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Our Architecture
Still relevant despite the passage of time, Tajuddin Rasdi’s musings on the state of architecture in Malaysia remain essential readings for both experts and the public. There remains a relative lack of public discourse on architecture, since much of it circulates within the professional sector and academia. Here, the author presents blueprints for better architecture in a fast-changing milieu, studying practical, environmental and cultural facets. By discussing everything from shopping malls to the revival of ornamentation, this collection allows us to think more broadly about the kind of architecture that best suits a New Malaysia.
121 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 10, 2022
"Our Architecture" is a compilation of essays by Dr. Tajuddin Rasdi, who is a professor of architecture at one of Malaysia's universities. While my field of studies and work is mired in the more 'boring' engineering side of construction, it does involve looking into the architectural aspects of things as well, so this in-depth critique of Malaysia's architectural scene is illuminating and engrossing!
Through ten essays, Dr. Tajuddin raises questions about the way architecture is treated in Malaysia, chief among them being: the 'democracy' of our architecture (which should reflect 'rule by the many, and not the few'); how the lack of architectural criticism has led most local architects to resort to imitations and appropriation of other cultures' symbols without meaning and reflection, and how this also contributes to the loss of our traditional elements in architecture (such as wood carvings); how architecture design can reduce crime rate within communities; and how mosques have been designed without putting the community first.
Out of all these, my favorite essay is the one where Dr. Tajuddin argues that mosques should be designed to serve the community and that most modern mosques lack the 'suffa' space. The suffa are the poor who stayed in the mosque of the Prophet SAW, and in a similar fashion the author argues that our mosques should be built to provide shelter for the poor and the needy. The essays where he talks about Wright's philosophy on architecture and nature are also very interesting, and it's clear he takes many of Wright's views into his own philosophy here. Though the essays are focused on architecture, the segues he goes into are worth exploring in and of themselves.
Even if you're not in architecture, I think this is a special collection that merits a read at least once. This is a highly recommended read in my books!
Note: This is part of Gerakbudaya's "Essentials" series, which has three books in the collection so far (Paper & Text: The Trials and Trade of Malaysian Literature, Our Architecture & Artscience: A Curious Education). I love that these books include 'Suggested Further Readings' sections for those who would like to have a more in-depth study on the specific subjects. It's definitely worth checking out this series if you're interested to learn more about the topics mentioned!
Through ten essays, Dr. Tajuddin raises questions about the way architecture is treated in Malaysia, chief among them being: the 'democracy' of our architecture (which should reflect 'rule by the many, and not the few'); how the lack of architectural criticism has led most local architects to resort to imitations and appropriation of other cultures' symbols without meaning and reflection, and how this also contributes to the loss of our traditional elements in architecture (such as wood carvings); how architecture design can reduce crime rate within communities; and how mosques have been designed without putting the community first.
Out of all these, my favorite essay is the one where Dr. Tajuddin argues that mosques should be designed to serve the community and that most modern mosques lack the 'suffa' space. The suffa are the poor who stayed in the mosque of the Prophet SAW, and in a similar fashion the author argues that our mosques should be built to provide shelter for the poor and the needy. The essays where he talks about Wright's philosophy on architecture and nature are also very interesting, and it's clear he takes many of Wright's views into his own philosophy here. Though the essays are focused on architecture, the segues he goes into are worth exploring in and of themselves.
Even if you're not in architecture, I think this is a special collection that merits a read at least once. This is a highly recommended read in my books!
Note: This is part of Gerakbudaya's "Essentials" series, which has three books in the collection so far (Paper & Text: The Trials and Trade of Malaysian Literature, Our Architecture & Artscience: A Curious Education). I love that these books include 'Suggested Further Readings' sections for those who would like to have a more in-depth study on the specific subjects. It's definitely worth checking out this series if you're interested to learn more about the topics mentioned!
June 9, 2025
Our Architecture is less a book and more a stack of opinion columns that lost their way home. Tajuddin Rasdi has a lot to say — about Malaysia’s architectural identity (or lack thereof), the hollowness of symbolism, and the bureaucratic theatre that passes for planning. Much of it is valid. Some of it is vital. But good luck finding a throughline.
The writing swings between righteous frustration and unedited monologue. Every chapter starts like a thesis and ends like a Facebook post. Repetition isn’t just a flaw here — it’s practically a stylistic commitment. If you’re looking for a cool-headed dissection of Malaysian architectural discourse, this isn’t it. This is a man yelling into the discourse, hoping someone’s still listening.
That said, the yelling is often justified. Rasdi is one of the few who’ll say out loud that much of our built environment is culturally confused, historically shallow, and religiously ornamental in all the wrong ways. He’s not here to flatter architects, and certainly not to flatter politicians. He’s here to name names, burn sacred cows, and remind us that mosque design peaked sometime in the 14th century.
There’s a better book in here — one with editing, structure, and less sermon. But as a provocation, Our Architecture does the job. You’ll probably argue with half of it and underline the rest. Sometimes in the same paragraph.
The writing swings between righteous frustration and unedited monologue. Every chapter starts like a thesis and ends like a Facebook post. Repetition isn’t just a flaw here — it’s practically a stylistic commitment. If you’re looking for a cool-headed dissection of Malaysian architectural discourse, this isn’t it. This is a man yelling into the discourse, hoping someone’s still listening.
That said, the yelling is often justified. Rasdi is one of the few who’ll say out loud that much of our built environment is culturally confused, historically shallow, and religiously ornamental in all the wrong ways. He’s not here to flatter architects, and certainly not to flatter politicians. He’s here to name names, burn sacred cows, and remind us that mosque design peaked sometime in the 14th century.
There’s a better book in here — one with editing, structure, and less sermon. But as a provocation, Our Architecture does the job. You’ll probably argue with half of it and underline the rest. Sometimes in the same paragraph.
April 17, 2021
Prof. Tajuddin Rasdi’s insights are easy to understand even for a layman. Now I’m starting to see the architectures around me in a new light !
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews