Design Ideals Journal

PREFACE

Prof. Dato' Sri Ar. Dr. Asiah Abdul Rahim — 2024-06-30

PREFACE

EDITORIAL

Prof. Dato' Sri Ar. Dr. Asiah Abdul Rahim — 2024-06-30

EDITORIAL

TABLE OF CONTENT

Prof. Dato' Sri Ar. Dr. Asiah Abdul Rahim — 2024-06-30

TABLE OF CONTENT

MANGROVE ECOTOURISM AND CONSERVATION CENTRE AT PULAU KETAM, KLANG, SELANGOR

Muhammad Syazwan Zakaria — 2024-06-30

Mangrove planting is very popular, however, many attempts to do so fall short of establishing significant, diversified, useful, and self-sustaining mangrove forests because of the community's lack of involvement, mono-species planting, and poor choices of location. The issue that inspired this project is the lack of awareness of the mangrove ecosystem and its potential benefits among the inhabitants of Pulau Ketam, in Klang. Hence, the centre presents an opportunity to explore a visionary ecosystem that redefines ecotourism for a
sustainable future. This project aims to create an ecotourism mangrove and conservation centre focusing on sustaining the future of the mangrove in Malaysia and experimenting with the mangrove potential through educative, recreational, and research approaches. There are three objectives of this research. The first objective is to propose sustainable seed cultivation techniques and research centre through advanced technology. The second objective is to establish involvement of local communities and stakeholders to promote engagement and explore new potential of the mangrove products. The third objective is to explore the potential of mangrove ecotourism as a means to promote the conservation and sustainable use of mangrove ecosystems in coastal settlement areas. The research methodologies adopted for this study are literature review, in-depth interview, case studies, and precedent studies. The proposed site is located at Pulau Ketam, Klang. The site was chosen because of the depletion of the mangrove area which needs to be revived urgently. The project will be Mangrove Ecotourism and Conservation Centre with the concept of “Interwoven Roots” with include a visitor centre, a research lab, a boat dock, an accommodation and an observatory tower that utilises advanced technology to provide visitors with an immersive experience of the mangrove forest. The centre also serves as a research and educational hub, providing visitors with opportunities to learn about the unique biodiversity of the mangrove ecosystem and the threats facing it. It is designed to engage visitors in a unique and immersive experience of the mangrove ecosystem, promoting education, conservation, and sustainable livelihoods. In addition, it promotes sustainable livelihoods and engages with the local community through programs that promote ecotourism and conservation efforts. The design incorporates local SMEs into its operations, providing economic opportunities and promoting sustainable development in the region.

REVITALIZING COMMUNITY WITH TRADITIONAL DESIGN: OUTLOOK PLATFORM, ENTRANCE ARCHWAY, AND BRIDGE RAILINGS AT KAED MALAY HERITAGE LIVING LAB

Nur Aqilah Alia Mohamad Tajulddin Shah — 2024-06-30

This project intends to enliven and give back the sense of belonging to community through a familiar setting of the local Malay traditional elements. The KAED Malay Living Heritage Lab is a part of public space in International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) that interlocks between active contexts including multiple faculties in IIUM, student hostel, external institutions and commercial spaces. In this project, public streetscape along the adjacent river, and a lookup point as a new structure to the site is proposed to benefit the community around the context to become an active "third place". The ultimate goal of this project is to propose a design of an outlook platform, an entrance archway and bridge railings at the KAED Malay Heritage Living Lab at IIUM. This project is in line with the second mission of IIUM which is to emphasize sustainable development in Malaysia and the Muslim world. After a site analysis and case study was conducted, adjacent to a restored "Rumah Kutai" that have been installed in the site in 2018, a design theme of "Nostalgia" was introduced in the design to evoke a sense of familiarity and belonging as a means to give back the public space to IIUM community. Within this design concept, the elements of public engagement, group gathering, cultivating knowledge of the traditional heritage and celebration of Islamic elements in a traditional build environment is applied. It gives a potential new breath to the site by celebrating elements of the past for the projection of the future with increased accessibility, functionality, and aesthetic appeal for the public community in IIUM.

THE PADDY INNOVATION CENTRE AT SIMPANG EMPAT, PERLIS

Ahmad Faisal Abdul Jamil — 2024-06-30

The paddy industry is vital in Malaysia, contributing around 300,500 hectares to rice production. However, the sector requires improvements to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production. Currently, Malaysia relies on rice imports to meet national food security needs. Several issues affect rice production in Malaysia, with social issues being the most prominent, followed by environmental and economic concerns. Additional challenges includes lack of innovation in developing new paddy varieties and insufficient awareness and education regarding modern farming technologies and innovations in the paddy industry. Therefore, to ensure a secure future, the paddy innovation center aims to enhance the quality and quantity of local paddy production, by introducing innovations in the paddy industry and integrating the farming community into a collaborative laboratory environment with researchers. The center also offers educational and entertaining experience for the people. Consequently, the research output will be a fully developed innovation center that educates the community about the importance of the paddy industry and fosters collaboration between researchers and the community. This collaboration will facilitate knowledge exchange and practical demonstrations of innovations and technologies in paddy farming. Additionally, it aims to raise awareness and engagement among farming communities and attract the younger generation to participate in the process and improve the paddy industry in Malaysia.

A CURATION OF HOPE: MALAYSIA’S EAST COAST REGIONAL CANCER CENTRE

Muhammad Syakir Baharuddin — 2024-06-30

Malaysia’s East Coast Regional Cancer Centre (ECRCC) endeavours to establish a novel facility dedicated to addressing the comprehensive needs of cancer patients and their families, extending beyond mere medical treatment. Recognising that patients require not only information about their treatments but also emotional support, practical guidance, and a supportive community of individuals going through similar experiences, this centre aims to fulfil these requirements. Through the design of a nurturing environment of hope, ECRCC seeks to provid eessential emotional and psychological support to cancer patients and their families. Functionally, the design requires meeting three noble objectives, i.e. (i) to meet the needs of cancer care for the East Coast region where there is a clear lack of cancer treatment services; (ii) to establishment focus on the distinct needs of cancer patients and their relatives from East coast region compassing the state of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and northern Johor; and (iii) to act as a one- stop information centre for cancer thus reduce misinformation, educate and raising awareness on cancer and cancer treatment to the region. Exploratory research from design precedent, technical case studies and a detailed understanding of the operational requirements of the centre were conducted. The ECRCC aspires to establish a compassionate and well equipped space and facilities that attends to the multifaceted needs of cancer patients and their families, fostering emotional well-being, offering accurate information, and creating a supportive community.

SOFT-SHELL CRABS ECO-TOURISM CENTRE IN KUALA GULA, PERAK

Nur Farahadlin Adlan — 2024-06-30

The depletion of mud crab population within mangrove areas in Malaysia is primarily due to over-catching, and a lack of breeding centre. The core issue in Kuala Gula Mangrove area in Perak is the depletion of mud crabs, leading to a reduction in soft-shell crab numbers despite their high demand as a seafood source. Soft shell crab is an authentic food delicacy in Perak. Consequently, there is an opportunity to establish an a centre that becomes breeding facilities for soft shell crab and mud crab plus research facilities that increase the production of species and related products. This centre will also become tourists attraction to see the breeding process, tour at mangrove area, and taste the delicate soft shell crabs' cuisine. The objective of this thesis is to design an ecotourism centre focused on soft-shell crab production and mud crab breeding, while simultaneously promoting tourism and aquaculture. Specific goals include offering workshops on soft-shell crab processing for fishermen nationwide, breeding and releasing significant numbers of mud crabs to restore ecological balance in the estuary and establishing appropriate dining and tourism facilities to enhance soft-shell crab production. Data collection methods employed include literature reviews, site studies, in-depth interviews, precedent studies, and case analyses. Findings suggest that the site's proximity to mangrove forests, the natural habitat of mud crabs, makes it suitable for the construction of an ecotourism centre.

REDEVELOPMENT OF BOAT TERMINAL KUALA BESAR, KOTA BHARU, KELANTAN: SUSTAINABLE DESIGN APPROACH USING MIXED MODE SYSTEM IN A DESIGNATED BUILDING

Sali Amalia Razali — 2024-06-30

The Boat terminal Kuala Besar is mainly used by villagers who live near Kuala Besar Village as their primary source of income for activities like fishing and transferring goods. In addition, it serves as the mode of transportation to Tumpat Island for daily commutes and tourism purposes. Nevertheless, the boat terminal now lacks several necessary facilities, such as a proper ticket booth, a decent waiting space for passengers, a functioning jetty, an accessible public restroom, and a prayer room. The projects also focus on how to integrate the systematic plan layout into building programming. Nevertheless, there are some environmental damages to the river, such as erosion and low and rising water levels in the Kelantan. Therefore, the intention is to redevelop the existing Boat Terminal Kuala Besar to meet the needs and demand based on the large capacity of the visitors concerning their comfort and safety through a sustainable design approach by using a mixed-mode system in a designated building. It is also in line with 2035 Kota Bharu (MPKB-BRI) local planning, the Lembaga Kemajuan Ikan Malaysia (LKIM), Boat Terminal Kuala Besar will become an agrotourism destination that will increase in the number of visitors (https://mpkbbri.kelantan.gov.my, 2022).

REDEFINE: CAT ADOPTION RECREATIONAL PARK AND DISCOVERY CENTRE

Mubarakah Jailani — 2024-06-30

The alarming rise in stray cats documented by the Department of Local Government (Jabatan Kerajaan Tempatan) with a near 18% increase in captures from 2021 to 2022 (57,000 to 70,000), highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions to shelter overpopulation. The overpopulation crisis in cat shelters presents a multifaceted challenge, impacting feline welfare and community well-being. The research identifies three key contributing factors to shelter overpopulation: misconceptions about shelters, limited interaction opportunities, and inadequate ventilation creating unpleasant environments. To address these factors, the thesis proposes a prototype for cat adoption centre integrated with a recreational discovery park. This innovative design not only aims to provide recreational enjoyment but also functions as a powerful tool for social change. Integrated educational programmes and interactive exhibits will dispel public misconceptions about shelters, fostering understanding and empathy for the plight of felines in need. Ample spaces for play, bonding, and observation will transcend traditional adoption processes, allowing humans and cats to forge genuine connections, facilitating successful adoptions and enriching lives. Finally, sustainable ventilation systems and odor-control measures will create a pleasant and healthy environment for both cats and humans, ensuring not only their physical well-being but also fostering a positive first impression that encourages adoption. In essence, this park acts as a bridge, seamlessly connecting the public with the needs of shelter cats, transforming the adoption process into a mutually rewarding experience for all involved. This project contributes to the field of animal welfare architecture by proposing a prototype that leverages the power of recreation and discovery to improve cat welfare, increase adoption rates, and foster positive humananimal relationships. The research findings are valuable to architects, animal welfare organisations, and communities seeking to redefine cat adoption and address the shelter overpopulation crisis through innovative design solutions.

REHABILITATION OF PERAK TRADITIONAL HOUSE: REPURPOSING RUMAH TOK SEDARA BONGSU INTO EDUTOURISM CENTRE

Muhammad Amir Nasrullah Zabidi — 2024-06-30

Rumah Kutai is an old Perak traditional architecture that has become extinct due to modernisation and lacking proper preservation and conservation efforts. According to the National Heritage Act no. 645 standard, to overcome the issue and sustain its architectural heritage, the traditional building needs to be properly restored before being repurposed. This study aims to revitalise abandoned traditional houses, notably Rumah Tok Saudara Bongsu in Perak Tengah, with a dual purpose: conserving cultural and heritage values and transforming them into Perak pottery educational and tourism centre. Methodologically, this study employs two case studies: one for assessing dilapidation studies and another for designing a traditional pottery edutourism. The findings advocate a comprehensive approach. The main facades must be preserved to maintain the building's identity; dilapidated materials and areas necessitate restoration according to the standard, and additional face-lift, including additional spaces are proposed to support the new functions of the building with minimal disruptions. The study is significant to enhance the lifelong span of the house with proper conservation approaches. Besides, it promotes new function of the building for the public towards sustainable Perak cultural heritage.

CULTURE CATALYST: AN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN EXPLORATION TO REVIVE THE TRADITIONAL SPLENDOR OF BESUT, TERENGGANU

Wan Aisyah Aqilah Wan Ahmad Nazri — 2024-06-30

This research aims to speculatively develop a culture catalyst, by having design exploration to revive the traditional splendor of Besut, a city in Terenganu State, Malaysia. This architectural design exploration has the objective of bringing to get her the illustrious elements of Besut culture to be enjoyed by both tourists and local community. Additionally, this architectural project will revitalize the existing culture of Besut and increase the potential of the tourism industry through a centralised one-stop centre for tourists to rediscover Besut in its natural setting. Through a seamless community magnet design, the architectural design will strengthen the local identity and culture while boosting local tourism activity. The proposed project, named Besut Cultural Centre, is located at Kampung Raja. The project will function as an introductory point and catalyst for cutting edge culture and tourists’ destinations in the district, that provides new experiences to visitors. This cultural center is planned to be a water front gateway destination that will honour the local culture and heritage in accordance with the Besut 2035 local plan.

NOTES TO CONTRIBUTORS AND GUIDELINES FOR MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSION

Prof. Dato' Sri Ar. Dr. Asiah Abdul Rahim — 2024-06-30

NOTES TO CONTRIBUTORS AND GUIDELINES FOR MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSION