Faintly Chiang Mai in style
Review by Johnni Wong
Book: Chiang Mai Style
Author: Joe Cummings
Photographer: Luca I. Tettoni
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Editions, 2006
Price: RM204
Chiang Mai Styleis one of those coffee-table books that follow a “formula” but with some winning points.
This bedroom of an interior designer's two-storey, wooden house mixes traditional aesthetics as in the windows with modern elements as in the berber wool carpet and TV set
As the years go by, and as more and more publishers jump on the bandwagon of coming out with books boasting “this style” or “that style”, many don’t live up to the promise of featuring interior designs that are distinctly identifiable with the title.
Almost all the most impressive or notable properties in the South-East Asian region have been highlighted.
Well, at least, properties of owners who allow their homes or commercial centres (spas, hotels, resorts and restaurants) to be featured.
The standard format Asian “style” books more or less touch on the history and culture of the indigenous community, the artistic motifs found in that locality/region as well as foreign influences (either Hindu, Buddhist or Islamic; India or China or a combination of the two dominant cultures).
Then it will move on to modern “innovations” or contemporary taste. Perhaps, featuring the creative talents of local style leaders, i.e. architects, designers, antique and art dealers or even, an aristocrat or two – hopefully with taste.
Towards the end of such a book, a sampling of local crafts will be highlighted extolling the virtues of the local artisans and style masters.
Old teak recycled from abandoned houses and barns is used throughout this house designed by top architect Ajahn Chulathat Kittibutr
This book on the Thai provincial capital of Chiang Mai, doesn’t veer far from what has been described. Thus, after the Introduction, the chapters are divided into:
* Traditional Houses
* Contemporary Lifestyles
* Hotels, Restaurants and Spas
* Chiang Mai Crafts
* Architectural Notebook
* Acknowledgements
Within the 232 pages of this book, you will be educated on the facts that shape Chiang Mai and its artistic life. Facts include:
* The city has over 300 Buddhist temples
* The original settlement can be traced back to the 5th Century A.D.
* Indigenous groups include the Lawa
* Two northern Thai kingdoms – Lanna and Sukhothai – dominated the region
* Influx of peoples from China, Myanmar and Laos
This house of a Bangkok physician was assembled from four abandoned rice barns
* The Thais blended their own ideas with the architecture of the Mon and Khmer cultures
* The Shan contributed to Chiang Mai art and culture
* The Chiang Mai home is the result of 1,500 years of expermentation and adaptation
The pictures by veteran photographer Luca I. Tettoni were what attracted me to the book.
But after having bought the book and upon closer inspection, some of the interiors were rather derivative and most undistinctly Thai – let alone, Chiang Mai in identity.
Comedian Udom Taepanich's house reflects his unconventional taste
For instance, as much as I love Chinese furniture, textiles and the colour red, some of the interiors turn out to be quite garish, namely, The House fusion restaurant and the Dalaabaa Bar and Restaurant.
One was designed by a Mat Salleh and the other by a “Bangkokian” so that explains why the two interiors fail to live up to the book title. Just because they are in Chiang Mai doesn’t necessarily mean they should be included.
Nevertheless, the book does have some gems, like the sleek homes designed by architect Ajahn Chulathat Kittibutr.
Of note too, is the rice barn home of a Bangkok physician, overlooking a lily pond.
The foreign owner of this Chiang Mai residence is fascinated with Chinese political pop art. His spirituality is probably reflected in the 19th Century Burmese standing Buddha which towers above the multi-purpose room
And the quirky taste of Thai comedian Udom Taepanich is reflected in his home. The design merges the industrial look matched with architectural salvage items like shophouse doors and windows with faded paint and all.
Of the hotels featured, The Tamarind Village and The Rachamankha (highlighted on the cover) – both created by interior designer Rooj Changtraku and architect Ongard Satrabhandhu – seem to represent the best of boutique or heritage hotels in Chiang Mai.
And sure enough, the Mandarin-Oriental Dhara Dhevi has to be featured.
The chapter on Chiang Mai crafts seems to suggest that some of the artisans or designers lack original ideas.
Some of the crafts are merely copy-cat items of traditional Chinese chairs, drumstools and saddle stools rendered in horrid colours in an attempt to “update” them.
But all is not lost in Chiang Mai, as the book also highlights the textiles of Studio Naenna which uses natural fibres and dyes to produce contemporary interpretations of traditional textiles. And the products of Sop Moei Arts do deserve to be featured.
Should you pay RM204 for this book? It depends on how much you like interior design or nice pictures.
Although some of the interiors chosen don’t really reflect the book title and not nearly as distinctive as those found in Thai Style, you may still learn a thing or two about what’s happening in Chiang Mai. If you have cash to spare, why not?
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Best feng shui sites in KL
Best feng shui sites in KL
Koh explaining how the Klang Valley is cradled by two "embracing arms" formed by branches of the Titiwangsa mountain range. One branch extends to Rawang and then to Meru in Klang and subsequently into Port Klang. The other branch extends to Bukit Jalil embracing Puchong and towards Pulau Indah and ending also in Port Klang.
A rare and unique tour in Kuala Lumpur aims to offer an insight into the special landforms that have shaped the development of Malaysia's capital city.
Touted as one of the highlights of the forthcoming Asia Pacific Geomancy Conference 2007, this special tour on July 22 is organised from the perspective of geomancy or feng shui practitioners.
Organised by the Malaysia Institute of Geomancy Sciences (MINGS) and spearheaded by well-known feng shui master David Koh, the tour will include some of the city’s famous landmarks and neighbourhoods which are considered particularly significant in the realm of feng shui.
“This tour is about how and why in feng shui principles, Kuala Lumpur became the capital city of Malaysia,” says Koh who has been a feng shui consultant for the past 30 years.
“The tour starts at Ampang Hill (near Kampung Belachan) where the participants have a vantage view of the whole Klang Valley and the surrounding mountain range. They then proceed to Masjid Jamek to observe the confluence of the two rivers – Ampang River and Gombak River - and the energy that manifests around that area.
“After that it is off to Rumah Penghulu – a house that was built according to the principles of Malay geomancy - Tiang Seri. Here, the participants will be able to see, touch and feel the ambience of an old kampong-house dwelling that was built to best suit our tropical climate.”
Apparently, the programme includes a “sky lunch” at Menara KL. From Menara KL, the participants will be briefed on the latest modern commercial and residential projects, that can be seen in the vicinity.
The places to be visited is significant for making comparisons from the feng shui perspective – the formation of Kuala Lumpur –by its natural process, explains Koh.
According to Koh, the confluence of the Gombak and Ampang rivers have a great bearing on the development of Kuala Lumpur as the capital of Malaysia
Tour participants will include locals and foreigners, especially those who study feng shui. Such a tour may also appeal to those involved in town planning, architecture and interior design.
“They can experience and see the similarity manifested in other cities and townships. Developers, real estate agents, and property owners, too can take this opportunity to see and find the good feng shui sites.”
This is the second tour organised by MINGS, with the first conducted in 2000.
“The difference is, this time around, we show the differences between the new and the old and the progressive development of KL. The tour is complemented with a video recording and also an aerial view. The tour is conducted in conjunction with our conference theme, Modern Living, Ancient Concepts,” says Koh.
All participants will receive a copy of the tour video. It includes information on Kuala Lumpur - past and present. The cost of the tour is RM388 and is limited to 120 participants.
The Asia Pacific Geomancy Conference 2007 will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from July 20-22 with the KL feng shui tour on the last day.
Some 500 conference participants are expected and the objectives include: · To create an objective understanding of geomancy · To look into the similarities and differences among the different practices of geomancy
Other highlights of the conference include: · The first joint-meeting of Malay, Chinese and Indian geomancy experts · The inaugural dialogue between the two main schools of feng shui in Malaysia · The proposal to regulate feng shui practices in the building industry
MINGS is a non-profit organisation involved in the scientific study, research and teaching of feng shui.
The body aims to promote the professional practice of feng shui via a scientific approach and to dispel the “hocus-pocus” surrounding feng shui practices.
Says Koh: “Our objective is bring feng shui to a proper and higher level of learning and to pass on the knowledge to other professionals within the building industry.”
At the conference, members of MINGS will propose the formation of an organisation –with professionals from the building industry – to regulate geomancy practices concerning town planning, properties and buildings.
· For details of the tour and the Asia Pacific Geomancy Conference 2007, call 03-41083611 or log onto: www.mingsweb.org Watch out for our sneak preview of the tour in a video recording.
Koh explaining how the Klang Valley is cradled by two "embracing arms" formed by branches of the Titiwangsa mountain range. One branch extends to Rawang and then to Meru in Klang and subsequently into Port Klang. The other branch extends to Bukit Jalil embracing Puchong and towards Pulau Indah and ending also in Port Klang.
A rare and unique tour in Kuala Lumpur aims to offer an insight into the special landforms that have shaped the development of Malaysia's capital city.
Touted as one of the highlights of the forthcoming Asia Pacific Geomancy Conference 2007, this special tour on July 22 is organised from the perspective of geomancy or feng shui practitioners.
Organised by the Malaysia Institute of Geomancy Sciences (MINGS) and spearheaded by well-known feng shui master David Koh, the tour will include some of the city’s famous landmarks and neighbourhoods which are considered particularly significant in the realm of feng shui.
“This tour is about how and why in feng shui principles, Kuala Lumpur became the capital city of Malaysia,” says Koh who has been a feng shui consultant for the past 30 years.
“The tour starts at Ampang Hill (near Kampung Belachan) where the participants have a vantage view of the whole Klang Valley and the surrounding mountain range. They then proceed to Masjid Jamek to observe the confluence of the two rivers – Ampang River and Gombak River - and the energy that manifests around that area.
“After that it is off to Rumah Penghulu – a house that was built according to the principles of Malay geomancy - Tiang Seri. Here, the participants will be able to see, touch and feel the ambience of an old kampong-house dwelling that was built to best suit our tropical climate.”
Apparently, the programme includes a “sky lunch” at Menara KL. From Menara KL, the participants will be briefed on the latest modern commercial and residential projects, that can be seen in the vicinity.
The places to be visited is significant for making comparisons from the feng shui perspective – the formation of Kuala Lumpur –by its natural process, explains Koh.
According to Koh, the confluence of the Gombak and Ampang rivers have a great bearing on the development of Kuala Lumpur as the capital of Malaysia
Tour participants will include locals and foreigners, especially those who study feng shui. Such a tour may also appeal to those involved in town planning, architecture and interior design.
“They can experience and see the similarity manifested in other cities and townships. Developers, real estate agents, and property owners, too can take this opportunity to see and find the good feng shui sites.”
This is the second tour organised by MINGS, with the first conducted in 2000.
“The difference is, this time around, we show the differences between the new and the old and the progressive development of KL. The tour is complemented with a video recording and also an aerial view. The tour is conducted in conjunction with our conference theme, Modern Living, Ancient Concepts,” says Koh.
All participants will receive a copy of the tour video. It includes information on Kuala Lumpur - past and present. The cost of the tour is RM388 and is limited to 120 participants.
The Asia Pacific Geomancy Conference 2007 will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from July 20-22 with the KL feng shui tour on the last day.
Some 500 conference participants are expected and the objectives include: · To create an objective understanding of geomancy · To look into the similarities and differences among the different practices of geomancy
Other highlights of the conference include: · The first joint-meeting of Malay, Chinese and Indian geomancy experts · The inaugural dialogue between the two main schools of feng shui in Malaysia · The proposal to regulate feng shui practices in the building industry
MINGS is a non-profit organisation involved in the scientific study, research and teaching of feng shui.
The body aims to promote the professional practice of feng shui via a scientific approach and to dispel the “hocus-pocus” surrounding feng shui practices.
Says Koh: “Our objective is bring feng shui to a proper and higher level of learning and to pass on the knowledge to other professionals within the building industry.”
At the conference, members of MINGS will propose the formation of an organisation –with professionals from the building industry – to regulate geomancy practices concerning town planning, properties and buildings.
· For details of the tour and the Asia Pacific Geomancy Conference 2007, call 03-41083611 or log onto: www.mingsweb.org Watch out for our sneak preview of the tour in a video recording.
Starhill pretax profit up by 13%
Starhill pretax profit up by 13%
PETALING JAYA: Starhill Real Estate Investment Trust has posted a pretax profit to RM19.3mil for its fourth quarter ended June 30, a 13% increase over the RM17mil in the same period last year.
Revenue for the period was also up at RM26mil compared to last year's RM23.5mil.
Earnings per share and proposed dividend per share meanwhile stood at 1.74 sen and 2.15 sen respectively.
For the financial year ended June 30, the trust made a pre-tax profit of RM72.7mil compared with last year's RM35.9mil.
Revenue was also higher at RM98.8mil compared with RM50.7mil in 2006.
In notes to Bursa Malaysia on Thrusday, Starhill said rental received from newly acquired property and higher rental rates received from the renewal of existing tenancies contributed to the rise in revenue and pre-tax profit.
It also cited the commencement of new tenancies of its existing investment properties as another positive factor.
It said upon consideration of the strength of the real estate portfolio invested, the trust was expected to achieve satisfactory performance for financial year ending June 30, 2008.
PETALING JAYA: Starhill Real Estate Investment Trust has posted a pretax profit to RM19.3mil for its fourth quarter ended June 30, a 13% increase over the RM17mil in the same period last year.
Revenue for the period was also up at RM26mil compared to last year's RM23.5mil.
Earnings per share and proposed dividend per share meanwhile stood at 1.74 sen and 2.15 sen respectively.
For the financial year ended June 30, the trust made a pre-tax profit of RM72.7mil compared with last year's RM35.9mil.
Revenue was also higher at RM98.8mil compared with RM50.7mil in 2006.
In notes to Bursa Malaysia on Thrusday, Starhill said rental received from newly acquired property and higher rental rates received from the renewal of existing tenancies contributed to the rise in revenue and pre-tax profit.
It also cited the commencement of new tenancies of its existing investment properties as another positive factor.
It said upon consideration of the strength of the real estate portfolio invested, the trust was expected to achieve satisfactory performance for financial year ending June 30, 2008.
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