Shaping Resilient Futures: Heritage and Modernity in Steel Architecture
Shaping Resilient Futures: Heritage and Modernity in Steel Architecture
Steel Architectural Symposium 2025
Yesterday, Jakarta hosted the Steel Architectural Symposium 2025 — a focused one-day forum exploring how steel can bridge cultural heritage and contemporary design to create resilient buildings for the ASEAN region. The symposium, held on 27 November 2025, opened a timely conversation about climate-responsive practice, material innovation, and the role of steel in both conserving and reinterpreting local architectural identities.
Welly Kusumo, and Alex.
Representing Indonesia at the event was Principal Welly Kusumo, who joined fellow regional architects and industry leaders to exchange ideas and learn from international perspectives. The gathering brought together architects from across ASEAN and Australia in panel discussions, presentations, and networking sessions that underscored collaboration across borders.
Highlights from the program included an ASEAN panel on heritage and resilient steel design, a presentation from the Glenn Murcutt Architecture Foundation, and a keynote address by a senior figure from COX Architecture — all of which emphasized culturally sensitive, environmentally aware approaches to modern steel construction. Technical talks also covered the evolving uses of coated steels and new fabrication strategies that increase durability and sustainability.
The symposium brought together leading architects from across ASEAN and Australia, featuring insightful sessions including:
ASEAN Panel Discussion on heritage, modernity, and resilient steel design
Presentation by Ar. Nick Sissons(Glenn Murcutt Architecture Foundation)
Keynote by Ar. Steve Woodland(COX Architecture)
Discussions on coated steel and its role in today’s evolving architectural landscape
Organisers and partners — including BlueScope and several regional architecture associations — used the symposium to strengthen professional ties and to announce next steps for the ASEAN Steel Architectural Awards programme, aiming to keep momentum behind design excellence in the region. For attendees, the event was both a learning platform and a celebration of how traditional values and modern materials work together to shape resilient futures.
Attending events like this helps practitioners stay current with material innovations and regional priorities — and it reinforces a simple takeaway: when heritage and modernity meet thoughtfully in design, steel can be much more than structure; it becomes a medium for resilient, culturally rooted architecture.
