Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) / the Malaysian Institute of Architects is pleased to announce an exciting new initiative, the inaugural Datum:KL 2011 Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival with a variety and vibrancy of encounters over at least four weekends in 25 days; including installations, exhibitions, talks, dialogues, workshops, forums and conferences. We envisage the Festival to be the definitive regional event for architecture, design and arts.

Datum:KL was previously the annual architecture and design conference begun nine years ago which in 2011, will now be restructured as a month long multi-programme platform to be held throughout July 2011. Modelled along successful international festivals such as the Venice Architecture Biennale and the London Architecture Festival, PAM seeks to celebrate architecture, design and the city of Kuala Lumpur with a comprehensive list of events designed to appeal both to the professional domains (architects, engineers, etc.) and stakeholders as well as, importantly, the general public and citizens of Kuala Lumpur. Importantly, the Festival seeks to invigorate beneficial discussions and participation amongst the public towards the direction and development of Kuala Lumpur.

The Festival is centred around three major strategies and focus:

EXCELLENCE
PAM continues to uphold and promote excellence of the professional disciplines by organising conferences, forums and symposiums, with the principal annual event being the new NOW Conference, featuring presentations from some of the most exciting and innovative talents globally and from Malaysia today.

ENGAGEMENT
In addition, PAM will also host a series of exhibitions throughout the Festival, with a major consolidated show entitled the Datum ShowBox, featuring three major curated exhibitions.

RELEVANCE
As Architecture is the fundamental basic activity that seeks to provide shelter and protection as well as the uplifting of human aspirations, PAM continues to underline the professions relevance and integral role in the transformation of cities and humanist responsibilities.  A major announcement on this position will be made at the end of NOW Conference.

The official launch of the Festival will be officiated by the YAB Prime Minister of Malaysia on 1st July 2011.