Award-Winning Architect Dr Tan Loke Mun On His Inspirations
Hennessy X.O celebrates 150 years of greatness, legacy and its odyssey this year and in celebration of this, Moët Hennessy has unveiled a limited-edition decanter designed by world-renowned architect extraordinaire, Frank Gehry.
Gehry’s signature sculptural style can be seen in the reinterpretation of the timeless Hennessy X.O bottle, marrying gold and glass to extol Hennessy’s rich and amaranthine legacy. In conjunction with this collaboration, UNRESERVED speaks to Dr. Tan Loke Mun, an award-winning architect and principal of DrTanLM Architect, Director of ArchiCentre Sdn. Bhd as well as Founder and Director for DTLM Design Group.
What is your style of work?
My architectural ideas are based on green tropical concepts and the honest use of materials.
What building would you consider to be an icon?
The Sydney Opera House by Jorn Utzon. A timeless expression of art, engineering and technology.
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Name a building you would have loved to design or a project you would have loved to be a part of.
I would love to have designed the first colony on Mars. No regulatory restrictions, no historical context, pure function and freedom of expression. I wonder what the architecture would look like?
As an architect, how does someone like Frank Gehry influence your work?
I am impressed by his constant experimentation of materials, form and technology to create beautiful architecture and art.
Three elements/characteristics that you think every building should have.
Buildings should be green, beautifully functional and give pleasure to its users.
What do you think of the collection bottle that Frank Gehry has created?
It is a beautifully sculptured piece of art that is a continuation of his exploration of materials and free form.
If you had the chance to design a bottle that reflects you, what would that bottle be like?
My bottle would be greener. It would be based on ideas from the nature and be elegantly crafted using sustainable materials.
What is the next project you are working on?
A small “off-the-grid” house in the woods.
