MICROHOME Kingspan edition 2024/25 2nd Prize winner - Yi Yang Chai

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 2nd Prize winner of our "MICROHOME Kingspan edition 2024/25" competition – Yi Yang Chai from Malaysia!

Yi Yang Chai

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

I started my architecture journey humbly in University of Malaya, Malaysia since 2015, and graduated in 2021 with a Master Degree in Architecture. I practice as an independent architectural designer apart from our day job as a graduate architect. Currently based in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, I designs projects from all around the world.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

I have worked on projects regardless of scales and geographical locations- from masterplanning, place-making, sustainability; to heritage conservation, community building, single dwelling. They all range from different scales and typologies, located across different countries including Malaysia, Cambodia, South Korea, Japan, Netherlands, Germany, South Africa etc.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

Architectural design can be an autonomous topic in itself, but as designer we have to accept the fact it is always being perceived in two lives that are completely different- one imagined by its designer, and another one lives with its inhabitants afterwards. To us, the limits in architecture often comes with the speculation or anticipation by the designers themselves. We should thus, be very mindful of the impacts it leaves to the social, cultural, ecological, environmental, or economical aspects.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Occasionally, we take part in open architecture or urban design competitions to exercise our minds and evoke new insights and discourses. The nature of competitions offers anonymity and acts almost like a blank canvas, helping us distance ourselves from preconceived ideas. It is refreshing to disconnect from day-to-day work, yet challenging at the same time to reconnect with the creative niche within the world of design.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

Just give it a try, and I believe you can always find a fruitful journey within- whether it is the effort poured in the project, or the new outlook to the design subject matter, or even a reflection of the way you design. It is part of a continual learning progress.