DESIGN STUDIO VI
Welcome to my final works in my academic degree year!
Introduction
This is a brief introduction to highlight the theme of this semester's approach. In our academic practice, we have chosen to work closely with the programs proposed by the Cultural Economy Development Agency (CENDANA). Therefore, there will be multiple relations regarding the projects throughout the semester.
Project 1: Affiche
Task:
For this semester we are to design a ‘Cultural and Creative Centre’ for our final project, hence, we are required to choose two sectors based on CENDANA program for our Cultural and Creative Centre. Based on introduction statement, we are to portray, observe program, cultural that can meet with the site context, state any issues that can carry out and view it through as an architect point of view.
This affiche (drawing/model) is the form abstraction that will lead us into our final design. As early interpretation of our understanding on these sectors and the program that can be created for our final project, we also can state the main relationship that we want to establish in each design intention to create a concept or ideation for the Cultural and Creative Centre.
Affiche: A New Shadow Era
This Affiche represents the fusion of ancient tradition with modern pop culture with the aim of keeping this traditional art form alive. The idea of introducing modern pop culture to Wayang Kulit is to preserve this fading art that not too many people know about. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been chosen to create an exciting impact in the hopes of reaching a wider audience as the MCU is well known across the whole world within generations. However, the traditional essence of Wayang Kulit’s puppets are still carefully retained while combining the two.
In addition, there are reasons for the character chosen while creating this art. First of all, the selection of Kapitan China Yap Ah Loy is to commemorate his significant contributions and development to Kuala Lumpur. in relation to that, Ironman and Black Panther were chosen because they share similar themes to Yap Ah Loy like rebuilding, restoration and community development and leadership in their respective stories.
Project 2: Site Analysis
Task:
The class is required to do a group site analysis of the chosen site in Jalan Panggong Kuala
Lumpur City Center. We are tasked to do a synthesis study of the area like their urban
fabric, society, culture, activity and environment around that site.
Proposed Site: Jalan Panggong
Located in the center of the urban region of Kuala Lumpur, Lot 20000 is a piece of land that is next to Jalan Panggong and Jalan Tun H.S. Lee. It is presently used as a small temporary police officer parking area and as a private vacant land. The surrounding area features shophouses and various buildings along Jalan Panggung and Jalan Sultan, contributing to its significant cultural and historical value. The area of the proposed site is a total plot size of 5,449.42 square meters (1.35 acres).
Site Analysis Presentation Board
Project 3: Precedent Studies
O·POWER Culture & Arts Centre
Location: Shen Zhen, China
Architects: Shenzhen Huahui Design
Area: 3670 m2
Year: 2022
The project is located between the interface of the city, nature, and the community, serving as an important northern gateway and a connecting bridge within the entire Overseas Chinese Town area. Drawing from the project's historical and developmental significance, the design positions it as a future cultural leader within the Overseas Chinese Town area's art community. By integrating culture, art, and community, it seeks to establish an urban living space and a creative humanistic hub that will enable the former energy centre to return to the city and serve as a source of inspiration for the locals. Its goal is to transform an abandoned power plant into a community space that will benefit the locals and stimulate the urban area's creative and cultural ecosystem.
Cultural & Creative Centre
Task:
We are required to design a Cultural and Creative Centre A place that represent a social gathering place. That can re-engage local public and tourism with social, cultural and recreational activities that can promote social and economic exchange through human social interaction.
The center will be a natural meeting place for everyone, where different art forms are brought
together to inspire and challenge each other. It will be a space where everyone can enjoy and
experience culture in a natural, accessible way. The offering will be broad enough that everybody,
regardless of demographic background or understanding, can find something of interest.
Lantern KL
Lantern KL is where vibrant spirit of cross-cultural learning comes alive against the backdrop of traditional artistry inspired by Fusion Wayang Kulit. Rooted in the rich tapestry of Malaysian heritage, the centre celebrates the fusion of diverse cultures, weaving together traditional elements with modern pop influences to create a dynamic experience.
View from Kwai Chai Hong
Concept & Ideas
Keywords: Fusion, Connection, Mask (Behind the Scene)
The design approach of this centre was to promote cross culture learning with the concept of ‘Fusion’ & ‘Connection’ which is inspired from the program Fusion Wayang Kulit. This centre is to act as a connector of cultures through the ancient traditional performing arts and crafts from Malaysia.
The keyword “Fusion’ also bring another inspiration to the fusion of materials, the idea of implementing various materials in the building as a whole did strike an interesting thought.
Lastly, mask is an interesting take away from the program fusion wayang kulit as it is an performing art that showcases the craft / the art itself instead of the talented performer or manufactoruer behind it. This strike an inspiration of creating interesting facades as per the idea form the keyword ‘mask’.
Inspiration
As Petaling Street has significant cultural and historical value, it is the perfect location to bring people from different races closer together by implementing what they all have in common. This Cultural and Creative Centre would be a great opportunity to engage the community and introduce more traditional cultures to the the public. The key is to find something to tie them together especially in this modern era.
The program of choice is to seek the opportunity to preserve an ancient traditional craft and performing art which is decreasing in popularity and appearances in this modern era. Traditional cultures are easily overloked these days because of the advancement of technology, therefore the inspiration came from reigniting the traditional craft with a modern take.
Wayang Kulit Display Area
Lobby
Mini Theatre
Feature Staircase w Open Cafe
Wayang Kulit & Lantern Workshop
Sub-basement Courtyard view from above
Drawings
Design Development Stage
(Sketches)
In the earliest stage, the central atrium was sketched with the intention of creating the ‘fusion space’ where visitors can see the fusion of art occurs. Besides that, the courtyard was planned to start from the sub-basement then punching through the ground floor from the huge opening in the middle of the atrium leading upwards as to how far the tree can go. This also reflects the concept of ‘connection’ with a big gesture in the middle.
Furthermore, linked bridges or perimeter bridges are also considered to achieve the ‘fusion and connection space’ in the building, offering glimpse of the thought process of cross-cultural learning.
End of Studio VI.