ACHIEVING CRAFTSMANSHIP IN ASEAN CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE: INTEGRATING CRAFT WITH ARCHITECTURE

Abstract

Since the emergence of colonialism and subsequent modernisation, communities of craftsmen have been disengaged from the building sector. Consequentially, both craft and architecture in the ASEAN region now face various problems relevant to their trades: the tradition of craft being gradually eroded while architects lack material and technical competence. As such, this paper proposes a re-unification between craftsmen and architects as a next step in the ASEAN building industry to achieve craftsmanship in architecture within this region. Analysing workflow models, design-making methodologies and specialisation traits of both trades, this paper plans to examine the feasibility of integration between the present-day designers of the built environment with the experts of materials and craft. Referencing existing societal structures and architectural case studies, it aims to formulate a model and subsequently a framework applicable to the ASEAN context. Subsequently, this proposal is assessed in terms of the cultural, sociological and economic implications and highlighting the potential challenges faced during implementation.