Project 2: NATURE APPRECIATION CENTER : GATEWAY TO ROYAL BELUM

 

This project calls for a design of a simple public building with some complexity that includes the complexity of site topography and vegetation, socio-cultural events, and variety of strategies for sustainable design. It explores design solutions that harness environmental qualities and conditions for human and environment sustainability through a project with a specific community of users. Students explore design solutions that reduce environmental impact utilising clustered spatial typology and passive design approach. The design work should contribute to and merge harmoniously with nature and the site, and provide the best of experiences for the users.

 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the subject, students will be able to:

1. Apply ideas of environmental sustainability in design

2. Design and create architectural spaces with consideration of environmental poetics in relation to the basic natural context and existing built context which impact on users’ experiences

3. Combine the environmental needs, the site (site topography, history and socio-cultural events), and the users’ experiences within simple building design in the open landscape/suburban context.

4. Produce drawings (both 2D and 3D), modelling and verbal presentation to communicate and visualize architectural design and ideas based on clustered spatial typology.

 

Project brief

 

This project requires students to propose a facility accommodating several related functions such as exhibition, learning and recreation in a suburban context. Students are to develop their own concept for the design based on their research of the area and environment. This working method is intended to have the student design in near full-freedom; however they will be required to make an informed response firstly to the surrounding context. Their capacity to respond architecturally and contextually to this task will form part of the basis upon which they will be marked.

 

Site Location

 

The site is located in Pulau Banding, Gerik, Perak. Pulau Banding is a 243-hectare man-made island located within the majestic Temenggor Lake. The Island sits amidst the 130 million year-old Royal Belum Rainforest, known for nature based activities such as fishing, bird watching, camping and visiting orang asli settlements.EMKAY Group, the owner and caretaker of the Island, envisions the development of Banding Island as a vital introduction to Royal Belum State Park and aims to position it as a premier heritage destination on the world ecotourism map. It operates the Belum Rainforest Resort that offers opportunity to get up close and personal with the natural world.