Taylor’s ADP lecture series highlights the power of thoughtful architecture

The latest edition of Taylor’s University’s Architecture Design Project (ADP) Lecture Series brought together aspiring designers, academics, and creative minds for an afternoon of reflection and inspiration. Acclaimed landscape architect Ng Sek San — better known as Seksan — delivered a thought-provoking lecture titled “Designing Impactful Buildings and Places” at the School of Architecture, Building and Design (SABD). The event, held at Lecture Theatre 28, drew an enthusiastic audience keen to learn from one of Malaysia’s most respected names in sustainable and human-centered design.

Beyond the exchange of ideas, the session also reflected Taylor’s strong sense of community. The afternoon began with a lighthearted celebration for Senior Lecturer and Module Leader Ar. Prince Favis Isip’s birthday, setting a warm tone that carried through the event. Following the lecture, students and faculty gathered for a group photo — a fitting snapshot of shared learning, inspiration, and joy.

Cultivating empathy in design

At the heart of the ADP Lecture Series lies a mission to expose architecture students to the philosophies and practices of industry leaders. Seksan’s presentation embodied that goal, blending humour with deep insights into the evolving landscape of architecture. Drawing from his own journey — from civil engineering to landscape architecture — he emphasized the enduring importance of authenticity, empathy, and sincerity in design.

He reminded students that as artificial intelligence reshapes creative industries, human-centered qualities will remain irreplaceable. His philosophy, anchored in the principle that “less is more,” urged future architects to seek beauty in simplicity and to design with honesty and restraint. Through his words and work, Seksan demonstrated that impactful architecture emerges not from grandeur, but from clarity and compassion for both people and the environment.

Connecting nature, community, and design

Seksan’s career, spanning decades and continents, has left a lasting mark on Malaysia’s urban landscape. His firm, Seksan Design Sdn Bhd, has produced some of the nation’s most distinctive works — from the PJ Trade Centre and Lot 10 rooftop to the serene Sekeping retreats. Each project reflects his belief in blurring the lines between built form and nature, allowing landscapes to breathe life into architecture.

Equally inspiring are his community-driven initiatives, such as Kebun Kebun Bangsar and the upcoming Kebun Kebun Sungai Klang. These grassroots efforts transform underused urban spaces into green sanctuaries, demonstrating how design can serve as a bridge between people and their environment. His approach reinforces a lesson that resonates deeply with students: meaningful design begins with purpose, empathy, and connection.

As Taylor’s ADP Lecture Series continues to feature visionary practitioners, Seksan’s session stands as a defining moment in the university’s ongoing mission to nurture reflective, responsible, and forward-thinking designers. It was not merely a lecture — but a reminder that the essence of architecture lies in the courage to simplify, the sincerity to care, and the creativity to let nature lead the way.