptive technological developments that will alter the paradigm and reshape our built environment” Lim added. 

YB Tuan Baru Bian said: “Together with the DATUM conference, ARCHIDEX also acts as a focal point to build, nurture and strengthen ties among current and future professionals towards advancing the built environment industry as a whole. Without a doubt, this event serves as a strategic platform to showcase and facilitate greater exchange of ideas, supporting the best and brightest innovations catering to the ever-evolving demands from the market. 

Collaborations

Continuously leading the industry, ARCHIDEX regularly works with exhibitors to feature the latest products, trends and innovations. Among the concurrent exhibitions including ECO-B (Eco-Building & Design Exhibition), while debuting is FACIMEX (Facilities Management & Cleaning Exhibition) and ENGINEER (Mechanical, Electrical & Civil Engineering Exhibition). The former exhibits concepts that unveil the latest solutions and innovations in facilities management while the latter showcases the latest in engineering related to building, construction and design projects. 

On-board as a Premier Partner, Larsen debuts at the exhibition this year to present innovative, functional and luxurious quality designs that combine traditional manufacturing methods with cutting-edge technology crafted from high-quality materials for both residential and commercial lighting. 

Additionally, Strategic Partner, Artwright, unveils the “Office of Tomorrow” together with ARCHIDEX at the Innovation Hall. Reimagining workspaces for the future, the Office of Tomorrow is a space of shared economy, technology and resources that goes beyond the physical workspace to address the various aspects of work life — from the seamless connectivity from office to home, softening of the boundaries between work and recreation, office spaces that takes into account of childcare, and spaces where one can retreat to have personal time to recharge or hold confidential discussions. 

Revealing Malaysia’s next generation of architectural talent is another Premier Partner, Roca, who will run the “One Day Design Challenge”, an International Design Competition that provides visibility to young Malaysian designers and architects. Having marked its presence in 15 countries around the world, the challenge makes its debut in Malaysia for the creation of original solutions and innovative products for the bathroom. 

PAM President Ar. Lillian Tay added, “ARCHIDEX will empower industry players to think about the future and adapt to fast approaching changes. We will have to work hand in hand with disruptive technology that will inevitably change the way we think and design things. I am hopeful that this year’s exhibition will drive two strong outcomes — to build for tomorrow, yet to be able to sustain today for the future. 

Activities

A long list of other activities and events have also been lined-up and highlights include the continuing annual ARCHITALENT student design competition, Focus Forums that will feature speakers on the topics of Green Buildings and Integrated Building System (IBS) and the eagerly anticipated ARCHIDEX New Product Award (NPA) and Green Dot Award (GDA) that is held annually to recognise the best products in terms of design, innovation and sustainability. 

Acknowledging its partners for their kind support and contributions: Premier Partners — Shoplight Germany Sdn Bhd (Larsen Global) and Roca Malaysia Sdn Bhd. Strategic Partners — Vitally Group, Jaquar Group, Kast Construction Sdn Bhd (Suzuka), Techtronic Power Tools (M) Sdn Bhd (Milwaukee), Nam Heng Safety Glass Sdn Bhd (NHG) and AHB Technology Sdn Bhd (Artwright Group) and Register & Win Sponsor — Lyreco Office Supplies (M) Sdn Bhd for the Nespresso Professional Zenius Machines when you pre-register and visit ARCHIDEX. 

Driving into the future, and under the theme of “Tomorrow” by the Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival (KLAF), the event today also unveils the winners of the First Colony on Mars competition where the ideas of this competition extends the theme to architecture and design of the physical manifestations of the colony, enabling architects, designers and just about anyone to dream about how life in a colony away from Earth could or should be like. 

Experience ARCHIDEX as it takes place from 3 – 6 July. For more information, log on to https://archidex.com.my/">www.archidex.com.my.