Biografi Ar. Hijjas bin Kasturi
Ar. Hijjas bin Kasturi dilahirkan pada 26 September 1936. Beliau merupakan nama besar dalam dunia seni bina di Malaysia melalui sumbangannya dalam memperkenalkan seni bina moden yang menggabungkan elemen tempatan ke dalam landskap bandar negara.
Beliau menerima pendidikan di University of Melbourne, Australia dan memperoleh Diploma Perancangan Bandar dan Wilayah serta Ijazah Sarjana Muda Seni Bina. Sepanjang hayatnya, beliau turut menerima pelbagai Ijazah Kehormat Doktor Falsafah daripada institusi ternama termasuk University of Adelaide, University of Melbourne, dan Universiti Malaya.
Sebagai salah seorang tokoh agung seni bina Malaysia, beliau dikenali melalui karya ikonik seperti Menara Maybank, Menara Telekom, dan Kompleks Tabung Haji Sepang. Sumbangan beliau juga terserlah dalam bidang pendidikan tinggi bumiputera apabila beliau menubuhkan program ijazah profesional pertama di Malaysia, iaitu Sekolah Seni dan Seni Bina di Institut Teknologi MARA (ITM) pada tahun 1967. Hal ini menjadikan beliau antara penggerak terawal pendidikan seni bina di negara ini. Beliau dianggap sebagai bapa seni bina Malaysia pada separuh kedua abad ke-20, terkenal dengan semangat jiwa Melayu yang terserlah dalam setiap karya seninya.
Pada tahun 1977, beliau menubuhkan firma Hijjas Kasturi Associates, yang memainkan peranan besar dalam merencana pembangunan bandar, institusi pendidikan, bangunan ikonik, serta perancangan Putrajaya. Beliau turut dikenali sebagai pendukung kelestarian seni dan alam sekitar melalui inisiatif seperti Rimbun Dahan, yang menjadi pusat residensi seni penting di rantau ini.
Sepanjang kerjayanya, beliau memenangi pelbagai anugerah berprestij di peringkat kebangsaan dan antarabangsa, termasuk Pingat Emas daripada Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia serta Pingat Presiden oleh Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (2023).
Sebagai seorang pendidik, pemikir dan pelopor seni bina, beliau terus menyumbang kepada generasi baharu sebagai Profesor Adjung, pemeriksa luar, dan penasihat institusi pengajian tinggi dalam dan luar negara. Pandangan beliau terhadap seni bina bukan sekadar binaan fizikal, tetapi juga sebagai wahana membina jati diri bangsa.
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) berasa amat berbangga menjadi sebahagian daripada perjalanan hidup beliau. Ketokohan beliau menjadi sumber inspirasi kepada seluruh warga UiTM.
Antara bangunan ikonik hasil reka bentuk arkitek terkenal Hijjas Kasturi adalah:
- Institut Teknologi MARA Shah Alam
- Menara Telekom (TM Tower), Kuala Lumpur
- Menara Maybank, Kuala Lumpur
- Tabung Haji Tower, Kuala Lumpur
- Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC)
- Alor Setar Tower (Menara Alor Setar)
- Wisma Equity, Kuala Lumpur
- Kompleks Pusat Islam, Kuala Lumpur
- Sasana Kijang (Bank Negara Malaysia), Kuala Lumpur
- Bank Negara Malaysia (Menara Zeti Akhtar Aziz)
- Universiti Multimedia (MMU), Cyberjaya
Dengan pencapaian dan sumbangan besar dalam pendidikan, pemikiran seni bina, dan pembangunan negara, UiTM dengan penuh sukacita menganugerahkan gelaran Profesor Emeritus kepada Yang Berbahagia Ar. Hijjas bin Kasturi.
Ar. Hijjas bin Kasturi was born on 26 September 1936. He is a prominent figure in the Malaysian architecture scene, thanks to his contributions in introducing modern architecture that integrates local elements into the nation’s urban landscape.
He pursued his education at the University of Melbourne, where he obtained a Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning and a Bachelor of Architecture. He has also received various Honorary Doctorate Degrees from prestigious institutions, including the University of Adelaide, the University of Melbourne, and the University of Malaya.
As one of Malaysia’s architectural greats, he is recognised for his iconic works such as the Menara Maybank, Menara Telekom, and Kompleks Tabung Haji Sepang. He also contributed significantly to Bumiputera higher education by establishing Malaysia’s first professional degree programme, the School of Art and Architecture at Institut Teknologi MARA (ITM) in 1967. This pioneering effort positioned him as one of the earliest driving forces of architectural education in the country. He is regarded as the father of Malaysian architecture in the second half of the 20th century, well-known for projecting the Malay spirit in his architectural designs.
In 1977, he founded the firm Hijjas Kasturi Associates, which played a key role in planning urban developments, educational institutions, iconic buildings, and the design of Putrajaya. He is also recognised for his commitment to arts and environmental preservation through initiatives such as Rimbun Dahan, a vital art residency centre in the region.
Throughout his career, he has received numerous prestigious national and international awards, including the Gold Medal from the Malaysian Institute of Architects and the President’s Medal by the Board of Architects Malaysia (2023).
As an educator, thinker, and pioneer, he continues to contribute to the younger generation as an Adjunct Professor, external examiner, and advisor to both local and international institutions of higher learning. For him, architecture is not merely about physical structures, but also a medium to build national identity.
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) is honoured to be part of his life journey. His distinguished stature stands as an inspiration to all UiTM members.
For his outstanding achievements and immense contributions to education, architectural thought, and the nation’s development, UiTM is pleased to confer upon Ar. Hijjas bin Kasturi the esteemed title of Emeritus Professor.
Sumber:
- Buku Istiadat Konvokesyen UiTM ke-101
- Hijjas Kasturi dianugerahkan Profesor Emeritus oleh UiTM (Berita Harian, 7 Mei 2025, https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2025/05/1393360/hijjas-kasturi-dianugerahkan-profesor-emeritus-oleh-uitm)