Photo courtesy of ARCHIDEX 2024 EXPLORE ARCHIDEX 2024 EVENT, A SIGNIFICANT EXPOSITION AND ACADEMIC FORUM FOCUSED ON ARCHITECTURE ORGANIZED BY THE PAM AND C.I.S, WHICH HAS MADE A REMARKABLE COMEBACK
TEXT: NATHATAI TANGCHADAKORN
PHOTO: NATHATAI TANGCHADAKORN EXCEPT AS NOTED
(For Thai, press here)
One of the largest business and architectural industry events in Asia, ARCHIDEX, returned at the beginning of this month, 3 – 6 July 2024, to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) in Malaysia. As usual, art4d did not miss the opportunity to attend. This year’s ARCHIDEX 2024 was as vibrant as ever, bustling with a broad spectrum of activities, including DATUM Conference, an incredible lineup of seminars and exhibitions showcasing a variety of products and services.
For those new to this event, ARCHIDEX stands as a monumental exposition and academic forum dedicated to architecture, meticulously orchestrated by the Malaysian Institute of Architects (Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia or PAM) and C.I.S. (C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd). To paint a picture of the scale, the event sprawls across 10 halls, each tailored to distinct business and service themes. This year, the expansive 26,000 square meter exhibition space was thronged by more than 700 exhibitors from both Malaysia and the international stage, showcasing their latest innovations and services.
Following the return to in-person events in 2022 after the pandemic, and with last year’s full-on resurgence, ARCHIDEX 2024 has notably expanded its scope. The exhibition spans from Hall 1 to Hall 2, featuring an array of products such as doors, glass, windows, and sanitary ware, complemented by standout pavilions from Austria and Taiwan. Halls 3, 4, and 5 are dedicated to building materials and systems employing the Industrialized Building System (IBS), showcasing everything from roofing materials to stones and tiles. Hall 6 continues this theme but focuses primarily on exhibitors from South Korea and China.
Hall 7, consistent with previous years, showcases kitchen equipment and office supplies but now also integrates businesses and software services pertinent to architecture, with additional pavilions from China and Singapore. Hall 8 brings into focus the Bavaria pavilion amid enterprises specializing in BIM and smart buildings. Hall 9 delves into interior design and lighting, while Hall 10 explores the realms of flooring and walls.
This year’s ARCHIDEX maintains an impressive diversity. The event not only promises a rich tableau of products, allowing designers and architects to dive into new materials and innovations, but also sparks meaningful dialogues among industry peers. Even in halls where one might not expect to find products or services directly relevant to their specific needs, the joy comes from discovering the innovative ways booths are presented—such as a booth with a floating kitchen counter that showcases its lightweight innovation, another ingeniously utilizing insulation materials throughout, and yet another featuring an elevator set up for visitor trials. With over 1,500 booths, ARCHIDEX 2024 presents a dual spectacle of product showcases and creatively designed displays, where even the most ordinary-looking booths draw significant attention through their innovative products.
This year’s ARCHIDEX not only experienced an increase in the number of exhibitors but also saw significantly heightened engagement from across Asia, as reflected in the diversity of pavilions, booths, and seminar speakers. Moving beyond the DATUM Conference series, the event welcomed some interesting sessions such as the ARCHIDEX Focus Forum, ARCHIDEX Biz Talk, and THE FORUM@PAM Pavilion. These sessions spanned four days and tackled a variety of pressing topics, including ‘Shaping Tomorrow: The Intersection Between AI & Human Design’ by Tuck Leong, ‘Design Paradigm Shift’ by Eggarat Wongcharit, and ‘Circular Furniture Solutions for Positive Impact in the Design and Build Environment’ by Felix Böck.
PAM Pavilion
For those considering attending ARCHIDEX in the future, don’t forget to carefully check the schedule and plan your date well to avoid missing key programs. Our coverage of ARCHIDEX 2024 does not end here. In the next article, we will delve into more event highlights, especially an in-depth look at all 11 curated booths, so stay tuned!
Photo courtesy of ARCHIDEX 2024