MICROHOME competition Kingspan Compliment winners - Yi Yang Chai and Ng Yi Ming

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Kingspan Compliment winners of our "MICROHOME competition" – Yi Yang Chai and Ng Yi Ming from Malaysia!

Yi Yang Chai and Ng Yi Ming 

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.

We started our architecture journey humbly in University of Malaya, Malaysia since 2015, and graduated in 2021 with a Master Degree in Architecture. We run as an independent duo and as an architectural think tank apart from our day job practicing as a graduate architect. Currently based in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, we 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?

We have worked on projects regardless of scales and geographical locations- from masterplanning, place-making, sustainability; to heritage conservation, community building, single dwelling. Some recent projects we have won internationally including a masterplan urban rejuvenation project in Amsterdam, a sustainable land art in Mannheim, and a mobility urban design in Lagos. Currently, Yi Yang is working on a landmark mixed-use high-rise in Cambodia, whereas Yi Ming is working on a few crafted design of local individual houses in Malaysia.

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 participate in open architecture or urban design competitions to stimulate our minds, evoke new insights, and foster meaningful discussions. The nature of these competitions offers anonymity and serves as a blank canvas, allowing us to distance ourselves from preconceived ideas. It is refreshing to disconnect from our day-to-day work while simultaneously challenging us to reconnect with the creative realm 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 we 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.