Indonesia's tropical climate makes air conditioning an essential component of residential living. Among the various options available, the wall-mounted split AC—easily identified by its indoor unit mounted on the wall and connected to an outdoor compressor—remains the most popular choice.

This preference extends beyond homes with limited electrical capacity or first-time buyers. Even spacious, high-end, and modern residences continue to favor this type of air conditioning system.

This trend stems from the fact that air conditioning needs in Indonesia are often viewed solely through the lens of basic cooling. However, as the term implies, true air conditioning encompasses a comprehensive climate control ecosystem designed specifically for residential comfort.

Much like a well-connected ecosystem, the range of available AC systems is extensive. Their functions go far beyond mere cooling; they are engineered to deliver superior indoor air quality by regulating humidity, purifying the air, and maintaining optimal filtration. Furthermore, modern units are designed with aesthetics in mind, allowing them to blend seamlessly into any interior decor.

Despite these advancements, many homeowners remain unaware of the diverse HVAC solutions available. Consequently, standard wall-mounted units often clash with interior layouts, detracting from the overall spatial design.

This challenge is equally felt by architects and interior designers when planning residential projects. Unfortunately, not all design professionals are familiar with HVAC solutions that deliver optimal comfort and air quality without compromising aesthetics. "A lack of awareness has prevented AC systems from fulfilling their potential as complete climate control solutions that enhance, rather than disrupt, the aesthetic harmony of a space," states Ching Khim Huat, President Director of PT Daikin Airconditioning Indonesia.

This insight serves as the foundation for the 2022 Daikin Proshop Designer Award. Open for registration from May 14 to June 30, 2022, the competition challenges participants to integrate advanced air conditioning solutions into residential designs that balance thermal comfort with spatial aesthetics. By targeting licensed architects and interior designers, Ching Khim Huat emphasizes that this initiative aligns with Daikin’s mission to foster a new paradigm in residential HVAC integration.

"As key stakeholders in residential development, architects and interior designers play a vital role in championing this new approach to home climate control," adds Ching Khim Huat. Through this award, he aims to expand the expertise of Indonesian design professionals regarding advanced HVAC systems that prioritize both feature-driven comfort and seamless aesthetic integration.

With nearly a century of global expertise in residential and commercial climate control, Daikin offers a comprehensive portfolio tailored to these needs. Solutions include Fresh Air Units designed to ensure continuous circulation of clean, healthy air, alongside the VRV Home Series, which features versatile indoor unit configurations that can be strategically placed to complement interior aesthetics.

"We are showcasing these technologies alongside the most innovative concepts submitted by architects and interior designers in this competition," explains Selvi Ani Yongnata, Daikin Proshop Manager. He notes that this synergy directly inspired the competition’s theme: "Technology for Your Imagination."

Daikin’s dedication to elevating industry knowledge is reflected in the rigorous execution of the 2022 Daikin Proshop Designer Award. To ensure prestige and credibility, the jury panel includes representatives from the Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Institute of Architects (IAI) and the DKI Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Interior Designers Association (HDII), both highly respected bodies in their respective fields.

Additionally, Daikin partners with prominent media outlets and professional communities focused on residential design and architecture, including Archify, Casa Indonesia, Archinesia, and Asrinesia.

Through these media partnerships, winning entries from the 2022 Daikin Proshop Designer Award will be featured and published, culminating in a total cash prize pool worth hundreds of millions of Indonesian Rupiah.

Staying true to its objectives, Daikin has broadened the competition’s scope to include both completed projects and conceptual designs. "Beyond recognizing excellence, this initiative aims to showcase emerging trends in residential living where modern HVAC systems harmonize comfort with design," remarks Selvi Ani Yongnata.

To further enrich the conceptual design category, Daikin has partnered with premium residential developers Bumi Parama Wisesa and Magran Living, renowned for their high-end furnishings and sanitary ware offerings.

To facilitate participation and fully realize the award’s mission of disseminating modern residential HVAC insights, registration is streamlined and accessible. Architecture and interior design professionals interested in joining can register directly via the official campaign page at www.daikin.co.id/DaikinDesignerAward.