POH JIA JOU
COMMUNITY SERVICE INITIATIVE (CSI)
Teammates:
Eric Lo
Khoo Yung Keat
Lim Zhao Yin
Tan Wei Sen
Wong Lieng Kam
Wong Lok Xuan
Poh Jia Jou
E-JOURNAL
WEEK 1 / CSI PROJECT BRIEFING
Project Introduction
Lecture session at campus organised by Ms Ann and Ms Lee on March 28. Mr Huat Lim as the representative from PPR briefed us about the details of DiverseCity Project. This projects aims to provide gentle guidance to the residents and community, demonstrate deep thinking, respectful conservation and close collaboration on how we can use skill sets such as architecture, design, landscaping, activities to create a living space which nurtures dignity and self confidence.
Site location is at Sri Tioman 1, Taman Melawati, 53100 Kuala Lumpur. Sri Tioman I is a low-cost apartment. There are 3 blocks of Sri Tioman I, which are also known as Block 32, 36 and 38.
WEEK 1 / SITE VISIT
Forming a group of 7 to 8, we went to Sri Tioman 1 by taking LRT on March 31 to have our first site visit. Being a low-cost flat, the first impression of Sri Tioman 1 to me is old and lack of facilities. Onsite observation, I realised that the flat is actually not well maintained. Leakage of pipes, worn off paint, can be seen. The sports facilities are not in good condition too. The site lacks basic amenities such as garbage bins.
However the friendliness of a community that can rarely be seen in the hectic Kuala Lumpur city life is greatly reflected in the community here. Although we are strangers to them, the residents especially the children are very friendly to us and willing to chat with us. Although the journey to the site is far, being here, it was like a short getaway to reduce assignment stress.
WEEK 2 / BRAINSTORMING IDEAS
We discussed about the site issues obeserved in week 1 and started brainstorming some ideas that involve community engagement. We felt that the site lack signage as a sense of ownership of the residents. The site needs to be beautify more too to make it more welcoming.
WEEK 3 / PEGBOARD INSTALLATION
On April 7, we went to measure the site and the facilities, collecting site data to produce a site plan of Sri Tioman 1. A large pegboard was installed on a wall and painted in white. Children were asked to draw their ideas on papers and stick onto the pegboard. It's fun to see how the children get the chance to express their endless creative thoughts on what they wish to have at their home.
WEEK 3 / ONSITE INTERVIEW
On Sunday April 8, we went to the site again to interview the residents. Some residents are still not aware of the DiverseCity Project. They did express their thoughts on Sri Tioman 1. However, most of them wished for things related for their children. It's touching to see the residents live in a caring community.
WEEK 4 / IDEA SHARING SESSION
Some of my teammates went to Tommy Le Baker to have a eating and sharing idea session with the PPR members and sponsors. They discussed about the site issues and some ideas that can be further developed. We start brainstorming some potential design ideas.
WEEK5 / DESIGN PROPOSAL
On April 25, we went to ZLG to propose our ideas and designs to PPR representatives and the sponsors of this project. We discussed our ideas and were asked to refine the design proposals. It was a tiring and long meeting, but we did get to see a lot of new interesting ideas shared by the others.
1 INITIAL IDEAS PROPOSAL
WEEK 6 - WEEK 9 / DISCUSSIONS AND TUTORIALS
Weekly discussions at campus
- Discuss micro site locations and site issues
- Brainstorm design ideas
- Research on precedent projects
- Bouncing of ideas amongst team members
We finally came out with the idea of a welcoming signage at the main entrance of Sri Tioman1. We initially proposed a signage using recycled timber pallets but was rejected due to its aesthetic value. Then we come up with another wire mesh and water bottles signage. Our proposed design was finally accepted, but will only be carried out in the coming August as the scale is too big. We don't have sufficient time to finish it.
We were asked to join forces with Clara's group which is another signage team. We helped to propose different ideas for the floor level signage. We came up with three variations. We plan to use the stings and wire mesh signage as the final as it involves community engagement and looks more aesthetically pleasing.
1 WELCOME SIGNAGE PROPOSAL
2 FLOOR LEVEL SIGNAGE PROPOSAL
WEEK10 / SITE SURVEY
On May 20, we went to Sri Tioman 1 again to do a final survey before we start our prototype making. We hope to get the feed backs of the residents to contribute something meaningful and useful to them instead of what we think they want.
We got to learn some basic gardening techniques together with the community from Dr. Susan too. It's a rare opportunity to get to plant something myself. I quite enjoy the new experience and hope to get more involved in planting greenery in the future.
WEEK10 / PROTOTYPE MAKING
On June 1&2, we went to buy materials around SS!5. Thankfully, we managed to acquire the materials as they are quite easy to find. Through trials and errors, we manage to complete the prototypes. I can already visualise the prototype hanged at site the next day.
WEEK10 / PROTOTYPE SET UP
On June 3, every group presented their own proposed design to the residents. Sem 1 students also joined us in that morning to present their shelter designs to the residents. It's a relief we got good feed backs from the residents. It feels satisfying to see the smiles on their faces when we showed them our prototype. We set up the prototype at the beam of ceiling outside the lift. I hope that the signage hanged there can benefit the residents. Residents can follow our prototype and make their own signage in the future to get the sense of ownership. If broken or dirty, they can take it down and replace with new strings.
WEEK11 / VIDEO MAKING
We had a final discussion to sum up everything that has been done for the past few months. We discussed the flow and content of our video. Eric and Zhao Yin were in charged of the video making.
CONCLUSION
Teamwork and communication
Working in a team of 7 means interesting and new ideas all the time. But we learnt that filtering ideas is an important measure. Proper communication and relaying of messages are also vital in group work. Delegating tasks equally also ensures our tasks get finished on time.
In my opinion as an architecture student, the biggest accomplishment and satisfaction come when others like your design and you actually use your knowledge to improve the state of living of the occupants or the community. This module is the most meaningful throughout my study, as I get to give back to the community and society.
What I have learnt from this community service project is to solve a real life issues through architectural solution. I am thankful to have this opportunity to engage with a real life situation, analysing issues in a targeted community, and to solve it with what we have learnt, applying it into real life problems.
I hope that in the future I will have more chances to get involve in community service projects and contribute to a good cause. Helping others means bringing happiness to myself too.
