Uploaded on 2018-06-24 by Mina Hasman

In the presented photo, we can observe the imported glass and aluminium framing (from China) along with stone (from Italy) that collectively form the façade of this building. Without these imported materials from other countries, the design of the building may not have been fulfilled in the manner it was originally intended, or more importantly, it would have probably been created and constructed with an entirely different strategy and methodology - mind-set. The ability to import materials from other countries provides architects/designers an unlimited design opportunity. If the architects/designers were to be limited to only using local materials and follow construction techniques, although their design approach and application may seem constrained and challenging at first, the outcome would be much more contextualised - giving also opportunities to boost the local economy and develop local construction skills in the country/region that a building is being erected. My criticism of this ‘unlimited’ design opportunity with ‘endless’ choice for imported resources has led to a trend of unsustainable development throughout especially the more ‘advanced’ countries. The notion of context, culture, economy, society and resources have slowly disappeared from the focus, and activities of architects, engineers, clients, etc. are encouraging a careless approach.