UI architecture book misses early launch

Mon, 03/31/2008 10:44 AM | City

An architecture book drew humorous criticism from the Jakarta governor after it failed to be launched ahead of schedule Saturday.

"It requires an extraordinary imagination to evaluate the book's content," joked Governor Fauzi Bowo.

The book, spanning four decades of history and designs of University of Indonesia (UI) architects, was initially expected to be launched in May but then slated for an early launch to commemorate the university's 43rd anniversary this week.

Fauzi, a UI alumnus invited to be one of the five speakers during the launch, humorously said such an unprepared manner was characteristic of the university's architects.

However, he said, he welcomed the book's presence.

"What comes late is not always bad. Hopefully, this future book can be appreciated."

The would-be launch was part of an 11-day event jointly carried out by the school, the associations of the school's graduates and students in commemoration of the school's anniversary.

The head of the association of the school's graduates, Achmad Noerzaman, said the book was not ready for a full launch as the association needed more writing and photographs.