The Malaysian architectural designer Pamela Tan is the founder of Poh Sin Studio; she creates immersive installations that blur the boundaries between architecture, design and art
Founder of Poh Sin Studio, Pamela Tan, creates immersive installations that just beg to be experienced. Blurring the boundaries between architecture, design and art, her complex creations range from murals and spatial installations to interactive sculptures—multilayered extravaganzas that are as thought-provoking as they are enchanting.
After obtaining her master's in architecture from the University of Greenwich, the architectural designer returned to Malaysia. Her work thus far is grounded in profound concepts with an accessible aesthetic appeal.
These include Eden, a nature-inspired installation commissioned by a developer that eschews lush greenery for an all-white “garden of delight”. A maze of intricate wrought-metal “vines” and luminous glass spheres invites visitors to rediscover how nature can be experienced by magnifying subtle details through its organic structures.
See also: How The Lamps From Malaysian Studio Aureole Design Celebrate Its Asian Roots
Just as complex but evoking a completely different response is Projection: Kite, a work created for the Good Vibes Music Festival 2019 held in Genting Highlands, Malaysia. A spatial installation comprising colourful woven strings, the playful piece lets visitors experience “visual portal of lightness and transparency”. Eden won the Bronze award in the Design for Asia Awards 2020 in the Environmental Design category, while Projection: Kite took home the Merit award.
It’s heartening that the Malaysian design landscape has space for Tan, whose work defies easy categorisation; what lies ahead for this bright young talent looks as intriguing as her creations. She tells us more about her creative process and her sources of inspiration.